blissmati

With nice weather finally upon us in Upstate, New York, I have found myself utterly soaking up the surroundings.  While outside this evening, I was looking at all the wood that encompasses me on a daily basis.  My home is constructed of local Larch from a nearby Amish wood mill.  It is nestled among hundreds of Red Pine Trees, sowed in ‘plantation format’, with heights that tower up to 40 feet.  As coincidence may have it, both Larch and Pine belong to the same botanical family; the Pinaceae .  

The Pinaceae family includes many well-known conifers such as Atlas Cedar wood, Firs, Hemlock, Pines, Spruce, Larch, etc.  Key medicinal benefits of this botanical group include decongesting, anti-inflammatory, and immune stimulating.

“Pine has been described as a symbol of an uncompromising will to live, endurance, strength, and a free spirit that refuses to conform or live in servitude.  The oil awakens one’s spirit.” (Complete Aromatherapy Handbook-Fisher-Rizzi)

From a spiritual perspective-Pine has long been associated with protection, personal independence, creativity, the right to seclusion and restfulness in solitude.

From an edible insight-Pine Pollen has a long list of health supporting attributes including promoting vitality, stamina, hormone balancing, etc.  For more information on Pine Pollen, check out: http://www.rawforestfoods.com/pinepollen.html

Fun Fact: The Sugar Pine(Pinus lambertiana) is the tallest pine tree in the world.  Their height range from 50 feet to 200 feet.  Native to California, Nevada, Oregon and Mexico.

Essential Oil Recipe:

Breathe Easy~

This is a 2% dilution to aid in common cold prevention, decongestion relief and self-image clarity. The following essential oils all belong to the Pinaceae family.

Organic Sunflower Oil: 1 oz.

Larch(Larix laracina): 7 drops

Douglas Pine(Pseudotsuga menzies): 3 drops

Siberian Fir(Abies sibirica): 3 drops

May be applied over the neck and chest area 2 times per day.

To curiosity, education & enthusiasm.

Until next time,

Breathe Joy…