I absolutely love the smell of pine, so I try to always get some as often as I can. I knew they had benefits, so I got out my books and learned as much as I could.

I had just finished making a batch of pine-infused oil, and decided to try out a DIY pine salve recipe with it first. That night, I rubbed it on my chest before bed. The cooling scent actually grounded me, and slept great!

Whether you’re looking for a natural muscle rub, a chest balm for cold season, or simply want to bring the forest into your home medicine cabinet, this pine salve is a beginner-friendly herbal remedy that truly works.

Here are the benefits and how to make it yourself!

Benefits of Pine Needles

Pine needles aren’t just a symbol of winter, they’re incredibly healing too.

Rich in vitamin C, antioxidants, and anti-inflammatory compounds, pine helps soothe sore muscles, support respiratory health, and even offer mild antiseptic properties.

Here are a few key uses for pine:

Sore muscles and joints: Pine’s anti-inflammatory properties make it wonderful in a salve for easing muscle tension and aches after physical activity.
Chest rub for colds: The fresh, woodsy scent of pine can help open airways and calm coughs. It pairs beautifully with steam or a warm compress. I love using it when I’m sick!
Minor skin irritations: Pine’s natural antimicrobial effects can support healing of scrapes, cuts, or bug bites.

Safety Note: Pine is generally safe when used topically and properly diluted, but avoid using it on very young children or sensitive skin unless patch tested.

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How to Make Pine Salve

This makes around 4 ounces total, good enough for 2 tins.

Ingredients

Pine needles
Carrier oil (I use avocado oil)
¾ cup pine infused oil
2 tablespoons beeswax
12 to 15 drops pine essential oil
2 oz tins

Instructions

Fill a clean glass jar about halfway with pine needles, then cover with your carrier oil. Cap the jar and let it sit for a few weeks, shaking every few days. When it’s ready, strain the oil through a fine mesh or cheesecloth.

In a double boiler (or a glass bowl over a pot of simmering water), combine your pine-infused oil and beeswax. Stir until the beeswax is fully melted.

Remove the mixture from heat and let it cool for a minute or two. Stir in your pine essential oil, if using.

Pour the mixture into clean tins or glass jars. Let them cool uncovered until fully solid, usually a few hours or overnight.

Notes:

You can skip the essential oil if you’re making this for young children or prefer a gentler scent.
This salve will last about a year if stored in a cool, dry place.

Pine Salve

Yield: 4 ounces

No Ratings

Materials

Pine needles
Carrier oil (I use avocado oil)
¾ cup pine infused oil
2 tablespoonsbeeswax
12 to 15 drops pine essential oil
2 oz tins

Instructions

Fill a clean glass jar about halfway with pine needles, then cover with your carrier oil. Cap the jar and let it sit for a few weeks, shaking every few days. When it’s ready, strain the oil through a fine mesh or cheesecloth.
In a double boiler (or a glass bowl over a pot of simmering water), combine your pine-infused oil and beeswax. Stir until the beeswax is fully melted.
Remove the mixture from heat and let it cool for a minute or two. Stir in your pine essential oil, if using.
Pour the mixture into clean tins or glass jars. Let them cool uncovered until fully solid, usually a few hours or overnight.

Notes

You can skip the essential oil if you're making this for young children or prefer a gentler scent.
This salve will last about a year if stored in a cool, dry place.

Final Thoughts

Nature really does give us everything we need, sometimes right in our backyard. This pine salve is a simple, soothing way to bring forest medicine into your home.

Whether you use it for tight muscles, stuffy noses, or dry winter skin, it’s one of those quiet herbal helpers that earns its keep.

Let me know if you make it!

More Pine Recipes:

From dry skin to sore muscles, 22 Herbal Salves Recipes teaches you how to make natural remedies at home!

DIY Pine Salve

Benefits of Pine Needles

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How to Make Pine Salve

Ingredients

Instructions

Notes: