A folk ointment which my grandmother often used for burns and various skin disorders!”
“I developed eczema long ago, and it was in a very severe form. Now it rarely flares up, but it cannot be compared to the previous severity. I taught acquaintances how to prepare this salve, many of whom suffered from psoriasis, neurodermatitis, and other skin diseases. It suited everyone very well.
Eczema and psoriasis have become torment for many people, so I offer you my recipe for this ointment:
Gather young fir or pine needles. On the bottom of an enameled pot, spread butter (or fat) to a thickness of 2 cm. On top of that, sprinkle a layer (2 cm thick) of washed, dried, and chopped pine/fir needles. Then again butter, then needles, alternating layers until the pot is filled. The topmost layer should be butter. Cover the pot with a lid, seal the rim with dough (so no air can enter), and place it in an oven at medium heat for two hours. Then turn the oven off but leave the pot inside for another two and a half hours. Repeat this heating and resting cycle three times.
Meanwhile, the dough seal around the edges may burn, but do not remove it. It is very important that the fat be infused with the needles in an airtight environment. When the pot has cooled, strain the butter through multiple layers of gauze into a container, and let it sit for a day in the refrigerator. The resulting ointment has a pleasant green color and aroma. It should be rubbed into the affected skin areas several times a day until full recovery. Store the salve in the refrigerator, on a lower shelf.
The shelf life is up to one year. You may use it for various skin injuries. It has no contraindications.
I wish you health, my friends, and my advice is to trust folk medicine!”
Doctor’s Commentary:
Fir and pine needles are rich in ascorbic acid (vitamin C), alkaloids, terpenes, and other bioactive compounds. Pine needles are used to prepare infusions for preventing and treating vitamin deficiency. Moreover, pine is included in anti‑asthma mixtures.
When applied locally, it exerts anti-inflammatory, anti-allergic, and bacteriostatic effects. In folk medicine one finds records of preparations from pine used to treat a variety of skin diseases.
(Source: Karabadini)
Expanded Version – Traditional Ointment for Skin Conditions (≈1200 Words)
Introduction
Many traditional remedies have been passed down through families, often with little written record, yet with deep personal significance. One such remedy is this pine- or fir-needle ointment, traditionally used to help with burns, eczema, psoriasis, neurodermatitis, and other skin disorders. In this expanded description, I’ll present both the original recipe (as taught by my grandmother) and a medical commentary on what might underlie its effects — along with cautions and modern perspectives.
The Personal Testimony
I have had eczema for many years — in the past it was extremely severe. Over time, with various interventions and lifestyle changes, the intensity has lessened, and now it rarely flares as strongly. Yet it is nothing like what it was before. Because of this, I felt compelled to share a remedy I learned from my grandmother, one which many acquaintances have used to good effect. Those suffering from psoriasis, neurodermatitis, or other chronic skin conditions have tried it and have reported relief.
To offer you this old recipe:
Gather young pine (or fir) needles. Fresh green needles are preferred.
Use an enameled pot (or other nonreactive vessel). At the bottom, spread butter or fat to a thickness of 2 cm.
On top of that first fat layer, place a 2 cm layer of washed, dried, and finely chopped needles.
Then place another layer of fat, then another layer of needles, alternating until the pot is nearly full.
The final (top) layer should be butter (fat) to ensure that needles stay immersed.
Cover the pot with a lid and seal the rim with dough, ensuring airtightness so that no air may enter.
Place the pot in an oven at moderate heat and let it bake / infuse for 2 hours. Then turn off the heat, but leave the pot inside for another 2½ hours.
This heating + resting cycle is repeated three times total, so you reheat and rest, reheat and rest, reheat and rest.
During this process, the dough seal may burn somewhat — do not remove it, as this seal is essential to keep out air.
After the last cycle, let the pot cool. Then strain the infused fat through several layers of gauze (or cheesecloth). Collect the liquid fat (butter) into a container and let it stand in the refrigerator for one day.
The resulting ointment has a pleasant green color and pine aroma. It should be rubbed into affected areas of skin several times per day until complete healing.
The ointment is to be stored in the refrigerator, lower shelf. Its shelf life is claimed to be up to one year.
According to tradition, this ointment is said to be safe and have no contraindications, making it suitable for many types of skin damage
or inflammation.
