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What Are the Medical Uses of Alpha-Pinene?

Maggie J. Hall
Maggie J. Hall

The chemical substance alpha-pinene is a component of many essential oils and has anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties. Homeopathic herbs and over-the-counter remedies typically contain alpha-pinene that is found in plant oils and resins. Turpentine, the distilled resin of pine trees, was at one time a widely recognized medical treatment. Juniper berries, eucalyptus oil, and tea tree oil all contain this chemical compound.

Known as a terpene, the alpha-pinene structure consists of 10 carbon atoms configured in two isoprene units joined head to tail. Terpene is one of the more common compounds found in nature. The substance is typically a component of the oils or resins in numerous plants but is most prevalent in that of coniferous pine trees. The amount produced depends on the temperature and available sunlight.

Alpha-pinene has been used to treat respiratory ailments.
Alpha-pinene has been used to treat respiratory ailments.

For centuries, people stripped the bark and punctured the trunks of pine trees in order to collect drops of resin. The substance was distilled with water and called turpentine. The resin is rich in alpha and beta pinenes and was used in a distilled version for a host of home remedies. Drops of the resin solution were diluted in milk, wine, or water for respiratory ailments and the concoction was thought to act as an effective expectorant. These mixtures were used both externally and internally for parasitic infections as well.

The wood of juniper trees has been used to treat eczema.
The wood of juniper trees has been used to treat eczema.

Combined with animal fat or bee’s wax, the alpha-pinene containing resin was applied topically as an analgesic liniment or an antimicrobial ointment. The green to blue-black berry-like cones of the juniper tree have also been used for centuries as a medicinal preparation. In the 1600s, the Dutch created an alcoholic tonic using the juniper berries. This beverage would later become known as gin. The French distilled the wood of juniper trees and used the final product for treating eczema and other skin ailments.

Tea tree oil, which contains alpha-pinene, has been used to prevent infections in wounds.
Tea tree oil, which contains alpha-pinene, has been used to prevent infections in wounds.

Oil from the eucalyptus tree contains alpha-pinene, and cultures from around the world have used and continue to use the oil and leaves of this well known tree in teas, tinctures, and topical formulations. Modern formulations of mouthwashes, cold and chest ointments, and cough lozenges commonly contain eucalyptus oil. Historically, a few drops of the oil were added to small amounts of water, or a tea was made from dried leaves as treatment for respiratory disorders. Many believe that dried leaf tinctures exhibit antimicrobial and anti-parasitic properties when used topically.

Juniper berries contain alpha-pinene.
Juniper berries contain alpha-pinene.

Ancient aboriginal cultures of Australia were familiar with the medicinal benefits of tea tree oil, which contains alpha-pinene. Also known as melaleuca, topical preparations protected open wounds and reportedly eliminated infections. Many accept the substance as a treatment for fungal infections of the feet.

Discussion Comments

Certlerant

An interesting fact is that eucalyptus oil is very flammable. This means that if you have a drawn out dry season fire is an issue.

When a small bushfire starts spreading eucalyptus trees are a fertile fuel with the oil present in their canopy. In some situations, eucalyptus trees have been known to explode in a fire.

Eucalyptus trees tends to litter the ground with its volatile leaves that naturally break down slowly. These leaves scattered along the ground pile up to form a potential hazard.

Fire doesn't destroy the tree altogether most of the time. They have evolved to survive these sudden and hot fires. They regenerate themselves from buds deep under their bark.

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    • Alpha-pinene has been used to treat respiratory ailments.
      By: robyelo357
      Alpha-pinene has been used to treat respiratory ailments.
    • The wood of juniper trees has been used to treat eczema.
      By: Jingling Water
      The wood of juniper trees has been used to treat eczema.
    • Tea tree oil, which contains alpha-pinene, has been used to prevent infections in wounds.
      By: sudok1
      Tea tree oil, which contains alpha-pinene, has been used to prevent infections in wounds.
    • Juniper berries contain alpha-pinene.
      By: Dani Vincek
      Juniper berries contain alpha-pinene.
    • Alpha-pinene, found in eucalyptus oil, has anti-inflammatory properties.
      By: beto_chagas
      Alpha-pinene, found in eucalyptus oil, has anti-inflammatory properties.
    • Eucalyptus oil contains alpha-pinene.
      By: PhotoSG
      Eucalyptus oil contains alpha-pinene.