Pini Folium
Aliases：Sōng Yè (Pine Leaf); Zhū Zōng Sōng Yè (Bristle Pine Leaf); Sōng Máo (Pine Hair); Shān Sōng Xū (Mountain Pine Beard).
Pine needle (Sōng Zhēn) is a traditional Chinese medicinal herb. It refers to the dried needles of Pinus species (Pinaceae), such as Pinus massoniana Lamb., Pinus tabuliformis Carr., and Pinus yunnanensis Franch. It is named for its needle-like shape. Pine needle was first recorded in “Ming Yi Bie Lu” (Famous Physicians‘ Records) as being “effective for rheumatic sores, promoting hair growth, soothing the five viscera, maintaining the middle, preventing hunger, and prolonging life”. The “Compendium of Materia Medica” (Bencao Gangmu) records that it can “relieve wind-induced pain and numbness in the feet and legs, and kill rice insects”. This herb is widely available throughout the country, possesses high medicinal value, and is commonly used in folk medicine to dispel wind-dampness, invigorate blood, and calm the nerves.
Efficacy & Actions
Rheumatic arthralgia, beriberi, dampness sores, tinea, wind rash with itching, traumatic injury, neurasthenia, chronic nephritis, and hypertension. Additionally, this herb may help prevent Japanese encephalitis and influenza.
Indications
Rheumatic arthralgia, beriberi, dampness sores, tinea, wind rash with itching, traumatic injury, neurasthenia, chronic nephritis, and hypertension. Additionally, this herb may help prevent Japanese encephalitis and influenza.
Modern Pharmacology
Sedative Effect: Pine needle has a certain sedative effect and can be used to nourish the heart and calm the nerves. Anti-inflammatory and Analgesic Effects: Pine needle is effective against various inflammation models, exhibiting anti-inflammatory and analgesic effects. Hypolipidemic Effect: The unsaturated fatty acids in pine needle can reduce blood lipids and cholesterol, lower blood viscosity, and exert a dual regulatory effect on blood pressure. Hypoglycemic Effect: Research has confirmed that pine needle possesses hypoglycemic effects. Antitumor Effect: Pine needle exhibits antitumor activity. Anti-Aging Effect: Pine needle extract has anti-aging effects. Antioxidant Effect: The flavonoid components in pine needle have good antioxidant activity. Antiviral and Antibacterial Effects: Pine needle has antiviral and antibacterial effects. Antimutagenic Effect: Pine needle has antimutagenic effects.
Ingredients
1、 Volatile oils (terpenoids): Mainly α-pinene, β-pinene, camphene, myrcene, etc. 2、 Flavonoids: Myricetin, quercetin, kaempferol and their glycosides. 3、 Lignans. 4、 Sugars and polysaccharides. 5、 Other constituents: Shikimic acid, pigments (chlorophyll, carotene), vitamins, amino acids, and various minerals.
Usage & Dosage
Oral Administration: Decoction, 6–15 g (30–60 g if fresh); or steeped in wine. Topical Administration: Appropriate amount, mashed fresh herb for external application; or decocted in water for washing.
Contraindications
Use with caution in cases of blood deficiency, yin deficiency, or internal dryness: Pine needles are warm in nature and may aggravate these conditions. Use with caution during pregnancy: Pine needles have certain blood‑invigorating effects and may stimulate the uterus. Contraindicated for those allergic to pine needles: Individuals with known allergy should avoid use; those with allergic constitution should use with caution. Use with caution in children: Infants and young children have delicate bodies and should not take it casually when healthy. Long‑term or excessive use of pine needles may affect liver and kidney function; abuse is not recommended.
Selected Formulas
For Lower Back Pain (from Jiangxi Folk Herbal Medicine Prescriptions) Take 30 g of fresh Masson pine needles (Pinus massoniana). Decoct in water, strain out the residue, add 30 g of rock sugar, and take orally. For Chilblains (from National Compilation of Chinese Herbal Medicine) Take one large handful of fresh pine needles. Decoct in water and wash the affected area twice daily. Suitable for both ruptured and unruptured chilblains. For General Weakness with Edema (from National Compilation of Chinese Herbal Medicine) Take 500 g of fresh pine needles. Add 2500 g of water and decoct until 500 g of liquid remains. Remove the residue, add 150 g of brown sugar, divide into 6 doses, and take twice daily. For Chronic Nephritis (from Jiangxi Herbal Medicine) Take an appropriate amount of fresh Masson pine needles. Cut off both ends, mash thoroughly, and extract the juice. Take 30 g of the juice each time with warm boiled water. For Neurasthenia and Night Blindness (from Shaan-Gan-Ning-Qing Chinese Herbal Medicine Selection) Wash and mash pine needles, add an equal amount of water, and decoct to obtain the liquid. Take 200 ml of the liquid three times daily. For Hair Loss (from Inner Mongolia Chinese Herbal Medicine) Take 60 g of fresh pine needles. Decoct in water and use the liquid to wash the hair. For Intercostal Neuralgia (from Zhejiang Medicinal Plants Flora) Take 15 g of fresh pine needles and 2 eggs. Boil in water until the eggs are cooked. Drink the soup and eat the eggs. For Traumatic Injury (from Jiangxi Folk Herbal Medicine Prescriptions) Take the tender branch tips and leaves of Masson pine. Bake until dry, grind into a very fine powder. Take 3 g of the powder twice daily, with warm sweet wine.
Daily Consumption
Pine Needle Decoction (Clears Heat and Calms the Nerves) Take 50 g of fresh pine needles. Wash them and cut into 3 sections. Place in a pot with 600 ml of water. Bring to a boil over high heat, then reduce to low heat and simmer for approximately 10–15 minutes. Pine Needle Tea (Refreshes the Mind) Dry freshly collected pine needles in the sun, then brew with boiling water to make pine needle tea. The tea has a slightly yellow color and a light pine fragrance. Pine Needle Congee (Strengthens the Spleen and Nourishes the Stomach) Take 30 g of fresh pine needles. Wash and chop them finely. Cook with an appropriate amount of polished rice to make a congee. Rock sugar may be added to enhance flavor.
Medicinal Parts
Fresh or dried needles.
Selection & Storage
Store in a well-ventilated, dry place.