Christmas tree and the most magical and beautiful holiday - New Year - is practically the same thing for us. It is she who is the main fabulous, unusually elegant, sparkling attribute of this beloved holiday.

Smell Christmas trees and tangerines - probably this is a common feeling and memory from childhood. And this prickly forest beauty also has remarkable medicinal properties.

Even in ancient Rus', a room where a sick person was located was fumigated with the smoke of burning spruce branches, and the floor was sprinkled with needles.

Christmas tree brings an intoxicating and healing aroma into our home, which is very beneficial for the lungs. A natural herbalist comes to live in our house for a few days. Coniferous phytoncides purify the air in the apartment from pathogenic microbes, the wonderful aroma lifts everyone's mood and has a calming effect.

After the holiday endspine needlescan be used to prepare medicinal infusions and decoctions; it retains its healing properties for three weeks, even when kept warm.

In the needles contains vitamins B, A, P, PP, E, iron, manganese, aluminum, cobalt, copper, phytoncides, ascorbic acid, alkaloids, essential oil, carotene, tannins, chlorophyll. It contains six times more vitamin C than lemon or orange.

Green needles have analgesic, antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, diaphoretic, diuretic, choleretic, antiscorbutic effects.

Therefore, there is no need to spend money on expensive medicines and vitamins when the prickly medicine is already there, you just need to collect it, wash it and dry it pine needles.

To strengthen the immune system and prevent colds in winter, you can prepare from pine needles vitamin infusions and decoctions.

1. A third of a glass pine needles pour a glass of boiling water, add the juice of one third of a lemon, leave for 24 hours. Take 2 times a day, a third of a glass before meals for a week.

2. You can cook pine needle tea. 1 tablespoon needles pour a glass of boiling water, boil for 20 minutes, strain. This tea can be drunk throughout the day with honey or sugar; it supports metabolism well.

3. 2 tablespoons pine needles pour a glass of boiling water, simmer over low heat for half an hour, then leave for half an hour, strain. Take a third of a glass 3 times a day, adding 1 teaspoon of honey. This decoction can be used to gargle and inhale.

4. Grind 5 tablespoons with scissors needles, chop 2 tablespoons of rose hips, add 2 tablespoons of onion peels, add a liter of water, boil for 10 minutes over low heat, leave for 8-10 hours, strain. Take the decoction warm from half a glass to one and a half glasses per day.

This decoction will also help in the treatment of cardiovascular diseases, as it helps cleanse blood vessels. In this case, you need to take it half a glass in the morning and evening.

Needles will help cure bronchitis. 2 tablespoons needles pour 1 cup boiling water, boil
20 minutes over low heat, leave, strain, take 2 tablespoons 3-4 times a day. This remedy will relieve dry cough and speed up the discharge of sputum.

For the treatment of tuberculosis pine needles grind in a meat grinder, mix in equal parts by weight with honey,

Leave for two weeks in a cool, dark place. Stir occasionally. After two weeks, drain the juice, squeeze out the pulp, and store in the refrigerator. Take 2 tablespoons on an empty stomach in the morning.

For gum inflammation 3 teaspoons pine needles pour a glass of boiling water, simmer over low heat for 15 minutes, strain, rinse your mouth with the broth 2-3 times a day until recovery.

To restore the body after illness, 1 glass pine needles pour 0.5 liter of water, boil for 30 minutes, add a quarter cup of mashed cranberries, strain, store in the refrigerator. Take the decoction warm, 0.5 cups 2 times a day after meals.

To prevent infectious diseases, before going outside, rub a pinch with your fingers. needles and lubricate the wings of the nose. To strengthen gums and prevent sore throats, it is useful to chew several pieces every day. spruce needles.

Can not use preparations from pine needles during pregnancy, kidney and liver diseases.

Additional Information

• seotitle: Medicinal properties of pine needles

Read 10331 once Last modified Friday, 11 April 2014 08:32

The beneficial properties of coniferous trees have been reflected in medical treatises from different countries for centuries. Possessing excellent antibacterial properties, pine needles strengthen the immune system, successfully fight colds, and are also used in the treatment of many other diseases. The expression “green pharmacy” suits spruce trees perfectly.

Spruce and its medicinal properties

Spruce belongs to the pine family, uniting more than 40 species of evergreen coniferous trees. It grows everywhere in Northern and Central Europe and North America. Some of its species grow even in Central Asia.

The description of spruce is easily recognizable - it is a tall, straight-trunked coniferous tree with a crown in the shape of a regular cone. It can reach a height of 35 m. The fruits of spruce are cones. All types of spruce have beneficial properties and are similar in structure. The use of different parts of the tree to treat diseases is due to the chemicals that are part of the needles, cones, and seeds.

In the CIS countries, spruce not only grows in the wild, but is also specially planted in the gardens of medical institutions, sanatoriums, dispensaries, kindergartens and educational institutions. This uses the ability of phytoncides and essential oils of spruce to disinfect the air and make it useful for breathing.

