Pine is the personification of harmony and beauty in relation to other trees. The tree has a very flat trunk and instead of leaves - long needles. The tree itself can reach more than 30 meters in height. Pine cones, the healing properties of which are quite diverse, have a slightly ovate-oblong shape. Pine is the most popular tree for humans, it is worth noting at least the New Year and Christmas, which we all love to meet not only among friends and relatives, but also with this coniferous tree. Forests where they grow have phytoncides secreted by pines in the air, so there are practically no harmful microbes within a radius of 25 meters from trees. Due to this property, pine is actively used for medical purposes.
Pine is very common not only in Russia, but throughout the world. A large number of people know the beneficial properties of pine cones and the trees themselves, so they try as often as possible to get out into the forest and relax, breathe this unique, saturated air. Thanks to this rest, a beneficial effect on the lungs and bronchi occurs.
Healing tree
It is worth noting that pine as a tree is very valuable, in it for medical purposes you can use almost everything: pine resin, needles, bark, pollen and kidneys. But among this, cones (young) are of particular interest. Pine buds are harvested mainly in early spring, until they have time to bloom, some do this in the winter, but the collection carried out in early spring is of the best quality. After they are collected, drying occurs. Young cones are fundamentally different from needles, which are used in raw form, and its collection can be carried out year-round.
The healing properties of pine cones
In fact, no one paid attention to the beneficial properties of cones, and did not even suspect about this until the employees in American zoos noticed that they were very fond of eating different animals. After that, tests were carried out that proved that a lot of useful medicinal substances accumulate in cones over the summer, which are subsequently preserved in them. Moreover, all the useful substances that remain in the cones are there in completely natural form. They retain in themselves not only a mass of vitamins, but also a special kind of tannins and phytoncides.
It turned out that tannins are of great interest to scientists. During experiments on laboratory mice, unexpected results were obtained. It turns out that this type of tannins prevents the death of brain cells. And as you know, at the time when a person is having a stroke, due to circulatory disorders, it is the brain cells that die. But during the resumption of blood flow, they die even more. This is due to the fact that there is a certain type of enzyme that plays a huge role in the normal functioning of cells, and if you somehow block this enzyme, the cell will remain alive. Thus, scientists have discovered that tannin copes with blocking these enzymes. But so far no medicine has been invented on this basis, and treatment with a pine cone occurs mainly with the help of folk recipes. It is very important to know when and how to properly collect them.
When to collect pine cones
The first thing you need to know is that you need to collect only those cones that have not yet been revealed, it is in them that all the useful properties of green pine cones are fully manifested. Based on differences in climatic conditions, it is necessary to collect them starting in May and ending with the end of August. By the way, it is in the last month of summer that they accumulate the maximum amount of nutrients. Thus, the size of the cones should be approximately 4 cm. While you will collect them, you must definitely pay attention to their appearance and condition of the trees. The pine tree should not have any damage by insects or have traces of decay. You cannot collect cones from such a tree. As for storage, the period should in no case exceed more than 18 months, the room should be well ventilated. If the cones are stored for longer, then they will begin to lose their unique beneficial properties.
Pine cones in folk medicine
Pine cones, the healing properties of which are truly unique, have already become fairly firmly established in everyday life, but some still do not know what exactly can be treated with them and how this is done. The most common mistake is that people start their treatment by collecting mature bumps or even those that are already the second or third year after ripening. Naturally, in such a product there are neither seeds nor useful substances. Treatment with a pine cone should be carried out exclusively at the stage of maturation, with green buds that continue to nourish themselves at the expense of the pine and its roots. It is for such people who come to the forest who intend to prepare jam or healing broth in the future. Honey from cones is not uncommon, while in their consistency and appearance no one can distinguish it from any other. In addition to its unique taste and aroma, it has bactericidal properties, which makes it an excellent remedy for problems with the stomach and respiratory organs.
