The forest's gift: how Scots pine supports skin, immunity, and spike protein detox
- Ilona
- 7 days ago
- 6 min read
Updated: 6 days ago
Scots pine (Pinus sylvestris) is one of nature’s most enduring trees — a symbol of resilience across the forests of Europe and Asia. For centuries, people have turned to its needles, resin, and oil for their restorative properties. Today, modern research confirms what traditional healers long knew: Scots pine essential oil, steam-distilled from pine needles, displays potent antiseptic, antibacterial, antimutagenic, anti-tumor, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant properties. Remarkably, Scots pine needles contain the highest concentration of shikimic acid among all coniferous trees — a compound with wide-ranging cellular protective and rejuvenating potential.
The essence of Scots pine
Pine essential oil is one of the most widely used botanical extracts in aromatherapy and natural wellness. It has the ability to reduce inflammation and redness, protect against and relieve sinus infections, treat various skin ailments, boost immunity, fight fungal and viral infections, stimulate the mind and body, and even purify the air and surfaces in your home.
Its woody, balsamic, turpentine-like scent with distinctive, sweet-coniferous top notes evokes the freshness of a northern forest at dawn — grounding yet revitalizing.
Skin benefits of Scots pine oil
Anti-inflammatory & soothing
Scots pine essential oil gently calms the skin, reducing inflammation and redness. Its antioxidant compounds help neutralize free radicals, supporting recovery from irritation, dryness, or environmental stress.
Antibacterial & purifying
With its powerful antiseptic and antibacterial activity, pine oil helps cleanse pores, balance sebum, and support a healthy skin microbiome. These purifying qualities make it ideal for acne-prone or congested skin.
Antioxidant & anti-aging
The high antioxidant content of Scots pine oil helps protect against oxidative stress — one of the main causes of premature skin aging. Regular use can improve tone and elasticity while helping the skin appear refreshed and healthy.
Circulation & toning
By stimulating microcirculation, Scots pine encourages better oxygenation and nutrient flow to the skin. The result is a smoother, more radiant complexion.
Aromatherapeutic calm
The crisp, resinous aroma of Scots pine promotes mental clarity, reduces stress, and uplifts the spirit — all of which benefit the skin by reducing stress-related flare-ups or dullness.
Health and immune benefits of pine needle tea
Beyond topical use, Scots pine offers a wealth of health benefits:
Respiratory wellness – Steam inhalations or pine needle tea help clear the sinuses, ease congestion, and support lung health.
Immune support – The combination of vitamin C, polyphenols, and shikimic acid helps strengthen immune function.
Antioxidant protection – Pine’s bioactive compounds protect cells from oxidative damage, aiding recovery and resilience.
Mental refreshment – The invigorating forest scent restores mental clarity and energy, easing tension and fatigue.
Pine needle tea recipe
Bring the essence of the forest into your cup with this soothing, vitamin-rich infusion.
Ingredients
1–2 teaspoons fresh, chopped Scots pine needles (only use positively identified, safe pine species — avoid yew or cypress)
1 cup filtered water
Optional: a slice of lemon or a drizzle of honey
Instructions
Rinse and chop the needles to release their oils.
Pour boiling water over them, cover, and steep for 10–15 minutes.
Strain, then enjoy warm with lemon or honey if desired.
Pine needle tea is naturally rich in vitamin C and antioxidants and has long been used to support respiratory health. Start with one cup a day and listen to your body. Avoid during pregnancy or breastfeeding.
The role of shikimic acid
Among coniferous trees, Scots pine needles contain the highest levels of shikimic acid, a remarkable compound central to plant metabolism and known for its diverse biological properties. Shikimic acid is an essential precursor in the production of antiviral medications like oseltamivir (Tamiflu), and it’s being studied for its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anti-aging effects. It has garnered significant attention for its potential health benefits, particularly in the context of COVID-19 and post-COVID conditions. This compound, a key intermediate in the shikimate pathway, is a crucial precursor to various essential aromatic amino acids and secondary metabolites in plants. Here, we explore the benefits of shikimic acid, focusing on its potential applications in combating COVID-19 and post-COVID symptoms.
Antiviral properties: Shikimic acid has been identified as a potent inhibitor of the influenza virus's neuraminidase enzyme, which plays a crucial role in viral replication and spread (Kim et al., 2007). While the mechanism of action against SARS-CoV-2 is not yet fully understood, some studies suggest that shikimic acid may have similar antiviral effects against this virus as well (Zhao et al., 2020).
