Pine needle oil, also known as fir oil, is extracted by steam distillation of needles, small branches and cones from a number of trees in the Pine genus (Pinus)– especially from the Scots Pine (Pinus sylvestris) species.
Pine needle oil is mainly used for cleaning and disinfection due to its antibacterial properties and fresh scent.
Although pine needle oil has antibacterial properties, it should not be used to fight bacteria on humans.
In this article, you can read about all the properties and uses of pine needle oil and the precautions you should know when using it.
Properties of pine needle oil
Undocumented properties
There is no scientific evidence that pine needle oil can remedy or alleviate the following health problems:
- Hepatitis
- Prostate problems
- Bladder inflammation
- Gallstones
- Hangovers
- Memory problems
- Difficulty concentrating
- Psoriasis
- Eczema
- Itching
- Scabies
- Lice
- Fleas
- Poor blood circulation
- Fatigue
- Drowsiness
- Sciatic pain
- Bronchitis
- Asthma
- Cough
- COPD (smoker's lung)
- Shortness of breath
- Common cold
- Influenza (flu)
- Sinusitis (sinusitis)
- Arthritis and symptoms of arthritis – including osteoarthritis
In addition, some advocates also use pine needle oil to treat scrapes and minor wounds, which is not recommended because this property is also not scientifically proven.
Researched properties with lack of evidence
Below are excerpts from several studies on the properties of pine needle oil:
- An American study from 2013 points out that pine needle oil may be used as a basis for the treatment of second-degree burns in the home. However, the study's results are based solely on tests conducted on mice
- A South Korean study from 2012 indicates that pine needle oil has potential as a supplement for obesity and metabolic dysregulation. The study's results are also based on tests on mice and therefore cannot be assumed to be applicable to humans
- A 2013 Chinese study provides a theoretical basis for pine needle oil to be used as an antioxidant and antimicrobial ingredient in the food industry
It should be emphasized that none of the above properties are scientifically proven.
Documented properties
Pine needle oil is disinfectant and antiseptic, but is only suitable for cleaning or industrial purposes etc. (in other words, it is not suitable for antiseptic use on or in the human body). Pine needle oil is effective against the following fungi, bacteria and viruses:
- Candida fungus (Candida albicans)
- E. coli (Escherichia coli)
- Bacteria in the gastrointestinal system (incl. gram-negative)
- Gram-negative bacteria in the home
- Herpes simplex virus 1 and 2
- Influenza type A
- Influenza type A/Brazil
- Influenza type A2/Japan
- Klebsiella pneumoniae
- Mold and mildew
- Powdery mildew
- Pseudomonas aeruginosa
- Salmonella enterica (formerly S. choleraesuis)
- Salmonella enterica subsp. enterica (formerly S. typhi)
- Salmonella typhosa
- Miracle bacteria (Serratia marcescens)
- Shigella sonnei
- Staphylococcus aureus (Staphylococcus aureus)
- Enterococcus faecalis (formerly Streptococcus faecalis)
- Streptococcus pyogenes
- Trichophyton interdigitale
In addition, pine needle oil can also be used as an insecticide (i.e. to kill insects). The documentation for the above properties can be found here. As mentioned, pine needle oil is not suitable for fighting bacteria on or in the human body.
Applications of pine needle oil
Cleaning: Cleaning
- Cleaning in the home:
- Concentrated pine needle oil: 1-2 tbsp. oil per liter of water. Clean the surface with the oil for 10 min. and rinse with clean water
- Pine needle oil made for cleaning (ready to use): Apply the oil directly and let it sit on the surface for 10 minutes. Then wipe off with clean water
In very dirty, non-food areas, you can use a 1:1 mixing ratio for concentrated pine needle oil.
- Other applications:
- Pet bath: 1 tbsp. per liter of water
- Laundry: Apply undiluted to stains and use ½ cup in the washing machine
- Shaving equipment, tweezers etc.: 1-2 tbsp. concentrated pine needle oil per liter of water. Let the shaving gear soak for 10 minutes and rinse with clean water
Industry
In industry, pine needle oil is used for the following, among other things:
- Detergent
- Fragrance in bath soaps, detergents, etc.
- Lubrication (especially in smaller clockworks)
- Organic weed killer
- Organic disinfectant (should not be used on skin, wounds etc.)
- Extraction of metal from ore (by flotation)
Precautionary measures
- Although pine needle oil is harmless to humans in small quantities, it can irritate the skin and mucous membranes. Therefore, care should be taken to avoid applying the oil directly to the skin and experiment with smaller areas of skin. Pine needle oil from dwarf pine (Pinus mugo var. pumilio) is particularly known to irritate the skin. Dilute the oil with olive oil, coconut oil or another base oil
- In some cases, pine needle oil can cause respiratory problems
- In large doses, pine needle oil can damage the central nervous system