Pine, Sugar

More information on this plant

Sugar pine (Pinus lambertiana) has a long history of medicinal use, especially among Indigenous peoples of the western United States, who valued its resin, sap, and inner bark for both internal and external remedies. The dried sap has been taken internally as a carminative and gentle laxative to ease stomach gas, constipation, and ulcers, and it has also been prepared as eye drops to soothe sore or inflamed eyes. Preparations from the resin have been used as a remedy for kidney and bladder complaints and to support the respiratory system in conditions like coughs, colds, influenza, and other mucous membrane ailments. These same resinous preparations can act as mild antiseptics and expectorants, helping to loosen mucus and ease breathing when used in steams or inhalations.

Externally, sugar pine resin has been applied as liniments, plasters, and poultices for skin complaints, including wounds, sores, burns, and boils, where its antimicrobial and anti‑inflammatory properties support healing. Traditional steam baths using the resin have also been used to relieve rheumatic pains and sore muscles, reflecting broader uses of pine species for joint and muscle discomfort. The tree’s sweet sap and nutrient-rich seeds have served as nourishing foods that also offer gentle digestive support, illustrating how sugar pine blurs the line between food and medicine. As with all wild medicinal plants, correct identification of sugar pine and consultation with a qualified practitioner are important before internal use, especially for people with existing medical conditions or those taking medications.

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