The Leningrad Forestry Academy conducted a study of the biochemical composition of needles of different types. The work was supervised by Professor Nikitin N.I. During the work, the following indicators were determined:

1. Tannin content (tannins) – 10%. Winter needles are especially rich in them.
2. Carbon content is 13%, which is due to the large amount of carbohydrates and other water-soluble components.
3. The vitamin C content in pine needles is 25 times higher than in potatoes. The exact amount depends on the degree of illumination of the needles. The maximum amount of this vitamin was found in winter needles.
4. The amount of vitamin A is almost the same as that of carrots. Vitamin E is also found in large quantities.
5. Protein – 11.8%. Plant proteins provide the body with essential amino acids and nitrogenous substances.
6. The needles contain a large amount of ash elements, alcohol-soluble components, pectins and proteins.

Among the medicinal qualities of the tree, the following properties are noted:

• antiviral;
• anti-cold;
• pain reliever;
• anti-stress;
• normalizing.

Did you know? The oldest spruce on the planet grows in Sweden. This is Old Tikko, which is 9550 years old.

Needles or medicinal preparations based on them are used to treat diseases of various body systems:

• immune;
• cardiovascular;
• gastrointestinal;
• nervous.

The range of uses of needles is very wide:

1. Most often, treatment with the use of pine needles is recommended for colds. A decoction of pine needles is an excellent prevention of vitamin deficiency.
2. It promotes accelerated recovery of the body after serious illnesses and in the postoperative period.
3. Needles strengthen joints and are used for diseases of the musculoskeletal system, including for the treatment of age-related changes - arthrosis, gout, rheumatism.
4. Being a natural antiseptic, pine needles have proven themselves in the treatment of skin diseases - in relieving inflammatory processes, healing wounds, and treating eczema.
5. The needles are a strong diuretic and also have choleretic properties.
6. Tannins in pine needles provide antibacterial and immunomodulatory properties.
7. Essential oils help cleanse the body of toxins and waste.
8. Needles cleans and disinfects indoor air.

Preparation of decoctions

Decoctions are one of the main elements of home therapy. They can be prepared from fresh or dry raw materials. Dry usually comes in powder form and contains fewer active ingredients than green pine needles.

Since pine needles and cones are classified as hard raw materials, they need to be crushed before cooking.

The ratio of raw materials and water depends on the method of administration:

• for outdoor use you need to take 1/5 of the water in relation to the dry raw materials;
• for internal use – 1/10.

Boil the pine needles over very low heat for at least 25-30 minutes. The finished broth must be filtered. Recipe directions follow.

To treat colds, the decoction is drunk hot, or with the addition of honey.

From spruce needles

The classic decoction of pine needles is 1 cup of pine needles, boiled in 1 liter of boiled water. During boiling, the water gradually boils away, so the finished broth is supplemented after preparation with boiled water up to 1 liter.

The decoction is used to treat gums and respiratory diseases. Adding citric acid and honey to the finished decoction helps strengthen the immune system and improve the overall health of the body.

Did you know?Wine made from spruce needles helped northern sailors fight scurvy on sea voyages.

If you are not lactose intolerant, water can be replaced with milk and used to treat colds.

From fir cones

Young fir cones are collected in late spring. They are used to strengthen the immune system and general restoration of the body.

The classic decoction is 0.5 tbsp. spoons of crushed cones per glass of water or milk. The cone is boiled for 5 minutes, then left to infuse in a thermos for 45 minutes.

Taken for periodontal disease, toothache, to restore optimal microflora and prevent inflammation after various dental procedures. Also, a decoction of cones can be used to treat colds, sore throat, bronchitis, and laryngitis.

Inhalation of a solution from cones treats diseases of the nasopharynx. To do this, the dose of cones per glass of water is increased to 3 tbsp. spoons The procedure must be carried out once a day for a week.

Did you know? The ancient women's headdress kokoshnik-shishak symbolized strewn with conestop of the spruce. He was a symbol of a woman’s unfading health and fertility.

From fir branches

The main property of a decoction of spruce branches is to stop inflammatory processes.

Decoction recipe:

• 200 g spruce branches;
• 1 liter of boiling water.

The branches along with the needles are cut into small pieces. Boil the raw material over low heat for 30-40 minutes under a closed lid. Strain the finished drink, add 1 tbsp. a spoonful of sugar and 0.5 teaspoons of citric acid. Before use, let it sit for 30 minutes.

It should be consumed within 10 hours, as volatile substances cannot remain in the drink for long.

From spruce buds

A decoction of spruce buds is recommended for diseases of the circulatory system, joint and muscle pain, chronic respiratory diseases, and tuberculosis. At a low concentration (1 tablespoon of buds per 250 g of water), the drink is used to prevent colds, strengthen the immune system, and as an anti-inflammatory drug.

Decoction recipe:

• half-liter jar of buds and pine branches;
• 3 liters of water.

The buds are boiled for 15 minutes, then left to infuse overnight. You can add raspberry or currant leaves to the decoction. Drink as regular tea with sugar, honey, lemon to taste.

