Dear Reader,

The best way to get to know an aromatic, when possible, is to have a relationship with the plant or tree in nature. When this happens, we never forget the unique qualities of the plant and our relationship with it.

Scots pine is one of these aromatics for me. It is one of the most widely distributed pines in the world and grows naturally from Scotland almost to the Pacific Ocean and from above the Arctic Circle in Scandinavia to the Mediterranean. (1)

It became an important tree for me when I was living and working in South-East France where it grows abundantly. I began by collecting the buds to make a syrup that could be drunk as a refreshing cold drink with sparkling water, added to herbal teas or used as a medicinal syrup for chesty coughs, colds and respirsatory problems. The yearly harvest for these syrups was always a happy time that led me to the hilly forests and rocky pastures where the Scots pine lived.

When my husband at the time and I divorced, I had an experience with this tree that I will never forget. I was in the woods and all I can say is that it embraced me, held me. It sounds strange, but I experienced a sense of unconditional love from Scots pine that I really needed at the time. From then on, I connected it to a sense of support, a holding up in difficult times.

o, when I learnt that this aromatic and medicinal tree support humans both in their musculature by relieveng sore muscles, joint stiffness and rheumatism as well as helping in periods of deep physical and nervous exhaustion by stimulating the adrenal cortex, it made so much sense.
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I learnt a very simple technique for using Scots pine to support the adrenals and help when energy is low and fatigue is dominant. Take a drop of essential oil and rub it on the area of the top of the kidneys (adrenal area) and once a day for seven days tap lightly with closed fists onto this area for ten or so little taps. (if you use the oil neat – do a skin test first- a tiny drop in the bend of elbow and wait 12 hours to check no reactions.)

You can also dilute the oil at 20% in a carrier oil such as Jojoba or sweet almond oil (2ml essential oil to 8ml of carrier oil) and ask someone to massage the kidney area for you.

ometimes, I just want to smell the oil. I find that in the same way as it reinvoiroates the body, it also revitalzies the spirit. Its fereh, woody, resinous aroma chases away a foggy mind and helps me concetnrate. But above all, it takes me back to that moment in the forest and the strength, perseverance and emotional stbaility it breathed into me.
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Our beautiful Scotts pine grows wild in the remote hills of southeastern France and is distilled in Manu and Lou’s tiny family distillery surrounded by wild meadows.

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Blessings

Cathy and the Cathy’s Attars Team

References:

1. https://www.srs.fs.usda.gov/pubs/misc/ag_654/volume_1/pinus/sylvestris.htm

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