Seed - the oily seed kernel is eaten raw, roasted, ground into a powder for making bread, cakes etc or made into a nut butter[1, 2, 11, 34, 62, 63, 92, 94, 183]. An excellent flavour[227]. A good size, the seeds are up to 15mm long[200]. Said to be the highest in protein and lowest in starch of all the piñons[183]. The seed contains about 14.6% protein, 62% fat. 17.3% carbohydrate[85]. This species provides a major source of seeds for sale in Mexico[229]. Inner bark - only used in times of dire need[85]. There are no more details but inner bark is often dried, ground into a powder and then used as a thickener in soups etc or added to cereals when making bread. A vanillin flavouring is obtained as a by-product of other resins that are released from the pulpwood[200].

Plants For A Future can not take any responsibility for any adverse effects from the use of plants. Always seek advice from a professional before using a plant medicinally.


The gum exuding from damaged areas of the tree is used to treat sore throats[92, 117]. The turpentine obtained from the resin of all pine trees is antiseptic, diuretic, rubefacient and vermifuge[4]. It is a valuable remedy used internally in the treatment of kidney and bladder complaints and is used both internally and as a rub and steam bath in the treatment of rheumatic affections[4]. It is also very beneficial to the respiratory system and so is useful in treating diseases of the mucous membranes and respiratory complaints such as coughs, colds, influenza and TB[4]. Externally it is a very beneficial treatment for a variety of skin complaints, wounds, sores, burns, boils etc and is used in the form of liniment plasters, poultices, herbal steam baths and inhalers[4].

A tan or green dye is obtained from the needles[168]. The needles contain a substance called terpene, this is released when rain washes over the needles and it has a negative effect on the germination of some plants, including wheat[201]. A gum pitch is used as a glue for waterproofing and repairing pottery[117, 227]. Oleo-resins are present in the tissues of all species of pines, but these are often not present in sufficient quantity to make their extraction economically worthwhile[64]. The resins are obtained by tapping the trunk, or by destructive distillation of the wood[4, 64]. In general, trees from warmer areas of distribution give the higher yields[64]. Turpentine consists of an average of 20% of the oleo-resin[64] and is separated by distillation[4, 64]. Turpentine has a wide range of uses including as a solvent for waxes etc, for making varnish, medicinal etc[4]. Rosin is the substance left after turpentine is removed. This is used by violinists on their bows and also in making sealing wax, varnish etc[4]. Pitch can also be obtained from the resin and is used for waterproofing, as a wood preservative etc. Wood - soft, light, close-grained[82]. Somewhat fragrant when burnt[227]. Used for fuel and posts, but rarely for lumber[227].

Special Uses