Immune support: Shikimic acid has been shown to enhance immune function by stimulating the production of interferons and other cytokines (Kim et al., 2007). A robust immune system can help combat viral infections more effectively and may also help mitigate post-COVID symptoms by reducing inflammation and promoting recovery.
Antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects: Shikimic acid possesses potent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties (Choi et al., 2014). These attributes can help alleviate post-COVID symptoms such as fatigue, joint pain, and cognitive impairment, which are thought to be caused by chronic inflammation and oxidative stress.
Neuroprotection: Some studies suggest that shikimic acid may have neuroprotective effects, potentially mitigating the neurological symptoms associated with COVID-19 and long COVID (Kim et al., 2012).
In conclusion, shikimic acid, derived from Scots pine oil, offers promising benefits in combating COVID-19 and mitigating post-COVID symptoms. While more research is needed to fully understand its potential, incorporating shikimic acid into your health regimen may provide valuable support for your immune system and overall well-being.
How to start benefiting from Scots pine oil
If you’re ready to experience the purifying and restorative power of Scots pine, these Malina creations allow you to incorporate this remarkable oil into every part of your self-care routine. Each is crafted with organic, natural ingredients — no synthetic fragrance, only the clean, grounding scent of the forest.
A deeply nourishing balm combining the skin-repairing richness of tallow with Scots pine’s purifying, anti-inflammatory benefits. It soothes irritation, restores hydration, and enhances elasticity while leaving behind a soft, woodsy aroma.
Harnessing the antibacterial strength of pine oil, this gentle deodorant neutralizes odor naturally without blocking pores. It supports the body’s innate cleansing process by allowing gentle detoxification through the underarms, helping restore natural balance while maintaining a healthy skin microbiome. The result is lasting freshness, purity, and harmony throughout the day.
A pure, 100% EVOO cleanser enriched with Scots pine essential oil for a clarifying and invigorating cleanse that awakens both skin and senses. Its gentle yet effective formula lifts away impurities, excess oil, and buildup without disturbing the skin’s natural moisture barrier. Rich in antioxidants and soothing botanicals, it helps purify, tone, and refresh the complexion while leaving behind a subtle, woodsy aroma that evokes the stillness of a pine forest after rain.
This multi-purpose mist is a breath of fresh forest air for both skin and space. Enriched with aloe vera and witch hazel, and powered by Scots pine oil’s potent antiseptic and toning qualities, it delivers an instant veil of hydration while helping to purify and balance the complexion. A few spritzes revive the senses, calm the mind, and infuse your surroundings with the grounding scent of pine needles kissed by morning dew. Perfect as a facial toner, post-cleanse refresher, or room mist — it’s a simple ritual that restores clarity, freshness, and a touch of forest serenity wherever you are.
Additionally, consider incorporating Scots pine oil into your health regimen. Pine oil naturally contains shikimic acid, along with other beneficial compounds like terpenes and phenols. Here are some practical steps:
Aromatherapy: Diffuse pine oil in your living space to promote a healthy environment and support your immune system.
Supplementation: Look for supplements containing shikimic acid or Scots pine extract, ensuring they meet current safety standards and are sourced from reputable manufacturers.
A warm alternative: the comfort of pinyon pine
While Scots pine is celebrated for its purifying, clarifying qualities, pinyon pine essential oil offers a beautiful alternative for those who prefer a softer, more distinct pine scent. Its aroma is sweeter and more resinous, evoking the warmth of sunlit pine forests in the American Southwest. Pinyon pine shares many of Scots pine’s skin-loving properties — antibacterial, soothing, and rejuvenating — but with a gentler touch that makes it especially comforting for dry or sensitive skin.
Discover this forest treasure in two of our handcrafted soaps:
Made with organic grass-fed beef tallow as the sole oil, this deeply cleansing bar combines traditional pine tar with pinyon pine essential oil for a rich, smoky, and grounding lather. It helps purify, calm irritation, and restore balance — a true old-world remedy for modern skin.
A nourishing all-purpose bar formulated with shea butter, coconut oil, hemp seed oil, and pure pinyon pine essential oil. Gentle enough for daily use, it delivers luxurious softness and moisture with every wash — a great value for its finest-quality, skin-loving ingredients.
Both soaps offer the comforting scent and nurturing touch of pine in its most natural form, turning every wash into a serene return to nature.
In essence
Scots pine is more than a tree — it’s a living symbol of purification, renewal, and vitality. Its oil, distilled from fragrant needles, carries a synergy of antiseptic strength and antioxidant grace. Whether you sip its tea or indulge in Malina’s organic pine formulations, you’re embracing the forest’s quiet wisdom — letting nature tone, soothe, and awaken your skin, body, and spirit.
Comments