Eastern White Pine (Pinus strobus LINN.) Click on graphic for larger image

Pine, White

Botanical: Pinus strobus (LINN.)
Family: N.O. Pinaceae

• Description
• Constituents
• Medicinal Action and Uses
• Dosage

Eastern White Pine (Pinus strobus LINN.) Click on graphic for larger image

In the United States it grows up to 200 feet in height, but rarely reaches half that stature in England. The wood is peculiarly adapted for the masts of ships, and in Queen Anne's reign legal measures were taken for the encouragement of its cultivation. The bark is very smooth, and the leaves grow in small bundles of five, the cylindrical cones being a little longer than these.

The bark is found in small, flattened pieces, the outer surface light, with a pinkish or yellowish tinge, sometimes patched with greyish-brown fragments, and the inner surface lighter or darker and finely striate. The tough, fibrous fracture shows yellowish and whitish layers. The odour is like terebinth, and the taste both bitter and sweet, astringent and mucilaginous.

---Constituents---The powder shows starch and resin. The bark yields a maximum of 3 per cent of ash. It is a source of the terebinth of America. Coniferin is found in the cambium.

---Medicinal Action and Uses---Expectorant, demulcent, diuretic, a useful remedy in coughs and colds, having a beneficial effect on the bladder and kidneys.

The compound syrup contains sufficient morphine to assist in developing the morphine habit and should be used with caution.

---Dosage---Of Compound Syrup, 1 fluid drachm. Of Compound Syrup, with Morphine, 30 minims. Fluid Extract, 1/2 to 1 drachm.