I send this recipe with wishes for your good health, and with the advice that you may trust in folk medicine — with prudence.
Medical / Phytochemical Commentary
To evaluate this remedy from a scientific perspective, let us examine what is known about pine and fir needles, and how these compounds may plausibly contribute to skin healing, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, or antioxidant effects.
Chemical Constituents of Pine / Fir Needles
Pine and fir needles are known to contain a variety of bioactive compounds, including:
Vitamin C (Ascorbic Acid) — important for collagen synthesis and immune support.
Terpenes / Terpenoids — volatile compounds with antiseptic, anti-inflammatory, and antimicrobial properties.
Resin acids and essential oils — capable of inhibiting microbial growth (bacteria, fungi).
Phenolic compounds and flavonoids — powerful antioxidants, which help neutralize free radicals and reduce oxidative stress in injured tissues.
Alkaloids and other minor compounds — may contribute to analgesic or soothing effects.
Minerals — trace minerals may support tissue repair.
Because of this complex mixture, pine / fir needle infusions or extracts have been traditionally used in various folk remedies, including respiratory tonics, antiseptics, and skin treatments.
Mechanisms of Action Relevant to Skin Disorders
When a herbal fat (ointment) is prepared by infusing needles in fat, the fat acts as a lipid (oil) carrier, drawing out lipid-soluble constituents (terpenes, essential oils, lipophilic phenolics). When applied topically, such a salve may contribute the following therapeutic effects:
Anti-inflammatory effect: The terpenes and phenolics may reduce inflammation in the skin, relieving redness, itching, and swelling.
Antimicrobial / bacteriostatic effect: Essential oils often have inhibitory effects on bacteria and fungi on the skin surface, helping prevent secondary infection.
Skin barrier support / emollient effect: The fat base helps moisturize and occlude (protect) the skin, providing a barrier to prevent further irritation or water loss.
Antioxidant effect: Neutralizing reactive oxygen species in injured or inflamed skin may support healing.
Stimulation of healing / tissue repair: Vitamin C and other supporting compounds may promote collagen formation and regeneration of skin cells.
Mild analgesic / soothing effect: A small analgesic or soothing sensation may help reduce discomfort or itching.
Thus, when applied consistently, such a salve may support the skin’s healing process, reduce symptoms, and protect against further irritation or infection.
Safety, Precautions, and Modern Adaptation
While the traditional recipe is fascinating and may derive benefit from natural compounds, one should adopt a cautious, evidence‑aware approach when using such remedies. Below are key considerations:
Patch Test First
Always test a small patch of healthy skin (e.g., inside the arm) for allergic reaction before applying over a larger area, especially for individuals with sensitive or atopic skin.
Purity and Cleanliness
Use clean, pesticide-free needles, and ensure all utensils, pots, containers, and gauze are sterilized to avoid introducing infection.
Quality of Fat / Butter
Using high-quality, unsalted, unspoiled fat or butter is essential. Alternatively, one might use medical-grade oil base (e.g., cold-pressed vegetable oil, beeswax) for better skin compatibility.
Avoid Open Wounds / Deep Burns
This ointment is likely safer for superficial burns, eczema patches, dry dermatitis etc. In case of deep burns, ulcerated lesions, or severe skin breakdown, one should first consult a dermatologist or medical professional.
No Guaranteed “No Contraindications”
While the tradition claims “no contraindications,” in practice one must consider allergy, sensitivity to essential oils, or interactions with other topical medications.
Storage and Sterility
Because the ointment is fat-based, it may become rancid or support microbial growth over time. Refrigeration helps slow this process, but one should discard it if it develops off odor, color change, or signs of spoilage.
Adjunct, Not Replacement
Use this as a supportive / complementary therapy, not a replacement for conventional dermatological treatment — especially for chronic, severe, or complicated skin diseases like psoriasis.
Why the Traditional Steps Matter
Sealed Environment / Dough Rim: The airtight seal prevents oxidation and volatilization of active compounds during heating.
Repeated Heating‑Resting Cycles: This may help gradually infuse and concentrate beneficial components, without overheating or burning the herbs.
Infusion into Fat / Butter: Fat acts as carrier medium to draw out fat-soluble components and deliver them topically.
Cooling and Sedimentation: Allowing the mixture to cool and separate ensures a clearer, more pure ointment once strained.
These steps are not random — they reflect an empirical understanding,