Pine jam

The needles are used in the preparation of various medicinal dishes in all countries where spruce trees grow. So, in Bulgaria they cook jam from pine buds – “Hog honey”. To make this honey you will need:

• half-liter jar of kidneys;
• water – 2 l;
• sugar – 1 kg;
• citric acid – 1 teaspoon.

The buds are sorted out from debris and needles. Boil until half the liquid has evaporated. The buds are kneaded and the broth is filtered. Add sugar and cook until honey thickens. At the end of cooking, add citric acid, then place it in dry sterile jars.

They treat colds and running coughs with this remedy, and also drink it as a preventative measure during the cold season.

Jam from young pine shoots brewed at the end of May. To prepare it, you will need young pine shoots, the length of which is no more than 2 cm. For jam you need:

• 1 kg of shoots;
• 1 liter of water;
• 1.5 kg sugar;
• 0.5 tbsp. spoons of lemon juice.

The shoots are sorted, random needles are removed, and washed. Pour into a saucepan, add water and cook for 1 hour. Remove the pan from the heat and leave to steep for a day. A day later, syrup is prepared from the infusion and sugar, after placing the cones in a separate container. The consistency of the syrup should resemble honey. Pour the cones into the syrup, add lemon juice and cook for another 10-15 minutes. Then the jam is poured into jars and closed with lids.

Pine jam: video

Spruce paste

Fresh pine needle paste is used as a wound healing agent. It relieves pain and reduces inflammation of the wound surface. It is used in the treatment of skin diseases, eczema, ulcers, herpes, hemorrhoids.

Important! Children can be given any types of pine needle jam no earlier than 3 years of age. Dosage for preschool children– 1-2 teaspoons per day. Schoolchildren can be given 1-2 tbsp. spoons to strengthen the immune system and enhance mental activity.

Recipe:

1. Take 300 g of oil and 300 g of pine needles. Place in the cast iron in layers: a layer of oil, a layer of needles on top, another layer of oil, a layer of needles and finish with a layer of oil.
2. To cover with a lid.
3. Seal the lid with a layer of dough.
4. Simmer in the oven at 90°C for 2 hours.
5. Turn off the oven and let stand for 2 hours.
6. Repeat the cycle throughout the day.
7. After 24 hours, cool and remove the cast iron from the oven.
8. Remove the seal, remove and discard the black needles.
9. Strain the oil into a jar. The color of the solution is marsh.

Spruce paste with honey and propolis: video

Used to lubricate wounds and cracks. For old wounds, treatment is carried out in a course - after a month of using the product, a week's break is taken.

Did you know? In ancient times, mattresses filled with fir cones served as a kind of massage mats that treated diseases of the musculoskeletal system.

Other uses of pine needles for health

First of all, conifers are used for food - both people and birds eat nuts from their cones with pleasure. You can also make jam from cones and young plants. However, this is not all:

1. Coniferous oils and various extracts and extracts are used in the manufacture of medicinal cosmetics. Such cosmetics are used to treat problem skin and strengthen hair.
2. In balneotherapy, needles are used to improve tissue nutrition, normalize the functioning of the hematopoietic system, and remove toxins and waste from the body.
3. Fashionable trends include the production of eco-clothing. From needles you can obtain fiber, which in terms of medicinal qualities is not inferior to animal wool.

Basically, pine baths are used for dermatoses and various skin lesions, as well as as a sedative for stress and overstrain of the nervous system. But their range of applications is wider. They are indicated for the treatment of:

• gynecological diseases;
• cardiovascular diseases;
• disturbances in the functioning of the endocrine system;
• bronchopulmonary pathologies;
• nervous disorders;
• skin diseases.

Important! Coniferous baths are prohibited for pulmonary tuberculosis, cancer and during periods of exacerbation of chronic diseases.

To take a pine bath, you will need a decoction of pine needles. For this, it is better to use winter needles, since they contain a higher concentration of nutrients.

Technology:

1. Boil one glass of pine needles in a liter of water for 30 minutes.
2. Infuse the decoction for 1.5 hours.
3. The finished infusion is poured into the bath.
4. Take a bath for 10-15 minutes.
5. The water temperature should be comfortable.

Pine wool is made from fibers that are obtained from pine needles. The needles are soaked, kneaded and yarn is spun. Clothing made from such wool has a warming effect and is used for rheumatism, diseases of the spine, in order to improve blood circulation in the area of ​​contact with eco-clothing.

Pine thread manufacturing technology:

1. Bring the pine needles to a boil and simmer over low heat for 30 minutes.
2. The needles are crushed and the ends are cut off.
3. During the crimping process, the fiber needles are periodically washed with clean water.
4. Thin threads are taken out of pine needles, placed in a row of several pieces and twisted.
5. The thread is wound into a ball and spun like regular wool.

When dry, such a product pricks slightly, causing a rush of blood to the area with which it interacts.

In the old days this material was called “forest wool”

Inhalations based on pine needles help against cough, bronchitis and respiratory tract diseases. Inhalations can be done both over a decoction and over an infusion. To prepare pine infusion, you need:

1. Infuse pine needles in clean water for 12 hours.
2. Place the infusion on the fire and cook for 45 minutes over low heat.
3. Remove from heat and let stand for 5-10 minutes before inhalation.

