5 min read / 21 January 2022 / Laura Garvin Gomez
Benefits and Uses of Maritime Pine Oil
Maritime pine is often used to relieve stress and pain, mask odours and purify air.
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This gentler, more soothing pine oil grows along the Mediterranean and has been used medicinally for thousands of years.
Also known as ‘sea pine’ or ‘ocean pine’, maritime pine was first reported to be used in medicine by Hippocrates in the 4th century BCE. By the 15th century, the bark of the maritime pine was used widely for its healing, soothing properties.
Today, maritime pine oil is known to share many of the healing, purifying properties of pine needle oil with additional benefits for our minds.
What is Maritime Pine Essential Oil?
Identifiable by the botanical name Pinus pinaster, maritime pine oil is one of many pine oil variations that can be found in the aromatherapy world.
Extracted via steam distillation from the bark and needles of maritime pine trees, this oil has a distinct yet subtle sweetness that features alongside a traditionally fresh, forest-like scent.
Maritime pine trees grow along the coastal regions of many Mediterranean countries including Portugal, Spain, and Morocco.
What are the benefits of Maritime Pine Essential Oil?
While not as popular as the likes of pine needle oil or fir needle oil, maritime pine still contains many useful properties for the body and mind.
These include:
- Soothing sore muscles
- Healing wounds
- Relieving anxiety
- Improving air quality
- Acting as a natural deodorant
- Improving heart health
Can maritime pine oil help with muscle pain?
Maritime pine essential oil has been found to have strong anti-inflammatory properties that can help eliminate aches and pains. Thousands of years ago in Greece, Hippocrates used maritime pine oil to reduce inflammation, and it is still used for the same purposes today.
A study in 2018 observed that maritime pine oil had a remarkably soothing effect on sore muscles, reducing inflammation around the affected area and relieving related pain.
Adding a few drops of maritime pine oil to a carrier oil can make for an effective natural muscle balm.
Is maritime pine good for healing wounds?
The same 2018 study also observed the powerful wound-healing abilities of maritime pine oil. This is thanks to its antibacterial properties which can help clean out the affected areas and reduce the possibility of infection.
It's been suggested that the anti-inflammatory effects of maritime pine can further help with facilitating a better immune system, meaning your body is more likely to heal wounds at greater speeds.
Applying potent natural products to an open wound can cause irritation, but you may want to add a few drops of maritime pine oil to a carrier oil and use the solution to clean the area around the wound.
Does maritime essential oil relieve anxiety?
One of the things that sets maritime pine oil apart from all the other oils in the pine family is its ability to ease symptoms of anxiety.
Maritime pine oil has a much higher ester content than other species of pine. This makes it unique in its stress-relieving properties.
Esters are desirable natural compounds in aromatherapy as they can contribute to the balancing of the central nervous system.
The esters in maritime pine oil give it sedative properties, which can promote feelings of calm and lead to a reduction in anxious feelings. Inhaling maritime pine oil or diffusing it in your home can therefore help you to manage stress and anxiety.
Can maritime pine oil improve air quality?
Like other coniferous oils, maritime pine oil has air-purifying properties that allow it to reduce bacteria and improve the quality of air.
This not only adds to its stress-relieving effects, but also allows for easier breathing.
Some people have even used maritime pine oil to lessen symptoms of asthma, however the oil should never be used in place of asthma medication.
A few drops of maritime pine oil in a diffuser can also act as a natural air freshener for stuffy spaces in your home.
Is maritime pine a natural deodorant?
Maritime pine oil’s purifying effects – along with its fresh, woodsy scent – make it a great natural deodorant.
It can attack the bacteria that may cause body odour as well as mask any unpleasant scents that come through as a result.
A dab of maritime pine oil under the armpits or at the neck can be used in place of deodorant or perfume – just remember that you should always dilute essential oils with a carrier oil before applying them topically.
Does maritime pine oil help with heart health?
Some sources suggest that the use of maritime pine oil may help support a healthy cardiovascular system. This is largely due to the anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties of the oil.
One 2016 study noted that maritime pine could improve HDL cholesterol measures (also known as "good cholesterol"), as well as lower systolic blood pressure in a group of 24 adults with high readings.
Maritime pine oil may also improve blood flow and decrease oxidative stress when applied topically with a carrier oil.
How to use Maritime Pine Essential Oil
Like many essential oils, maritime pine oil is extremely versatile in its uses on and around the body. Here are some of our favourite ways to implement it.
1. Aromatherapy
The refreshing scents of maritime pine oil make a marvelous natural air freshener, helping to eliminate the build-up of unpleasant odours and airborne bacteria in your home.
Adding a few drops of maritime pine oil to your diffuser can also help reduce feelings of stress or anxiety throughout the day. Try diffusing the oil just before a big event to keep your mind clear and focused.
2. Bath
If you prefer the relaxing atmosphere of a bath to calm your worries, maritime pine oil is the perfect addition for ultimate relaxation.
Including maritime pine oil in your bath can also help soothe sore muscles and joints.
3. Massage
Maritime pine essential oil is revered for its pain-relieving properties, so combining a few drops with a carrier oil like jojoba or coconut is ideal for tackling muscular aches.
Using this oil in a massage can also improve stress levels and even lower your blood pressure over time.
4. Candle & soap making
Refreshing and sweet, maritime pine oil is a great addition to purifying candles and soaps. Always follow a trusted recipe when making scented products for the first time.
History of Maritime Pine Essential Oil
Many of the ancient uses for maritime pine oil, first said to be cultivated by the ancient Greeks, are still used by aromatherapists today.
The tree itself was coined by Pliny in the 1st century and was officially identified as maritime pine or cluster pine in 1789. Since then, the tree has spread rather problematically to regions of South Africa, leading to significant changes in their ecology.
Coastal maritime pine’s gentle, relieving qualities along with its forest scent give it an aura of comfort and safety. The oil lends a homey feel to any space and can help us to stay at our happiest and most content, making it a great choice for your wellness collection.
