MEDICINAL PLANTS

Large tree that can reach 45 meters, rounded crown, has leaves pairs, so acicular needles as if they were true, but often produce some kinks in them so they appear actually to be twisted. They can reach 7 cm in length and 1 mm wide, have a bluish green color. Its bark is a reddish color characteristic, that in certain regions such as Catalonia defines him. The cones are rounded and not very large in size, can measure more than 5 centimeters.

FLOWERING

Like all of the same family has totally separate male flowers of the female, with flowers that are apparently not very showy. Their flowering season is prolonged throughout the spring, carrying out fertilization by wind, which carries the male pollen to the female flower, unlike other species with much more showy flowers in which the primary responsibility of it are the insects that are attracted by its beautiful colors and shapes. The female flowers are inflorescences after being fertilized need a year to mature, bearing fruit in the autumn, these fruits are what is commonly known as pineapple, inside which, protected by a strong package, find the true seed is the pinion.

APPLICATIONS

Apart from the well known culinary uses of the fruit, you can find other medicinal type. The yolks are rich in essential oil, but we must avoid confusion with the spruce buds, since by its uncanny resemblance may lead to mistakes. The essential oil is mainly responsible for the soothing action of the pine, yet must be used with caution, for use by sensitized individuals can lead to episodes of allergy and bronchial spasms in children. Used in large quantities can cause hypertension. As a moderate diuretic, uric acid eliminator is used in processes of gout, but in patients with kidney problems, their use must be restricted. The bark is rich in scents of pine and turpentine (turpentine), so also tar or pitch and cellulose plant for the production of paper. The tar plant is a good treatment for certain skin conditions such as psoriasis.

ADMINISTRATION

Suppositories. Are prepared with 300 mg per suppository essence, two to three per day, type in bronchial diseases.
Inhalations. Previously we would have to test tolerance to the substance, applied for 15 minutes and half an hour waiting. Puffs can be made wet or dry, with 7 drops of essence in a pint of hot water, or spray, then using 1 gram of substance in 50 ml of the preparation.

SUMMARY

FAMILY: Abietaceas
HABITAT: Mountains in the north.
FLOWERING: Spring
PART USED: Bark, buds, leaves and young branches
CASTILIAN: Pino de Valsaín
CATALAN: Pi rojalet
BASQUE: Leherr

USES

Strong Antiseptic, Moderate Expectorant, Diuretic Moderate.