Important! It is forbidden to inhale over freshly boiled solutions to avoid burns to the upper respiratory tract.

Inhalations are not given if the patient:

• high body temperature;
• high pressure;
• tendency to nosebleeds.

Needles are the key to beauty

Essential oils of pine needles allow it to be widely used in cosmetology, medicinal cosmetics, including skin and hair care products.

Needles in cosmetology:

• has an antiseptic effect;
• tones and vitaminizes the skin;
• relieves inflammation;
• reduces swelling and itching;
• improves blood circulation;
• stimulates skin regeneration.

Pine needle extract is included in ointments, creams, masks and medicated shampoos.

Skin masks have an antiseptic and anti-inflammatory effect. They are applied to damp, steamed skin for 20-30 minutes, after which they are washed off with warm water. Moisturizer is applied to clean skin.

Toning mask recipe:

1. Prepare a pine infusion: brew 1 teaspoon of chopped pine needles with boiling water and leave to steep for 30 minutes.
2. Mix cottage cheese warmed to room temperature with 2 tbsp. spoons of infusion and apply to skin for 30 minutes.

Mask for oily skin done using:

• honey - 3 tbsp. spoons;
• olive oil – 1 tbsp. spoon;
• dry pine needle powder - 3 tbsp. spoons.

The mask is applied to problem areas of the skin for 20 minutes, then washed off with warm water.

Coniferous masks can be made 2 times a month. For the treatment of skin diseases - 1 time per week.

The common spruce from the pine family, well known to everyone from childhood, is an evergreen, shade-tolerant tree, reaching a height of 30-35 m, with a pointed, low-hanging fluffy crown. Its dark green, prickly needles thickly cover the branches.

Norway spruce is one of the main forest-forming species in the European part of the country, and to the east, right up to the Sea of ​​Okhotsk, a similar species grows - Siberian spruce, often- with an admixture of fir. Spruce forests are usually rich in mushrooms, berries, and medicinal plants.

At a young age, spruce grows very slowly, but after 10 years, its growth rate increases sharply, and at the age of more than 100-120 years, the tree’s annual height growth drops sharply again. Spruce can live up to 250-300 years. Every autumn, approximately 15% of the needles on the tree die off, but this hardly changes the appearance of the tree.

On overly moist soils, its root system is located superficially, which is why it very often suffers from windfall. And on loam and sandy loam soils, spruce forms a deep root system.

Mature cones of spruce are almost cylindrical, brown-chestnut, shiny, up to 10-12 cm long. Fruitful years for cones in spruce are repeated after 4-5 years, the rest of the time its fruiting is very weak or completely absent.

In the minds of the ancient Slavs, gloomy spruce forests with uprooted trees were always “inhabited” by goblins and witches. Therefore, the spruce forest in Russian fairy tales is often called “black forest”.

And in the modern imagination, spruce is associated with the most popular holidays - the New Year tree and Christmas. Unfortunately, during these holidays, countless young Christmas trees are cut down in our country, causing irreparable damage to these plantings. Pragmatic Europeans have long replaced the living green beauty with an equally attractive synthetic Christmas tree.

But the Christmas tree is famous not only for its amazing beauty. It, like pine, releases huge amounts of volatile antimicrobial substances into the air.- phytoncides, which perfectly purify the air, creating a stable antimicrobial zone. This was known to our distant ancestors, who used spruce needles to disinfect residential premises.

Such an outstanding quality of spruce, which we often don’t remember at all, is still used by smart housewives for the thorough disinfection of their apartments without the ubiquitous chemicals. This is extremely easy to do; you only need to place bouquets of live spruce branches in all rooms of the apartment several times a year for 3-5 days. These branches will “do” the rest for you.

It will be even better if, in addition to these “antimicrobial attacks,” you find a permanent place in your apartment for a small flat vase, on which beautiful fir cones will always be piled as an exotic decoration. Replace them with fresh ones as they dry out. Then the air in your apartment will always be healthy and free of a variety of respiratory infections.

The Christmas tree also has one more outstanding quality. Since ancient times, spruce in Russia has been considered not only a nurse plant, but also a healing plant. With the help of its needles, you can fight diseases such as bronchitis, bronchial asthma, influenza, sore throat, rheumatism, radiculitis, cardiovascular diseases, etc.

Her medicinal raw materials are everything: pine needles, green cones collected in the spring, young tops of branches with buds and resin.- resinous sap that appears in places where the tree is wounded. Spruce needles are exceptionally rich in vitamin C (up to 200-250 mg/% or more), carotene, chlorophyll, essential oils, and mineral salts. 8 Spruce bark accumulates quite a significant amount of tannins.

First of all, spruce needles are an excellent antiscorbutic and tonic remedy. To prepare a pine vitamin concentrate, spruce needles must be ground well in a mortar with a small amount of water, then add water in a ratio of 1:10, boil over low heat for 30 minutes, leave in a warm place for 3 hours, strain, add sugar, honey, juice for taste. lemon, cabbage pickle. Take the infusion 0.3 cups 2 times a day after meals. The decoction of young spruce shoots and cones is equally rich in vitamins.

