What is Pine Tar?
The heavy, oily, dark-colored liquid called tar comes from Pine wood and other organic substances. It is made by the process called destructive distillation—subjecting the materials to intense heat in the absence of air. To simplify, pine trees are decomposed through excessive heat application and pressure in a closed atmosphere. Once the pine is fully broken down, the result is pine tar.
Pine tar is a substance that has been used for centuries and recommended by doctors since 1869.
Pine Tar has a variety of uses but today is primarily used as an active ingredient in soap.
What is Pine Tar soap and why is it used? Are there benefits?
Pine Tar Soap is used in treatments to soothe skin conditions such as eczema and psoriasis on all skin types. It is said to relieve itching caused by various bug bites. This property alone makes it a great addition to your home or outdoor medicine cabinet during the warm months when mosquitoes and other pests are found almost everywhere.
Pine tar soap is known for its therapeutic benefits. It has been shown to be antipruritic, anti‐inflammatory, antibacterial and antifungal. These properties make pine tar suitable for the topical treatment of eczema, psoriasis, and other dry, itchy, flaky, or inflamed skin conditions. It is also said to heal inflammations caused by poison ivy, poison sumac, and sunburn.