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Pine Bark Remedies

Pine bark contains antioxidants and natural plant flavonoids, and has anti-inflammatory properties. It has been used in herbal remedies since the mid-1500s when sailors suffering from scurvy drank tea made from pine bark to relieve their symptoms. Today, pine bark is used an alternative therapy to treat joint inflammation, colds, skin problems and gum disease, and is found naturally on trees or in extract form in health food stores.

  1. Joint Pain

    • A double-blind study held at Chieti-Pescara University in Italy tested the effects of pine bark on 156 patients suffering from osteoarthritis in the knee. Patients were given 100 milligrams of Pycnogenol, a chemical compound derived from pine bark, or a placebo every day for three months. Those on Pycnogenol reported over 50 percent improvement in stiffness and joint pain, and were able to reduce their dependence on pain medication. Scientists recommended that Pycnogenol be taken on an empty stomach about 30 minutes before meals, to improve its absorption into the blood.

    Colds

    • Steep pine bark in boiling water to make a resinous, pine-flavored tea. Pine bark tea helps cut down on phlegm. AltMd.com recommends brewing the tea to help "sweat out" colds caused by damp, cold weather.

    Dermatology

    • The chemicals found in pine bark are beneficial to skin health. Pycnogenol naturally binds to the collagen proteins in your skin, improving its elasticity. Its antioxidants also fight damaging free radicals caused by exposure to the sun's harmful ultraviolet rays. Pycnogenol can be applied directly to the skin in gels and lotions with small concentrations of the chemical; these can be found at health stores and natural food stores.

    Gum Problems

    • Pine bark's anti-inflammatory properties make it an excellent remedy for gingivitis. A small study at California-based Loma Linda University's School of Dentistry had gingivitis sufferers chew a gum made with pine bark extracts or a control gum for 14 days. Researchers found the pine bark gum reduced gum bleeding and helped reduce plaque accumulation; the placebo group experienced no benefits.

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