Peter Girardi
Over the years of looking at trees I have been introduced to the connections trees have with our environment to include animals, soil biology and even human behavior. Recently I heard a podcast about a product called DMSO (Dimethyl sulfoxide), which is derived from trees, and it reminded me of the multiple uses trees have and how many pharmaceutical products that are used today have their origins from trees. I imagine there are hundreds but I will list out 10 examples from these amazing plants that I have heard over the years. While I have not tried them all it just feels good knowing it’s out there or has been used in the past.
Here are 10 ways that I have heard of people using extracts from trees:
- Aspirin (Salicin): Extracted from willow tree bark, it is used for pain relief, reducing fever, and anti-inflammatory purposes. Yes, you can still get willow bark extract from Amazon next day delivery.
- Quinine: Obtained from the bark of the cinchona tree, it is used to treat malaria. Next time you buy Tonic Water or Vermouth there is a good chance it may contain Quinine.
- Taxol (Paclitaxel): Derived from the Pacific yew tree, used in chemotherapy for various cancers.
- Vitamin C: Many trees in the pine family and other plants contain vitamin C. Did you ever hear about the early explorers getting pine needle tea from the indigenous people to help them combat scurvy?
- DMSO (Dimethyl sulfoxide): This is derived from wood pulp (a byproduct of papermaking from trees, specifically softwood species like pine) and is known to help with inflammation and pain relief. If you go down the rabbit hole you might read this can cure anything!
- Sassafras: Historically used for root beer and has been used in the past for fever reduction, digestive issues, wounds, rheumatism, arthritis, gout, etc. It is also a popular powder used in gumbo.
- Ginkgo Trees: Ginkgo biloba is known for its ability to enhance blood flow, particularly in the brain and extremities.
- Slippery Elm: the inner bark of this tree is mucilagenic and can help with soothing and protecting the digestive tract, a sore throat and the respiratory system.
- Witch Hazel: this tree is known for it’s soothing and astringent properties, making it a popular remedy for skin irritations and inflammation.
- Essential Oils (Ex: Spruce, cedar, pine, sandalwood, spruce, etc): offer a range of benefits, including promoting respiratory health, reducing stress and tension, relieving pain and inflammation, supporting the immune system, and improving mental clarity and focus.
Of course I have to give you my disclaimer – while these compounds are derived from natural sources, their use should be under the guidance of healthcare professionals, not a tree guy. Self-medicating with tree-derived substances can be dangerous and should be avoided.
Lastly, the best way to get the most from trees without a doctor’s note is to just be around trees since trees can also have indirect medicinal benefits like stress reduction, lowering blood pressure, improving mood, improving recovery after illness or surgery, enhancing cognitive function, improving sleep, boosting your immune system, and filtering the air we breathe.
