Swiss pine – also called Swiss stone pine – can grow to be several hundreds years old and is famous in the Alpine region for the healing power of its needles and cones. Swiss pine wood’s also becoming popular to produce trendy wellness products. But which health benefits does the so-called Queen of the Alps really have?
The mountains are calling – and one tree in particular: the Swiss pine. Scientific studies (the few that exist) show that its wood and everything that can be extracted from the tree have various positive effects on human health. But what is there to the Swiss pine, apart from needles (five per bundle, by the way)? What’s so special about the so-called Queen of the Alps?
Let’s begin with the botanical perspective. The Swiss pine grows mainly on the south-eastern belt of the Alps in the mountains at the edge of the forest – high up in the krummholz zone, where not many trees can survive. It bears flowers for the first time after 50 to 60 years and only every six to ten years after that.
Avers: where the Methusalems grow
The Swiss pine and sleep: the supposed health benefits
Air purification: The Swiss pine is traditionally said to have an air-purifying effect. While there’s no scientific evidence to support this claim, many people believe the scent improves indoor air quality and creates a relaxing atmosphere.
Needles, cones, nuts: the Swiss pine in folk and alternative medicine
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Nevertheless, the tree is very popular and deeply rooted in the Alpine regions. According to Waldwissen.net, «at least 76 mountain, field and place names are derived from the word "Arve" (Swiss stone pine), e.g. Arvengarten, Arbenhorn and of course Arolla. That this tree species was much more common and much more widespread in earlier times can also be seen from the name Arvenbühl near Amden, where the tree giving the place its name no longer exists.»
But once they’ve found a place where they can grow undisturbed, they outlast decades. The village of Avers in Graubünden portrayed in this story by Swiss national television, for example, is a true paradise for the Swiss pine. It’s home to trees that are 500 to 600 years old. The Swiss pine isn’t only popular at an altitude of around 2,000 metres, but also in the lowlands. Its wood and fine fragrance, as well as its needles and cones are said to have many positive health effects. However, outside of folk medicine and traditional knowledge, there isn’t much scientific research on the effects of the Swiss pine. Let’s take a look at some of the claims and find out if they’re true.
Better sleep: Many people say sleeping in a Swiss pine bed or using a pillow filled with Swiss pine wood shavings improves their sleep quality. In fact, a study from Graz suggests something similar, but the scientific results aren’t significant. In other words, no clear measurable differences in sleep behaviour could be seen, but some of the 15 test subjects reported of subjective improvements. The Austrian study failed the fact check by Austrian website «Medizin Transparent» (link in German), which said studies need to be carried out more rigorously according to scientific criteria on significantly more test subjects in order to confirm the positive effect of Swiss pine on sleep.
Reduced heart rate: The same study claims that participants’ heart rates were slightly lower in the Swiss pine bed than in the standard bed. Although the difference was minimal, this could indicate a calming effect of the wood, according to the authors of the study. However, «Medizin Transparent» also criticised this finding, stating that the difference in heart rate was only minimal and that it could not be conclusively determined whether the Swiss pine wood was actually the reason for this.
Antibacterial properties: Swiss pine wood, bark, buds and needles contain up to 0.5% pinosylvin. According to studies, there’s evidence that this chemical compound has antibacterial properties. This could contribute to inhibiting the growth of bacteria, resulting in a more hygienic living environment. Swiss pine wood has also been shown to help prevent clothes moths.
Positive emotional effect: The scent of Swiss pine is described as soft, round and full, comparable to pine needles drying in the autumn sun, sometimes also floral or vanilla-scented. Many people find it particularly pleasant and calming. This can contribute to an improved emotional well-being as well as reduce stress and anxiety. Scents are transmitted through the nose to the so-called human scent memory, the limbic system, which is responsible for emotions and hormone release and controls your mood. This is why fragrances such as those from Swiss pine have an effect on the body as well as being valuable remedies for psychosomatic and mental illnesses, as the German pharmacists’ publication «Deutsche Apothekerzeitung» magazine writes.
Swiss pine in folk medicine and food: The Swiss pine has always been a source of food for people living in the Alpine regions. Its nuts, for instance, were boiled in milk (link in German) and used as a remedy for lung diseases. Its resin was popular as incense and for disinfecting interiors. Swiss pine tea’s said to have expectorant, antiseptic effects. As an ointment, it’s believed to help heal wounds. The cones can be used to make Swiss pine cone honey as a cough remedy, while Swiss pine schnapps is used to help against stomach problems.
Swiss pine needles are used to for their essential oil or used in inhalations and bath additives. Many ingredients can be identified in the needles. According to the magazine «Deutsche Apothekerzeitung», in addition to wax, starch, ascorbic acid, chlorophyll and carotenoids, Swiss pine needles contain the flavonoids kaempferol and pinocembrin, which is a component more commonly known in connection with propolis. Both flavonoids have anti-inflammatory, cardio- and neuroprotective effects on the body.
The Swiss pine has always played an important cultural role in the Alpine regions. The trees provide shelter and warmth for livestock, which is why they were not felled and have survived to an incredible age. As this German hike description states, the oldest Swiss pine in Switzerland is in the Upper Engadine. It’s more than 1,400 years old.
Popular products made from Swiss pine include oils for saunas or fragrance diffusers, as well as teas, syrups, bubble baths, lunch boxes and much more. You can sleep in Swiss pine hotels or at home in your own Swiss pine wood bed, buy pillows filled with Swiss pine wood shavings and even spray yourself with perfume made from pure Swiss pine oil. But no matter what you choose, you don’t need to worry about the future of the Swiss pine, as its survival is guaranteed by regulated deforestation. Sustainable forestry, environmental organisations and private, local communities are working hard to protect this valuable tree for the centuries to come.
