Dwarf Pine (Pinus Mugo) is a small pine tree that grows in the mountains of central and southern Europe. This plant has been used for centuries to help with respiratory issues, stomach ailments, and pain relief. It can also help maintain blood sugar levels when it is too high or low.
Dwarf pine bark contains substances called procyanidins which are believed to have antioxidant properties. This article will explore how Dwarf pine can improve your health!
Contents
Common Names
The common names of Dwarf Pine are dwarf mountain pine, mountain pine, mugo pine, scrub mountain pine, bog pine, creeping pine, and Swiss mountain pine.
Habitat
Dwarf Pine (Pinus Mugo) is the only pine found growing at altitudes as high as 2000 meters. It thrives in harsh conditions and rocky surfaces, but it grows well on nutrient-poor soil so long as there is plenty of sunlight. It typically creates its own hummus.
Dwarf Pine grows in mountains and highland areas across the Northern Hemisphere from Norway into Russia, south to northern Spain, and east of it throughout Asia Minor.
Description
Dwarf Pine is a low-growing shrub or small tree with long spreading branches and dense foliage. The bark on young trees is light brown to reddish gray with horizontal markings, while older trees have dark blackish broken furrowed bark that eventually becomes scaly plates by grey in age.
It has short needle-like leaves that grow in pairs the length of the stem at irregular intervals along its twig. It can be identified by having shortened needles that point forward toward their tips instead of back down toward their base, as do most other types of pine tree needles. Dwarf Pine are dioecious, meaning they have separate male and female trees. The Dwarf Pine is a very popular choice for Bonsai because of its miniature size that can be kept indefinitely in the home or garden.
Part Used
Pine bark and essential oil from the needles are used to make medicine. Dwarf pine essential oil is also used as a flavoring agent in food and beverages.
Traditional Uses and Benefits of Dwarf Pine
This tree has been used traditionally to treat arthritis, respiratory infections, skin conditions including acne, eczema, psoriasis, wounds, urinary tract infections, gout fluid retention, diarrhea, inflammation, bronchitis, cold sores, fever, throat irritations, kidney stones, rheumatic pain, spasms, menstrual cramps asthma, coughs, heartburn, anemia, intestinal parasites, nausea, leucorrhea, prostate problems, tuberculosis, chronic fatigue syndrome, high blood pressure, stress.
Dwarf pine is an excellent antioxidant due to the high content of Vitamin C in its sap. It prevents inflammation, which means you’ll have less chance of contracting certain illnesses because your immune system will be working at full capacity!
These trees also help prevent anemia by increasing hemoglobin production without affecting blood pressure levels, unlike prescription medications often used for this purpose!
Dwarf pine can clear away toxins and irritants from the air. The medication for respiratory problems, guaifenesin, is derived from dwarf pine needles, among other things.
Pine trees emit negative ions in much higher quantities than other plants, which means you get all of their benefits without watering them! The pine tree emits an aroma that is calming and refreshing, making it the perfect scent for your home.
In a study published in the Annals of Clinical Microbiology and Antimicrobials, researchers at the University of Vienna found that extract from dwarf pine significantly inhibited bacterial growth. It was as effective as traditional antibiotics. “The results suggest that extract from P. mugo may be used for topical antimicrobial treatment to prevent skin infections or other bacterial diseases,” said lead researcher Dr. Thomas Hornick (University of Vienna).
Dwarf pine is an anti-inflammatory that can reduce inflammation in the body. Not only does this help with pain relief, but it also reduces swelling and redness by limiting how much fluid accumulates at a site of injury or infection.
Reduce symptoms associated with arthritis: According to Mother Earth Living, Pinus Mugo has been useful against arthritis symptoms such as joint pain and stiffness, thanks again to its high antioxidant content.
Essential oils from the pine tree, such as those derived from its leaves or branches, are effective against various respiratory issues. This also makes pine essential oils useful against chronic respiratory disorders, including asthma and emphysema (particularly when combined with vitamin C).
A few drops of essential oil on hands that are then patted onto the forehead will help lower fever naturally by cooling down body temperature without side effects like alcohol-based products have on children’s sensitive systems.
How to Use Dwarf Pine
Dwarf Pine is a nutrient-dense herbal supplement that can be used as an alternative to coffee or tea. It has powerful anti-inflammatory properties and detoxifying capabilities, making it ideal for those who need a little extra boost during the day.
People often drink Dwarf Pine in its loose-leaf form by simply infusing ½ – ¾ teaspoon of leaves into boiling water and allowing them to steep for up to five minutes before drinking this delicious beverage, which tastes great hot or cold!
In addition, you may also use Dwarf Pine as a superfood ingredient in your favorite recipes, such as smoothies, ice cream popsicles, baked goods, etc.
To treat cold sores, mix honey with dried pine needles and let it sit overnight. Apply this mixture directly on the sore or use a cotton ball soaked in the solution to rub over the affected area several times. This will help dry up any existing blisters as well as prevent new ones from forming! If you are worried about having an open blister during treatment, ensure that you cleanse your hands before touching your face or other exposed areas when applying this formula.
Dosage and Precautions
Treat the Common Cold: The University of Maryland Medical Center recommends taking 100 milligrams (mg) of pine bark extract three times daily to treat cold symptoms such as sore throat, runny nose, and cough.
There is no proven safe dosage of Dwarf Pine yet but generally advised not to use it longer than one month at a time. Dwarf Pine oil extract may adversely affect fertility, menstruation, pregnant women, and nursing mothers.
It should be taken with caution if taking estrogen replacement therapy medications such as birth control pills, hormone replacement therapy, or tamoxifen. Dwarf Pine may affect the metabolism of these drugs and could lead to an overdose. It should not be used by children under 14 without doctor supervision due to lack of research on its effects in this age group.
Dwarf pine bark tea can be made up at a strength of one teaspoon per cup. Pine oil extract generally needs to be diluted with olive oil (one part pine oil extract plus three parts olive oil) before using topically for arthritis pain.
References
- Dwarf Pine Needle: Health Benefits, Side Effects, Uses …. https://www.rxlist.com/dwarf_pine_needle/supplements.htm
- Pinus mugo Dwarf Mountain Pine, Mugo pine, Mountain Pine …. https://pfaf.org/user/Plant.aspx?LatinName=Pinus+mugo
- DWARF PINE NEEDLE: Overview, Uses, Side Effects …. https://www.webmd.com/vitamins/ai/ingredientmono-428/dwarf-pine-needle
- All-Purpose Pine – Mother Earth Living | Healthy Life …. https://content.motherearthliving.com/health-and-wellness/all-purpose-pine-zm0z18ndzpop/
DISCLAIMER
The content and information on newerapost for information and educational purposes only. It is not for self-diagnosis and self-treatment. The content is not a medical manual. Before beginning the use of any prescription, medication and pursuing any self-treatment, all readers should consult a physician.
The information given in this article is intended to help you make informed decisions for your health. You must consult with your doctor before pursuing any natural remedies if you are under care for any health condition.
Do not take any vitamins, minerals, herbs, or other supplements without consulting your doctor, if you are taking any medication. The website does not make a representation, express or implied, regarding the accuracy of the information and does not accept any single responsibility for any errors or misuse.