The main area of ​​medicinal use of spruce- various colds. For colds, coughs, and pneumonia, a decoction of young spruce shoots and cones gives a good result. For this you need 2 tbsp. l. crushed raw materials, pour 0.5 liters of water and leave for 6-7 hours. Then bring to a boil, leave in a warm place for 20 minutes, strain. Take the infusion with honey, 0.5 cups 4 times a day, hot.

For colds, coughs and pneumonia, syrup made from spruce buds and honey is effective. To prepare it you need spruce buds collected in April- May, add water in a ratio of 1:3 and cook over low heat for 20 minutes. Then strain the broth thoroughly twice, adding an equal amount of honey, heat to 45°C, and stir. After cooling, store in a cool place. Take 1 tsp decoction. 4 times a day before meals.

A decoction of fir cones is an excellent inhalation remedy for various colds. To prepare such a decoction, you need to chop up fir cones, add water in a ratio of 1:5, boil in a water bath for 30 minutes, leave in a warm place for 20 minutes, strain through several layers of gauze. For inhalations, use 1 tbsp per procedure for adults. l. decoction heated to 60-80°C.

And if you don’t have any equipment for inhalation other than a regular kettle, that’s also not a problem. Pour this decoction into a kettle that is set over low heat, insert a tube twisted from thick paper into the spout of the kettle and carefully inhale the vapor through it. It is advisable to carry out this procedure 3-4 times a day.

For inhalation for chronic bronchitis, you can also use smoke from the combustion of spruce resin. It is necessary to make a mixture of equal parts of spruce resin and yellow wax, melt it, and then cool. To carry out inhalations for prolonged coughing, pieces of this mixture are placed on hot coals and the smoke released is inhaled.

An infusion of young shoots and young cones in milk gives an excellent result. To prepare the infusion you need 1 tbsp. l. well-ground raw material, pour 0.5 liters of boiling milk, leave in a warm place for 20 minutes, strain. Take the infusion warm, 1.5 cups 3 times a day.

For bronchitis, whooping cough, and bronchial asthma, a collection consisting of equal parts of young shoots of spruce, plantain leaves and coltsfoot leaves has an excellent effect. To prepare a medicinal decoction you need 1 tbsp. l. Pour the crushed mixture into a glass of boiling water, boil in a water bath for 7-8 minutes, leave for 20 minutes, strain. Take a medicinal decoction of 0.3 cups 3 times a day, warm.

And for the treatment of tuberculosis in folk medicine, a sweet medicine made from pine needles and honey is widely used. To prepare it, the pulp from spruce needles must be mixed in equal parts by weight with honey and left in a cool, dark place for 15 days, stirring occasionally. Drain the resulting juice and store in the refrigerator. Take 2 tbsp in the morning on an empty stomach. l. juice

For rheumatism and polyarthritis, coniferous brooms made from spruce branches are widely used in folk medicine. For medicinal use, it is necessary to pour cut-down branches with boiling water, leave in it for 30 minutes, cool the water to 36-37°C and lower your legs or arms there for 30 minutes. After the procedure, you need to wrap your feet and go to bed for 30-40 minutes. The procedure must be repeated 4-5 times a week. And for lumbar radiculitis, baths made of spruce needles with sea salt help well.

Pine baths have a universal healing effect. They relieve anxiety well, relieve insomnia, stop inflammatory processes in the joints and skin, and are very useful for colds. In the latter case, it is enough to simply steam your feet in a decoction of pine needles.

To prepare a full bath, you need about 1 kg of chopped spruce twigs. They, along with the needles, are poured with cold water, boiled for 30 minutes, then left for 12 hours and the infusion is poured into the bath while hot. Bath duration 10-12 minutes, course of treatment- 8-10 procedures. Among other things, such baths nourish the skin well, giving it firmness and elasticity.

Very useful are tonic baths made from a collection consisting of 4 hours of spruce cones and 1 hour of nettle leaves. To prepare it you need 25-30 tbsp. l. pour 3 liters of boiling water over the mixture, leave in a warm place for 3 hours, strain and pour into a bath with a water temperature of 39°C. The duration of the procedure and course of treatment are the same as indicated above.

To improve vision, a strong decoction of fresh spruce needles, which contains a lot of carotene, is very useful. To prepare it, you need to finely chop 5-6 tbsp. l. pine needles, pour 0.5 liters of boiling water over them, leave for 10 hours in a warm place, strain. The infusion should be taken 1 tbsp. l. 4 times a day after meals. And daily consumption of crushed green spruce cones in the form of tea helps with chronic headaches.

And one last thing. In winter, during the season of mass viral infections, before going outside, just rub one drop of spruce oil between your fingers and lubricate the lower part of your nose with it. And no microbe will stick to you.

V. Chernyaeva

For each of us, spruce is associated with the New Year holidays and a great mood. But when the fun days end, we rush to throw away the “green beauties.” But don’t rush, because in fact, parts of this plant can bring enormous benefits to our health.

