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Perhaps it’s a fitting homage to the Native Americans living in the wild centuries ago. Throughout their history, these people who were the first to roam America and lived off the land relied on indigenous plants and trees to heal. And though a boatload of spiritual beliefs has been linked to them, many of these natural medications had actual medicinal benefits. The story of these healers from nature rings true for other indigenous tribes, the Alaska Native and the Hawaiian Natives.
And true enough, amongst the most cherished natural healers are trees. Their healing benefits, albeit anecdotal, have been passed from generation to generation. Thankfully,the healing nature of these trees has become apparent over time. The million-dollar question, then, for you is, will you care to plant a tree if you know it can heal you? Your answer is our good as ours.
Check out two powerful trees that offer incredible healing benefits to give you the quality of life you long for. Best of all, you can have them in your backyard for everyone in the family to cherish.
Oak Tree
No doubt, the oak tree is a symbol of strength and endurance. Growing to massive size, oak trees are a sight to behold.In that sense, these trees speak of longevity.
Just thinking about the massive live oak tree inIron City, Georgia,is enough proof of how these giants can mesmerize us. Called the Spooner tree (it’s owned by Roger Spooner), it is reported to be over 34 feet around and covers an acre. Experts in the area claim that the tree is the single biggest live oak in the whole wide world.
While oak trees have served many purposes for man (e.g., timber), their medicinal properties are outstanding. Some of the health complications an oak tree bark has been used as treatment are:
- Arthritis
- Inflammation
- Digestive disorders
- Pharyngitis
- Poison as antidote
- Tumors
- Bleeding
- Dysentery
- Swelling
If that were not enough, oak bark is also known to treat common maladies such as flu, cold and varicose veins. Plus, its powerful astringent properties have made it a popular treatment for mouth infections, wounds, cuts, and burns.
Take note that there are plenty of tree species that carry the name oak, hundreds even. Make sure you’re getting one with the genus Quercus which are deciduous trees from the northern hemisphere.
If you plan to plant an oak tree and grow it right in your backyard, you should consult a professional tree service technician. Don’t leave things to chance. Hiring an expert arborist ensures you get the right tree species to plant. Plus, he will show you how to care for the best results.
Pine Tree
Another tree that stands tall is the pine tree. It has been able to provide man with food, shelter, and medicine over the years.
It may make your ears stand, but a pine tree and boiling water is one formula for tea. Yup, you heard that right. You don’t need the tea leaves from China to make tea. You can make that right here.
That means you give yourself a healthy dosage of vitamin C. What’s more, you can’t find any other tree species that harbors as much vitamin C.
But that’s just for starters. Other powerful antioxidants such as vitamin A and carotenoid are also found in a pine tree’s bark and needles. So when it comes to health benefits, the pine tree has these to offer:
- Improves vision
- Prevents cataracts
- Improves skin and hair health
- Boosts blood circulation
- Improves immune system
- Boosts respiratory system
- Prevents common cold, cough, inflammation, fever, and bronchitis
Even better, pine nuts are a nutritious food. You can eat them as their edible and packed with powerful antioxidants like bark and pines. And it seems all parts of the pine tree are edible as the pine needles are edible too.
And you can go the way of Taoist priests who drank pine needle tea for longevity. Research shows the drink aids in slowing down the aging process.
There’s a catch, though. And we strongly recommend you get the services of a tree expert again. Though most pine tree species are safe for use, there are a few that are poisonous. To note, cattle dying from eating these varieties have been reported. Some of these toxic species are Blackjack pine, Ponderosa Pine, and Western Yellow Pine.
Careful as these species of pine contain isocupressic acid, a compound that is known to induce abortions when taken by cattle during their first trimester of pregnancy.
Of course, you must take caution. Then again, that should not stop you from getting a good tree species right in your backyard. Imagine the tons of health benefits at your disposal. One you can share with everyone in the family. And everyone you love.
For more information about tree service, call up Granite Bay arborists to assist you!
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