Scots pine ( Pinus sylvestris), from the Pinaceae family, has several names such as "Baltic pine," "European red pine," or "Scotch pine." This pine is found across all of Europe and through eastern Siberia, up through the mountains of the Middle East. It is found at altitudes of up to 1600m. It is a very useful tree, especially for medicine.
The Scots pine can withstand periods of drought, making it our ally during a period of global warming. It can also resist cold temperatures, a reason why it's often found in northern Siberia where it can face up to -50ºC. Not a fussy tree, it likes mountains and sandy soil, but can adapt to poor soil.
The Scots pine is often found nearby oaks and its wood is very often used for joinery and carpentry.
Scots pine is hardy and adapts to poor soil conditions. This monoecious conifer tolerates drought as well as extreme cold. This species is very resistant to cold (down to -50 ° C) and to heat. A pioneer species, it's good for reforesting locations where other trees won't flourish. The Scots pine, heliophile, appreciates sunny locations in light, well-drained soil that's a little acidic, but hardly calcareous. Planting is done mostly in autumn, or even April except during frosts. It settles deeply in the ground thanks to its root system and its taproot.
This resinous species was once highly valued by shipwrights for the quality of its wood. Nowadays, its wood has multiple uses in the fields of construction, carpentry, and the paper industry.
Its flexible red-yellow wood is still used in construction and shipbuilding as much outisde, in the form of structural timber and framework, as inside, in the form of joinery and flooring. It is also used in the manufacture of pulp, plywood, pallets, and crates.
Turpentine is made out of its sap, as is Scots pine essential oil, popular in alternative medicine.
In some cultures, the Scots pine is a symbol of vitality and good health. It's rumoured to clear mucus and combat fatigue. Herbal tea made from its needles or buds (harvested at winter's end, when they're still sticky) is used as an antiseptic drink and decongestant for those with respiratory infections or wet coughs.
It is also used to combat UTIs, having comparable qualities to cortisol, an anti-inflammatory. That's why it's been used as an essential oil since antiquity to soothe respiratory problems (i.e. bronchitis, sinusitis) or joint pain (i.e. rheumatism, arthritis).
What's more, its soothing and toning properties are exceptional. Its effect on the adrenal glands can reduce stress, hence why its herbal tea is recommended for developping concentration, reducing stress, and regenerating the body in cases of serious fatigue or depression.