Spruce is a unique natural remedy that will help overcome a variety of diseases. Parts of spruce are rich in vitamins, minerals and flavonoids. And for these components to bring maximum benefit, it is enough to properly prepare a decoction of spruce needles, cones and branches.

About the incredible benefits of eating

Spruce can be safely called a unique plant that can increase the body's defenses, strengthen the immune system, relieve stress and take care of skin health. As mentioned earlier, based on its various parts, you can prepare a healing spruce decoction that has enormous benefits. Regular consumption of this drink improves tone, neutralizes anxiety and increases appetite.

Spruce preparations have the following properties:

• a diuretic, which is used to treat the entire urinary system;
• bactericidal and antiviral, which become especially relevant in the autumn-spring period;
• calming – allows you to cope with increased nervousness, insomnia and stress;
• due to the presence of a large number of essential oils, spruce decoction is highly effective against the runny nose, is used as a prophylaxis against acute respiratory infections and helps overcome diseases of the upper respiratory tract;
• In a short time, this product can neutralize the effect of harmful microorganisms.

Spruce needles

A decoction of pine needles exhibits the following beneficial properties:

• antimicrobial;
• diaphoretic and diuretic;
• anti-inflammatory;
• choleretic;
• painkiller.

Spruce needles help with vitamin deficiency, since all healing components, when boiled, go into the decoction and are completely preserved in it. With its help, you can cleanse the body of toxins and waste, normalize metabolism and even get rid of excess weight.

Most often, pine decoction is used to strengthen the immune system. And if you use it daily for a month, you can feel a surge of strength, vigor and vitality.

You can prepare a tonic drink as follows:

• Grind 2 tablespoons of pine needles;
• pour a glass of boiling water;
• cook for 20 minutes.

Advice! To make the broth have a more pleasant taste, you can add a small amount of sugar to it.

The resulting product must be drunk in three doses throughout the day.

A decoction of spruce needles can be used as an antiscorbutic agent; to prepare it you need:

• take a tablespoon of freshly picked needles;
• pour a glass of boiling water;
• cook for half an hour;
• Pour into a cup, cover and let steep.

After three hours, the restorative pine decoction is ready. It must be taken 100 ml throughout the day.

Important! Before including spruce decoction in your daily diet, you should consult your doctor and rule out individual intolerance.

Fir cones

A decoction of fir cones has also found use in folk medicine. This part of the plant is rich in the following valuable substances:

• resins;
• essential oils;
• vitamin C;
• tannins;
• copper, manganese, chromium, iron and aluminum.

It is thanks to these components that the drink made from young cones exhibits many beneficial properties. With its help, you can overcome sore throat and bronchitis, sinusitis and pharyngitis, and it will help both adults and children against pneumonia.

A decoction of spruce cones is recommended for use for muscle and joint pain of various etiologies, and with complex treatment it helps to significantly improve the condition of patients suffering from such a complex disease as pulmonary tuberculosis.

To prepare a healing drink you need:

• chop fir cones;
• pour boiling water in the ratio – 1 part pine cones to 5 parts water;
• cook for half an hour;
• let it brew for 15 minutes, filter.

Note! The finished decoction should have a brown color, an astringent taste and a pleasant pine aroma.

To use the resulting product for inhalation, it must be heated to a temperature of +60°C. For adults, take about 25 ml of decoction per procedure.

Fir branches

A decoction of spruce branches is used for bathing. It is highly effective when:

• myositis;
• lumbosacral radiculitis;
• lichen.

In addition, spruce baths have a positive effect on the central nervous system, and when inhaling evaporating essential oils, the immune system is strengthened, which, in turn, allows the body to resist the adverse effects of external factors during the season of exacerbation of colds.

To prepare a decoction for bathing, do the following:

• Place several spruce branches in a large saucepan;
• add water and boil for half an hour;
• strain and add to the bath.

After the first use, you will feel a surge of strength, a pleasant lightness will appear throughout your body, and your nerves will noticeably calm down.

All materials on the website are presented for informational purposes only. Before using any product, consultation with a doctor is MANDATORY!

Pine has earned its popularity as a New Year's tree. It exudes a wonderful aroma, and everyone knows about the benefits of walking in a pine forest. The smell of pine can improve memory and relieve depression. Since ancient times in Rus', amulets for the home were made from pine branches as protection against evil spirits. And in Egypt it was used for the embalming process. And at the moment, these compounds have not lost their antibacterial properties. Pine needles, whose medicinal properties are unique, were used very widely. But this tree was used not only for crafts, but also as medicine. After all, pine is a storehouse of useful substances. Niche ancestors used pine as an anti-scurvy remedy, an expectorant, protection against germs, and to combat pain. For pain in the gums, they chewed needles and resin. Today this medicinal tree is also available to us, so let’s look at its most useful part - pine needles, and their medicinal properties.

Composition of pine needles

The composition of pine needles depends on several factors: the type of tree, the growing environment, the lifespan of the tree, the area, the soil, the time of year, and the amount of precipitation. One of the fundamental works on the chemical composition of pine needles was done by the Forestry Academy of S. M. Kirov in the city of Leningrad. Based on many studies, it is possible to describe the composition of needles in more detail.

