The plants around us. Volum II The plant around us. Volum II | Page 45

GASTRONOMIC USE
Seed - raw or cooked. Rich in oil, the seed has a soft
texture with a hint of resin in the flavour. It makes
a delicious snack and can also be used as a staple
food. The seeds are often added to ice cream, cakes,
puddings etc. They can also be ground into a powder
and used as a thickener and flavouring in soups etc.
The seed is a good size, up to 20mm x 10mm, and is
a major source of pine nuts in commerce. A vanillin
flavouring is obtained as a by-product of other resins
that are released from the pulpwood. Young pine
cones can be ground into a powder and used as
a flavouring.
MEDICINAL USE
The infusions or pine syrups are used in treatments for
respiratory system. It also helps reduce bronchial spasms
and decreases mucus.
Cough, cold, pharyngitis and sinusitis.
Pine is also a remedy for pain, for example in blows or
rheumatism. The turpentine obtained from the resin of all
pine trees is antiseptic, diuretic, rubefacient and
vermifuge. It is a valuable remedy used internally in the
treatment of kidney and bladder complaints and is used
both internally and as a rub and steam bath in the
treatment of rheumatic affections. It is also very beneficial
to the respiratory system and so is useful in treating
diseases of the mucous membranes and respiratory
complaints such as coughs, colds and influenza.
Externally it is a very beneficial treatment for a variety of
skin complaints, wounds, sores, burns, boils and is used
in the form of liniment plasters, poultices, herbal steam
baths and inhalers.