The pine is a species of conifer very widespread throughout the world. Pine trees, however, are not all the same. The one that grows in the Alps in many areas of northern Italy and known as Swiss stone pine has unique properties. It also goes by many names – Austrian pine, arolla pine, or just stone pine – but for convenience, I’ll call it Swiss pine.
The Swiss pine also known as “Queen of the Alps” (botanical name: pinus cembra), is the only 5-needle pine in Europe and is an evergreen tree that can be up to 25 meters tall, although usually it does not exceed 15 meters, capable of surviving up to 400-500 years. It grows from 1,200 meters above sea level up to the upper limit of subalpine coniferous forests, finding optimal conditions between 1,600 and 2,100 meters above sea level, and it is capable of resisting the coldest temperatures, even down to -40 degrees. In Italy, it is widespread throughout the Alpine range – Valle d’Aosta, Piedmont, Lombardy, Veneto, and in Trentino in the Dolomites.
Considered an indestructible tree full of strength, in many myths and sagas narrated in the Alpine area, the Swiss pine (Italian: pino cembro) appears as a vigorous plant or as a spirit that protects and strengthens exhausted travelers. It is a symbol of resistance, strength and courage to live, and in the past, it was even considered sacred and worthy of veneration.
Light, soft and easy to carve and work, it is the favorite wood of sculptors and has been an integral part of the craftsmanship of the Dolomites for hundreds of years. Thanks to the skills of master wood craftsmen, it is transformed into unique pieces such as beds, furniture, stube coverings, chests, chandeliers, plates, cutting boards, toys, decorations, and much more. From ancient South Tyrolean traditions, now centuries old, we know that Swiss pine is also called “moon wood” since it seems that to be worked at its best it must be cut during the right lunar phase, which is the waning one. If you follow this simple rule, the wood does not bend, the products made last longer and the maintenance of the products is easier.
The Swiss pine, however, is also above all known for its numerous beneficial properties, so beneficial that its nickname is the “tree of sleep”. For centuries, farmers, carpenters and housewives in the Alps have known well the positive influence of pine on humans and now these beneficial properties have been certified by a 2021 study by the Austrian Joanneum Research Institute, which by studying the properties of the Swiss stone pine has demonstrated benefits on the cardiovascular system, sleep quality and respiratory tract.
Studies have shown that Swiss pine wood influences human well-being in a significant and measurable way and has a positive impact on health. Among the many advantages that this precious wood has are the lowering of the heart rate which promotes falling asleep and the quality of sleep, the recovery of energy, the improvement of blood circulation, the antibacterial effect, and it is also ideal for those suffering from allergies. In addition, it can “save” heartbeats during the night (3,500 beats/night), or about a full hour of heartbeats. The scent, released by its perfect combination of vitamin C, essential oils, resin, turpentine, and pine nuts, is persistent and gives a pleasant sense of calm to the human psyche. Thanks to its antiseptic and mucolytic characteristics which promote blood perfusion and improve breathing, Swiss pine can also be used in cases of coughs and bronchitis, colds and stuffy noses, sinusitis, muscle pain, and rheumatism.
From the processing of the Swiss pine bark, shavings are obtained, fragrant and soft curls of wood which, considering the benefits on the quality of sleep, are used as padding for handcrafted pillows, designed specifically for those who prefer materials of non-animal origin and ideal for those with problems of sleep, but also for newborns, who have a less constant sleep-wake rhythm in the first years of life.
Stone pine essential oil is used as the main ingredient in natural cosmetic products such as skin cleansers, soaps, shampoos, and creams. It is so precious that it can be used as:
- antibacterial: a few drops of essential oil in a room diffuser can purify the air in the rooms of the house and places frequented by many people;
- mothproof: scented sticks for wardrobes and drawers are processed which perform a mothproof action on clothing items. Furniture produced with this wood is not affected by moths;
- expectorant: stone pine essential oil is useful for promoting the fluidification of mucus and thus dissolving excess phlegm. It can be used to prepare balsamic fumigations;
- relaxing: 2-3 drops of Swiss pine essential oil spread on coarse salt and poured into the hot water of the tub can transform bath time into a relaxing cuddle for the central nervous system;
- decontracting: in case of muscle problems or cramps, stone pine essential oil diluted in carrier oil and massaged on the painful part produces a warming and decontracting effect.
And since nothing of the Swiss pine is thrown away, the pine nuts are edible and are used for food preparations, especially Tyrolean strudel, while the resinous pine cones are subjected to infusion in alcohol to obtain a digestive liqueur. Already in the past, however, the seeds of the stone pine were an essential food, especially in the coldest season of the year when they were used to treat coughs and lung disorders. The resin was instead used to disinfect and the inhabitants of the Alps even used it as chewing gum. Nothing of the pine is thrown away, however, it is not used as firewood as the smell given off is very strong.
Online you can find many natural products based on the essential oil of Swiss pine that are good for health. Here are the 8 best products for your well-being that you can buy online.