Turpentine Comes from Pine Trees and it Targets Cancer. (Pine Needle Health Benefits)

Today, science is looking at how pine tree oil might be useful in preventing and treating cancer. One paper published in the journal Prostate back in 2008 found that oligomeric proanthocyanidin complexes, or OPCs, taken from maritime pine bark target a prostate cancer cell line known as LNCaP. Not only did the LNCaP cells cease to spread as a result of the pine, but they also ended up dying.

Another study published several years prior in the journal Nutrition and Cancer found that pine needles of the Pinus densiflora variety inhibit many of the processes by which cancer forms in the body. This same pine variety was also found to directly block the growth of a multiple cancer cell lines, including MCF-7, SNU-638, and HL-60.

Here’s what the authors of this study had to say about their findings, which they declared show that pine exhibits a strong antioxidant, antimutagenic, and antiproliferative effect on cancer cells:

“In in vivo anti-tumor studies, freeze-dried pine needle powder supplements (5%, wt/wt) diet was fed to mice inoculated with Sarcoma-180 cells or rats treated with mammary carcinogen, 7,12-dimethylbenz[a]anthracene (DMBA, 50 mg/kg body weight). Tumorigenesis was suppressed by pine needle supplementation in the two model systems.”

The oil of terebinthine pine, also known as “terebinthe,” is another recognized anti-cancer elixir. It’s a stimulant both of the prostate gland and the uterus, and it also helps mitigate adrenal fatigue and balance hormone production. And if the name sounds similar to turpentine, that’s because it is: turpentine pine resin is among the most regarded anti-cancer remedies in ancient folklore, demonstrating benefits in cancers of the liver, breast, spleen, rectum, tongue, and more.


The oil in pine needles, like that found in eucalyptus, protects against a number of health issues and harmful organisms. Dr. Edward F. Group III, founder of the Global Healing Center, lists the following benefits:

- Strengthens immunity
- Relieves bronchial and sinus infections
- Disinfects mildew, yeast spores and Escherichia coli - - Protects against the common cold and flu
- Neutralizes free radicals
- Guards against muscle degeneration, eye diseases and nervous system disorders
- Useful for treating eczema, Athlete's foot, psoriasis, dandruff, acne and boils


How to (safely) make pine needle tea

The first -- and most important -- step in brewing a health-enhancing pine needle tea is to identify a safe species. White pine is widely considered the best choice. Next, harvest a handful of young needles with a bright green color. Make sure to only source from trees that haven't been sprayed and are situated well away from roadways. Strip the brown papery sheath from the ends and roughly chop. Place in a heat-proof container and pour boiling water over the needles. Cover and let steep for 10 minutes. Strain, sweeten to taste and drink immediately.


DO NOT harvest from the following trees since the needles are toxic:

Ponderosa Pine (also known as Blackjack, Western Yellow, Yellow and Bull Pine)
Lodgepole or Shore Pine
Common Juniper
Monterey Cypress
Common Yew
Norfolk Pine
Australian Pine


For some extra info: