Herbal Medicine Research Papers - Academia.edu (original) (raw)

The Tahoe Basin forest consists of conifer species that release the oxygen needed for survival, serve as a habitat and food source for many animals, and replenish nutrients to the soil. Since the beginning of recorded history, conifers have been utilized for food, fuel, tools, shelter, and medicine. The abundance of trees, a variety of species, and bioactive constituents offer a sustainable option for natural medicinal use. This study explores the use of steam distilled conifers of the Tahoe Basin as a topical medicine for minor skin, muscle, joint, and nerve conditions. Traditionally, all conifer parts such as the needles, resin, wood, and cones have been used as a dermatological medicine. Many species have been studied in vitro and in vivo for potential topical therapeutic use, however, the variation of species and chemical compounds are rarely differentiated. Species of conifers include ponderosa pine (Pinus ponderosa), incense cedar (Calocedrus decurrens), pinyon pine (Pinus edulis), white pine (Pinus strobus), white pine (Pinus strobus), Sierra juniper (Juniperus occidentalis), Douglas fir (Pseudotsuga menziesii). The purpose of this study is to determine whether conifer species of the Tahoe Basin can be used as an effective dermatological therapy. While bioavailable compounds vary from species to species, location, harvest, weather, ect., species of conifers of the Tahoe basin have been clinically shown to have strong antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, analgesic, antimicrobial, antifungal, antiseptic, vulnerary, UV protective, and rubefacient benefits for the skin.