In folk medicine, pine nuts are widely used to treat various ailments. It has long been known that for medicinal purposes use tincture or oil of pine kernel kernels . But few people know that in many recipes the seeds of cedar pine are used as a whole, along with the shell. Moreover, the pine nutshell itself has no less healing properties than kernels.
The composition of micro and macro elements in the shell and kernels is different. So, the shell of pine nuts, unlike kernels, does not contain cobalt, strontium, iodine and boron. But in it barium, vanadium, titanium and tin are found. Its chemical composition includes fiber (69%), pentosans (22.7%), lignins (23.8%), cellulose (38.6%), hemicellulose (7.7%), as well as proteins, resins and fats, ash, vitamin C, a small amount of essential oil. In addition, the shell contains amino acids, in particular glutamic acid, colorants and tannins.
Tannins (tannins) are known for their property. adsorb anions of certain fatty acids, phenols and sugars. In addition, these substances contribute to a change in the colloidal state of proteins. Due to its properties, tannids form a thin protective film on the surfaces of wounds and mucous membranes, tighten the skin, have an astringent, anti-inflammatory and antibacterial effect.
Decoction and tincture
For therapeutic purposes, pine nutshells are used in the form of tinctures and decoctions. For joint pain, gout, rheumatism, aches and colds, tincture is used. Inside, with osteochondrosis, salt deposition and arthritis, a decoction of shells is used, in addition, with these diseases it is recommended to take a bath with a decoction. Pine nutshells can also be useful for cold sores. In this case, it is recommended to make lotions with tincture.
The use of broth is indicated for diseases of the stomach and intestines, with a breakdown in strength to increase overall tone, with hemorrhoids, with some blood diseases. In addition, a decoction of pine nutshell often used for inflammation of the mucous membranes, for wraps with burns, eczema, in the form of lotions with ulcers and lichen. Compresses are also recommended to strengthen bones. In order to get a decoction from the shell of pine nuts, you need to take 250 ml. water 2 tbsp. tablespoons of raw materials and boil for 20 minutes. Next, the resulting broth is cooled and filtered.
The recipe of Altai healers
Shell tincture is used internally to cleanse lymph and blood, treat tumors, fibroids and mastopathy, cardiovascular and ocular diseases. Altai Old Believers prepare a tincture according to a special recipe. 1.5 cups of shells (fresh) are washed and poured 1/2 liter of vodka. Then the mixture is left for 10 days in a warm and dark place. You can put dishes with tincture next to the radiator or with the stove. Ready tincture is recommended to be taken three times a day for 1 st. spoon. Usually the course of treatment lasts 1-2 months. After a break for a month and treatment is repeated. In total, it is advised to conduct from two to five such courses throughout the year.
Pine nutshells have many other uses. It is used in animal husbandry, construction, and even for cosmetic purposes. So, due to the presence of coloring substances in the shells, they are used when dyeing hair. This produces a natural chestnut hue. In agriculture, shells are used as fertilizer and soil baking powder. In addition, crushed shells of pine nuts are used as a mineral and vitamin supplement for livestock. Landscaping designers, ennobling the territory, often use the shell as a decorative material for dumping walking paths, summer pools, as well as trees and shrubs.