Pine Oil
Historical document, translated for reference. It reflects medical knowledge of the 1920s–30s and is not medical advice.
Summary
Pine oil is an essential oil obtained by steam distillation from fresh leaves (needles) of the common pine Pinus silvestris L. It is a clear, slightly yellowish liquid with a pleasant aroma, used for air freshening, baths, and in various preparations due to its irritant properties.
Encyclopedia entry (1928–1936)
PINE OIL (Latin Pinus silvestris L.), essential pine oil, obtained by steam distillation from fresh leaves (needles) of the common pine Pinus silvestris L. A clear, slightly yellowish liquid with an aromatic odor, soluble in 5-7 parts of 90% alcohol with a neutral or slightly acidic reaction. During pine oil distillation, the fraction up to 170° should not exceed 45% (turpentine impurity). Used for its pleasant odor to refresh indoor air and for baths, in the form of alcohol solutions and special preparations (pinol, fluinol, etc.) that have irritant properties. Stored in a protected from light and cool place in well-sealed bottles. The constants and odor nuances of pine oil depend on the production method and plant variety. B. N. Rutovsky lists 36 species of Pinus (not counting fir, spruce, etc.) as sources of pine oil.
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Cite this page
“Pine Oil.” Soviet Medical Encyclopedia. English translation of Bolshaya Meditsinskaya Entsiklopediya, 1st ed. (Moscow, 1928–1936), ed. N. A. Semashko. https://sovietmedicalencyclopedia.pages.dev/article/pine-oil/