Cells are rich in cellulose, pentoses, and lignin. The needles contain vitamin C, the maximum level of content is achieved in winter and spring, in the needles, which are well illuminated by the sun.

It is thanks to the vitamin C content that pine needles became a cure for scurvy in besieged Leningrad. The initiator of the proposal for its use was A.D. Without teeth. The needles were crushed and poured with a solution of acetic or tartaric acid. The extract was decanted and given to the blockade survivors. Thanks to such a bitter drink, it was possible to avoid widespread illness with this serious illness. There is also a carotene content that is close in value to the level in carrots. Also contains vitamin E.

Also, pine needles are a source of protein. Therefore, it is used as feed for farm animals. It contains mineral salts and starch.

Pine needles or pine needles - medicinal properties

The blog already has information about, application, treatment, vodka tincture, chemical composition, honey and cough medicine from cones. Today I want to consider in detail all the beneficial properties of pine needles.

All properties are determined by the chemical composition. Let's look at the main ones:

1. Antibacterial effect.
2. Vitamin complex.
3. A product for removing phlegm, relieving inflammation, accelerating sweating. This set of properties will be more useful for acute respiratory diseases.
4. Improved digestion.
5. Diuretic drug.
6. Cardiovascular support.
7. Strengthening the protective properties of the immune system.
8. Helps reduce stress and helps fight insomnia.
9. Normalizes metabolism.
10. Improves the condition of skin and hair. Promotes rejuvenation and increases the speed of wound healing.
11. Strengthens joints, so it is often recommended for rickets and age-related diseases of the musculoskeletal system.

You can also leave needles in the house as a preventative measure. It helps purify the air and is also good aromatherapy.

Treatment with pine needles and forms of application

There are many options for using pine needles. One of the most common options is an infusion of pine needles. It is used in such cases.

1. Treatment of hypoxia. Young branches are used.
2. As part of a collection for the treatment of adenoma.
3. Treatment of diseases of the female reproductive system.
4. Widely used in dentistry for the treatment of gum diseases.

They also practice making alcohol infusions, but mainly for external use. This infusion does not irritate the skin.

Baths with pine needles

Baths with pine needles are useful. Help relieve fatigue and help fight colds. To prepare, you need to collect the needles in a bag and put them in a bath of water. It is also recommended to take baths for radiculitis and sore joints. A special infusion is made for baths. Brew the needles, based on 1 kilogram of needles, 3 liters of boiling water. Leave for 4 hours.

Mask for the face

To rejuvenate, you can make a face mask. Peel and chop thirty grams of pine needles, mix with three tablespoons of honey and a tablespoon of olive oil. Apply to face and leave for ten minutes. Afterwards, rinse with warm water.

Coniferous compresses for vein disease

For vein disease, pine compresses help a lot. Grind half a kilo of pine needles and pour boiling water over it. Stir until the consistency of porridge. Apply to affected areas and leave for fifteen minutes, covered with gauze.

Do the procedure for two weeks, with an interval of one day. It is good to use pine twigs as a bath broom. It will help well with respiratory diseases.

Inhalations with pine needles

Also, if you have a cold, you can do inhalations at home. Grind 25 grams of needles, brew 100 milliliters of boiling water, simmer over low heat for 15 minutes, leave for another 15. While the broth is hot, you need to breathe over it. And after it cools down, take it within 24 hours. You can also rinse your gums with it and use it for inflammation in the oral cavity.

Pillow with pine needles and herbs for bronchitis

We make pads to cure bronchitis or tracheitis. We put pine needles in a pillow made of natural fabric and add a little lavender or mint.

It is better to use cotton fabric measuring 25 cm long and wide. Just before going to bed, we place a similar pillow under our main pillow so that half of the pillow is on the outside. If you want to enhance the effect, then add a heating pad.

Pine needles for skin diseases

Pine needles are also effective against skin diseases. Helps with burns and boils. Promotes rapid healing. For treatment you need to make a poultice. Pick pine needles, wash thoroughly, rinse with boiling water.

Place in gauze or bandage and apply to the area of ​​skin that needs treatment. For burns, be sure to chop the pine needles and let them cool, only then apply a compress. There is one thing in common for preparing all recipes - it is very important to collect the needles correctly.

How and where to collect pine needles for treatment?

In Rus', pine needles were collected from forest cutting sites in autumn and winter. And this is the right period, because at this time the pine is saturated with ascorbic acid and essential oils.

It is better to collect pine needles using branches, and do not store them for a long time, since at room temperature they will lose their healing properties. Try to collect needles away from highways and residential areas.

Try not to pick off branches with buds. You can wait for a strong wind; the branches are taken directly from the snow. Otherwise, carefully cut the branches at an angle.

Cut no more than 2 branches from one tree. Pass the branches through a meat grinder and freeze or dry.

Storing pine needles. Store in an airtight container. The storage place should be dry and dark.

In order not to lose beneficial properties, it is better to store a storehouse of vitamins in the cold. The period of such storage is 2 months.