The use of pine cones
Application occurs in a different form, it can be: jam, tinctures or honey. In alternative types of medicine, cones are used for various types of diseases: pneumonia, colds, low hemoglobin, vitamin deficiency, pulmonary tuberculosis, bronchial diseases and as a cough medicine. The extract, which is made from pine cones, is a very good antioxidant.
Pine cone jam
Everyone should be able to make jam from pine cones. The properties of such a healing and tasty product are quite diverse. In the winter, having such jam constantly at hand, you can not only protect yourself from the negative effects of certain types of viral and infectious diseases, but also significantly strengthen your immunity. Thus, you can create a unique protective barrier. As an added bonus, it is also worth noting the positive effect of the product on the digestive and cardiovascular systems.
Preparation and use
The recipe for making jam is quite simple and does not require any complicated actions:
1. First you need to sort out the cones and remove excess debris, after which it is necessary to rinse them.
2. In case large cones come across, then it is worth cutting them in half, while small ones can be left as they are.
3. After all the manipulations, it is necessary to prepare a capacious pan in which to place the cones and pour with drinking water so that the liquid covers the main ingredient by about 2 cm.
4. After which it is necessary to put all this on fire and bring to a boil.
5. After everything has boiled for several minutes, you need to add sugar and wait until the mass boils again and make the fire quieter.
6. Next, it is necessary to continue cooking the mixture for another 2 hours, while it is necessary to constantly remove the foam that will form on the surface.
7. After this, it is necessary to extinguish the fire and remove all the cones from the broth.
8. The result is a poisonous red jam, it must be poured into pre-sterilized jars, and then rolled up with lids.
As a result, you can get a unique delicate taste and smell of jam, which leaves a delicate aftertaste. By the way, drinking with tea is recommended, which will only enhance the healing effect.
Pine tincture
To prepare the tincture, exclusively green pine cones are taken. The healing properties of such a drink are due to a disinfectant, deodorizing and antimicrobial effect. When using such a tincture, immunity is noticeably strengthened, along with the removal of toxins and toxins from the body and the restoration of microflora. Such drinks are relevant for various diseases that are associated with respiratory organs of an infectious and colds nature. Tinctures can include needles, kidneys and pine cones. The healing properties of all coniferous products have a very good expectorant effect, due to which the airways are cleansed and sputum is removed. It is worth noting that tinctures are relevant as a healing agent for wounds and ulcers. And in the case of bronchial asthma, they are used as a remedy for asthma.
In general, such tinctures are multifunctional drugs that have a very strong effect on strengthening immunity, treating stomach ulcers, gastritis, and oral ulcers.
Tincture recipe
For tincture, it is necessary to have pine needles, pollen and / or pine cones. The healing properties of these products are proven, and you can use both all three ingredients at the same time, or one of them at will. Despite the fact that these products are basic, you can also add some herbs to your liking.
Quite popular is a cone balm (young, green) to which tinctures from chestnut and clover fruits and verbena tincture were added, and the ratio should be 5 to 1. Thus, a unique balm will be obtained that is capable of treating and preventing thrombophlebitis.
The second most popular is the following recipe, in which the basis is a tincture of pollen or pine cones, it must be taken in an amount of 0.5 l, then add honey 0.1 l. And the same amount of aloe juice. Further, such a mixture must be shaken well, covered and put in a dark place for 24 hours. The resulting balm is indispensable in the treatment of lung diseases and the general maintenance of immunity.
Naturally, such tinctures are made using ethyl alcohol, but they should not be abused. To prevent diseases and strengthen immunity, it is enough to drink 1 time per day for a teaspoon of tincture. In the case of treatment, it is necessary to increase the dose 3 times and consume 3 times a spoon in the course of the day 30 minutes before eating. The treatment period is 20 days. For the most effective tincture, it is recommended to drink it with hot tea.
In a healthy body healthy mind
Thus, it is safe to say that, along with most widely used medicinal herbs, the pine cone also occupies an honorable place. The properties of this product are proven and widely used. Anyone should have a cone remedy in their home medicine cabinet to keep their health in good shape. Due to the large list of diseases cured by medicines made from pine products, they will remain relevant for a long time.