The Swiss Stone Pine – A Tree with History and Surprising Abilities
Name, Habitat and Characteristics
In German-speaking countries, the Swiss stone pine is known by various names. In Germany, it is usually called Zirbelkiefer, in Switzerland often Arve or Arbe, Austrians use Zirbe or Zirm, and in South Tyrol, in some valleys, it is even called the Petschl-Baum. In ancient Rome, this evergreen pine would have been called Pinus cembra.
The Swiss stone pine is mainly native to the Alps and Carpathians, it loves high mountains and is therefore found at the tree line (approx. 1800 m to 2200 m). At these altitudes, it is exposed to long, cold winters without protection. As the most frost-hardy tree in the Alpine region, this leaves it literally cold. On the contrary, this adaptable tree can live up to 1000 years.
"...the edible seeds have an extremely high content of valuable fats, proteins, vitamins and trace elements."
The most important characteristic of the Swiss stone pine are its needles. Unlike other pines, it does not have 2 needles, but 5 needles, which grow to about 5 mm to 11 mm long. The cones, which originally bore the name Zirbe (probably from the Middle High German zirben for 'to whirl' or 'to spin in circles'), contain about 90 seeds. These edible seeds are also called nuts and have an extremely high content of valuable fats and proteins, as well as vitamins and trace elements.
The wood of the Swiss stone pine
The reddish-brown heartwood of the Swiss stone pine has a very aromatic and unique scent, which is both resinous and sweet. The wood is soft, easy to split and carve, making it ideal for paneling, furniture making, and carving. For example, the hand-carved nativity figures and large saint figures from the famous Val Gardena woodcarvings are made from Swiss stone pine wood. Some kitchen utensils like bread bins, bread drums, or pan holders are also traditionally carved from Swiss stone pine wood.
Especially in interior design, Swiss stone pine wood was already used in South Tyrol in earlier times, and many South Tyrolean guesthouses and farmhouses are made from this unique wood. Other furnishings such as wardrobes and chests (among others for grain storage) are also made from the aromatic wood. Studies have now shown that Swiss stone pine wood offers ideal protection against moths – even compared to other woods, Swiss stone pine performs significantly better here.
The fragrant wood of the Swiss stone pine remains very popular today for making furniture. Whether entire bedrooms and living rooms or just a bed made of Swiss stone pine, many people trust the beneficial properties of Swiss stone pine wood. In the past, it was believed that children who slept in Swiss stone pine cribs were calmer and cried less. And indeed, Swiss stone pine wood is said to have a very positive effect on heart rate: A study confirms this old "folk wisdom" and states that the number of heartbeats in a Swiss stone pine bed is reduced by approx. 3000 beats per night. But the wonder tree Swiss stone pine can do even more. A positive effect on people with weather sensitivity has been proven. A Swiss stone pine room stabilizes the circulatory system and thus makes us more independent of external conditions such as the weather.
"...the number of heartbeats in a Swiss stone pine bed is said to decrease by approx. 3000 beats per night."
If you don't want to panel your entire apartment with Swiss stone pine wood, you can, of course, also use smaller decorative items. Even a decorative bowl with Swiss stone pine shavings can give a room a pleasant and relaxing atmosphere just by its long-lasting scent. The Swiss stone pine pillows we produce also use the valuable properties of Swiss stone pine. The filling material made of planed shavings from South Tyrolean Swiss stone pine with its natural essential oils emits an aromatic scent for a long time and allows for healthy and relaxed sleep. You can find our Swiss stone pine pillows here.
The Role of Swiss Stone Pine in Folk and Natural Medicine
In folk and natural medicine, the beneficial and health-promoting properties of the Swiss stone pine were discovered very early on. A Roman scholar, for example, boiled Swiss stone pine nuts in milk and recommended this drink to alleviate coughs and lung ailments. Hildegard von Bingen also used the Swiss stone pine, and especially its resin, which showed germicidal and disinfectant effects when smoked.
In South Tyrol, the Swiss stone pine was highly valued as a remedy, for example, by the Ragginer farmer-doctors – the most famous of whom were the Ragginer from Lüsen. These farmer-doctors were healers who relied on herbal medicine and the power of medicinal plants, but also made use of occult rituals. Oils were extracted from the Swiss stone pine – more precisely from its needles and young shoots – which, according to the Ragginer farmer-doctors, had antispasmodic and blood pressure-lowering effects. The pulse-lowering effect, which is also confirmed by studies today, was already known to the Ragginer in their time.
Other uses of the Swiss stone pine are also handed down from South Tyrolean traditions: Swiss stone pine tea was used as a contraceptive, washes with unripe Swiss stone pine cones were supposed to prevent premature births, and when coffee beans were scarce, coffee was brewed from Swiss stone pine seeds.
"The Swiss stone pine oil from Südtirolwelt is traditionally produced in the Sarntal valley - in the heart of South Tyrol."
Nowadays, for example, oils from the Swiss stone pine are often used in wellness. Our Swiss stone pine oil is also excellently suited as an essential oil to relax body, mind and soul. It is traditionally produced in the Sarntal valley - in the heart of South Tyrol. The branches, including the needles of the Swiss stone pine, are processed by steam distillation. The resulting Swiss stone pine oil can be used in many ways, be it as an additive for a relaxing bath, for aroma lamps or as a massage oil. A Swiss stone pine bath relaxes the muscles, a massage with Swiss stone pine oil promotes blood circulation and has a warming effect. Cosmetic products with Swiss stone pine disinfect our skin and aching joints can be rubbed with a Swiss stone pine schnapps. You can find our Swiss stone pine oil here.
The production of Zirbeler, or Swiss stone pine schnapps, has a long tradition in South Tyrol. On the one hand, the dark brown-reddish schnapps is appreciated by South Tyroleans as a delicacy. But it is also attributed healing properties. On the one hand, it is used to rub aching joints, and on the other hand, gastrointestinal problems are treated with it. The essential oils have an anti-inflammatory effect and the bitter substances stimulate digestion. Both the cones and the young shoots can be used for the production of Swiss stone pine schnapps.
Sources:
Grote, V. / Lackner, H. / Muhry, F. / Trapp, M. / Moser, M. (2003): Evaluation der Auswirkungen eines Zirbenholzumfeldes auf Kreislauf, Schlaf, Befinden und vegetative Regulation. Joanneum Research Forschungsgesellschaft mbH, Institut für Nichtinvasive Diagnostik.
Thaler Rizzoli, S. / Gasteiger, H. (2019). Die Zirbe. Heilkraft der Natur – Gesundes Wohnen – Mit über 100 Rezepten für Wohlbefinden, Schönheit & Küche. Bozen: Athesia-Tappeiner Verlag.
Page „Zirbelkiefer“. In: Wikipedia, Die freie Enzyklopädie. Edited: 23 June 2021, 11:19 UTC. https://de.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Zirbelkiefer&oldid=213219689 [26 June 2021]
Photos: Benjamin Pfitscher Fotograf