The Efficacy and Function of Pine Needles

Dec 18, 2024 Source: Cainiu Health

Dr. Zhang Xiuhong

Introduction

In general, pine needles have functions and effects such as dispelling wind and drying dampness, promoting blood circulation to relieve restlessness, calming the nerves, reducing phlegm, lowering blood lipid levels, killing parasites, and relieving itching. Pine needles are bitter in taste and warm in nature; they can dispel wind and dampness and are commonly used to treat conditions such as rheumatism, joint pain, muscle soreness, and limb numbness. Their function of dispelling wind and promoting blood circulation helps to疏散 (disperse) and promote qi movement, thereby alleviating various types of pain caused by wind and dampness pathogens.

Generally speaking, pine needles have various effects and functions, including dispelling wind and eliminating dampness, promoting blood circulation to relieve restlessness, calming the nerves, reducing phlegm, lowering blood lipids, killing parasites, and relieving itching. The specific details are as follows:

　　1. Dispel Wind and Eliminate Dampness: Pine needles have an acidic and astringent taste and are warm in nature. Their warm property helps expel cold and dampness from the body. Pine needles contain volatile oils, flavonoids, and other substances that improve blood circulation and regulate the immune system, thereby enhancing blood flow in the joints and alleviating symptoms such as joint pain and muscle soreness.

　　2. Promote Blood Circulation and Calm the Mind: Pine needles can promote blood circulation and calm the nerves, regulating the normal functions of body tissues, improving blood circulation, and enhancing sleep quality. They serve as an effective adjunctive treatment for conditions such as neurasthenia, insomnia, and hypertension.

　　3. Sedative and Expectorant: Pine needles possess strong antibacterial and antiviral properties, exerting a calming effect and aiding in phlegm reduction. They are used in the treatment of diseases caused by viruses or parasites, such as influenza, epidemic meningitis, and hookworm disease.

　　4. Lower Blood Lipids: Pine needles can reduce total cholesterol levels in the human body and have a certain regulating effect on blood lipids, helping to prevent cardiovascular diseases such as hyperlipidemia and arteriosclerosis.

　　5. Kill Parasites and Relieve Itching: Pine needles contain components that are toxic to parasites, achieving the effect of expelling and killing them. At the same time, their anti-itching properties improve the local environment of the skin, reduce inflammatory responses, and alleviate itching caused by parasitic infections or skin inflammation.

　　Before using pine needles, it is advisable to consult a doctor to ensure the safety and effectiveness of the treatment. Additionally, attention should be paid to using them in appropriate amounts to avoid excessive use that may cause bodily discomfort.

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Can patients with a cold take pine needle oil?

The antibacterial and anti-inflammatory components of pine needle oil may help alleviate symptoms of sore throat or mild respiratory tract infections. Its volatile components can assist in relieving nasal congestion or cough when inhaled, but dosage should be controlled and allergic reactions must be ruled out. If a cold is accompanied by gastrointestinal discomfort such as nausea or vomiting, oral administration of pine needle oil may exacerbate gastrointestinal irritation; individuals allergic to pine species may experience rashes or difficulty breathing.

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What are the reactions to taking pine needle oil?

Common reactions to taking pine needle oil generally include allergic reactions, gastrointestinal discomfort, photosensitivity, neurological abnormalities, and increased burden on the liver and kidneys. It is recommended to strictly follow medical advice regarding dosage. Individuals with allergic constitutions and those with liver or kidney disease should not use it. During treatment, exposure to sunlight should be avoided, and the dosage should not be adjusted without medical guidance. If adverse reactions occur, discontinue use immediately and seek medical attention. Pregnant and breastfeeding women should avoid its use.

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What are the benefits of pine needle oil?

Under normal circumstances, pine needle oil has effects such as calming the nerves, antioxidant, lubricating the intestines and relieving constipation, promoting blood circulation to remove blood stasis, and killing insects to relieve itching. Although pine needle oil offers various benefits, it is not suitable for everyone. Individuals who are allergic to pine needles, as well as pregnant women, children, and other sensitive populations, should use pine needle oil cautiously or use it under the guidance of a physician.