Decoction of pine needles - recipe and preparation

Helps overcome ailments:

✔ Retinal detachment.

✔ Optic nerve damage.

✔ Myopia.

✔ Multiple sclerosis.

✔ Convulsive states.

✔ Heart diseases.

✔ Autonomic dysfunction.

Some popular recipes.

For vision

Five tablespoons of crushed pine needles should be poured with two glasses of boiling water. Leave for twelve hours in a glass jar, then strain thoroughly. Use five times a day, preferably after meals.

Vitamin drink

It will help strengthen your immunity. Place the crushed needles in an enamel bowl and pour boiling water over them. Proportions – 50 grams/per 1 liter. Leave for twenty minutes, and then dilute with a liter of clean cold water.

After the decoction, leave for six hours in a semi-dark and relatively cool (but not too cold) place. Next, strain and mix with a small amount of honey, acidify with lemon juice.

For the treatment of cholecystitis, cholelithiasis, and cough

Take 200 milliliters of boiling water and pour it over one tablespoon of pine needles. Boil for 20 minutes. Then strain, cool, and drink in one go.

Diuretic

One large spoon of pine needles is poured with boiling water, use 250 milliliters. Leave for thirty minutes, then strain. Take a tablespoon four times a day after meals.

Let's restore the liver after a feast

It is necessary to pour 3-3.5 tablespoons of pine needles with boiling water removed from the stove, boil for thirty minutes. Strain thoroughly and cool almost completely. Take 90-110 milliliters per day. Thus, you will saturate the body with valuable vitamins and restore liver cells.

To cleanse the body of toxins

You need to pour 50 grams of fresh pine needles with 2 liters of boiling water. Heat the pan with the contents over low heat. Add a small spoon of licorice root and a tablespoon of dry onion peel. Boil for 18 minutes.

Then add 2 large spoons of mashed rose hips. Then remove the boiled broth from the heat and pour into a thermos. Wrap in a towel and leave for 12 hours. This decoction should be drunk in 2 days, in the amount of 5 liters. This recipe even helps to get rid of radiation and prevent radiation sickness.

Anti-acne

Grind 2 handfuls of pine needles and pour 1 liter of boiling water. Boil the mixture for 10 minutes. Wash your face with the resulting liquid in the morning and before bed. During the summer, you can wash your face as needed. This way you can heal and dry existing acne, and prevent the appearance of new rashes. And to strengthen the effect, you can drink a decoction to cleanse the liver.

Against hair loss

Pour 15 grams of pine needles into a glass of clean water. Boil for 10 minutes over low heat. Cool and let stand for an hour. Strain. Rub the prepared decoction into the hair roots. Carry out the procedure 3 times a week after washing your hair. No need to rinse off. Hair will become stronger and exude a pleasant aroma. This will also help with oily hair.

Tea made from pine needles - all the benefits and harm

Pine tea has earned popularity among Siberians for its beneficial properties. It helps well against colds and coughs, in the treatment of sclerosis, improves vision, relieves fatigue, treats varicose veins, and treats kidney diseases. It has a positive effect on the entire body, helps maintain a clear mind and youth.

To prepare, collect, wash, and chop pine needles. Boil the water. Brew the needles and drink this decoction as tea throughout the day. Helps to recover from illnesses. You can add lemon, honey or white sugar.

Important! Do not use tea as a substitute for medicine. Do not use if you have various chronic diseases without first consulting a specialist. And one more important nuance: drinking tea during pregnancy is contraindicated.

Onion peels, rose hips, pine needles - how to prepare and use

This is a tea recipe to strengthen the heart and blood vessels.

Recipe:

• Dry onion peel - 2.5 tablespoons.
• Peeled pine needles - 4.5 tablespoons.
• Rosehip berries – 2-3 tablespoons.

Mix the composition with a liter of water, bring to boiling temperature and boil for 8 minutes. Afterwards, you should infuse the decoction for 12 hours, try to maintain the heat, wrap the vessel. Drink instead of water during the day for 2 weeks. Then take a break for 30 days and repeat again.

Reduces the risk of stroke, strengthens blood vessels, treats multiple sclerosis. Effective for hypertension. A week after taking it, your blood pressure should normalize. This decoction can also cleanse the intestines and liver.

But they will be an excellent medicine for coughs, colds, bronchitis and other ailments. We also prepare them and use them for treatment.

Pine needles (pine needles) - contraindications and warnings

But you should use folk recipes with caution, as they have a number of contraindications. Use only after consulting a doctor:

1. Acute hepatitis.
2. Severe kidney disease.
3. Heart failure.
4. Pregnancy.
5. Pine baths are not recommended for use in case of infectious diseases of the skin.
6. Acute inflammatory processes in the body.
7. Individual intolerance to any of the chemical components of pine needles.

Pine needles are a proven folk remedy that helps strengthen the body and overcome many diseases.

Pine is a tree that absorbs a lot of energy and can transfer it to your body through decoctions. As with any folk remedy, you should observe moderation and listen to the body’s reaction. If you have serious illnesses and use medications, you should consult a doctor about the use of pine decoctions.