What is Swiss stone pine?
The Swiss stone pine is known by the Latin name *Pinus cembra* and is also referred to in German as *Arbe*, *Zirbelkiefer*, *Zirbenkiefer*, *Zirbe*, or *Zirbel*, depending on the country you are in. It belongs to the pine family. It is native to the Alps and the Carpathians at elevations of 1,500 to 2,400 meters and typically marks the tree line, though it originally hails from Siberia. In Austria, it is also known by the fitting title “Queen of the Alps” and can live up to 200 years.
Under ideal environmental conditions, the tree can grow to a height of up to 25 meters, though it grows rather slowly. Its characteristic, relatively short branches bear numerous clusters, each with five needles. The tree’s seeds are commonly referred to as pine nuts, although strictly speaking they are not actually nuts. The tree is highly resistant to environmental factors such as extreme cold, avalanches, and erosion. The situation is different, however, when it comes to insect pests. When these attack the needles, they weaken the entire tree and make it susceptible to disease.
Its wood contains high levels ofessential oilsand has a very aromatic scent, which is why it is primarily used in furniture making and for woodcarving, but also as filling material for comforters and pillows. The cones and seeds can be used to produce various foods, dietary supplements, and even spirits. This renewable, natural raw material is very popular due to its many beneficial properties.
How are the chips made?
Swiss stone pine wood shavings are a byproduct of woodworking with Swiss stone pine. The production of furniture and similar items always generates shavings, but it would be a shame to simply throw them away. Depending on how they’ve been processed, these shavings come in various sizes and shapes. The only important thing is that the shavings contain no glue residues or other chemical contaminants, allowing their essential oils to fully release their aroma.
Thanks to their beneficial properties, these wood chips are ideal for use as pillow and blanket fillings, promoting a particularly restful and healthy sleep, as well as for use as decorative accents in wooden bowls or vases. Special scented vases placed on the nightstand in the bedroom enhance the sense of comfort as they diffuse their unique fragrance throughout the room.
It is becoming increasingly popular as a filling for bedding, which is why there has never been such a wide selection of high-quality products available: the perfect time for you to buy a Swiss stone pine pillow. However, be sure to purchase the matching Swiss stone pine comforter as well to enjoy a restful night’s sleep.
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from CHF 249.00 Select a model This product is available in several versions. You can select your preferred option on the product page.
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from CHF 99.00 Select a model This product is available in several versions. You can select your preferred option on the product page.
Historical Background of Swiss Stone Pine Wood
During the last ice age, the Swiss stone pine made its way from the Asian continent to Europe and the Alps. It originates from Siberia, where it is still found in large numbers today. Before becoming established in the Alps, it took a detour through the Carpathians, where it can still be found today and is highly valued for its beneficial properties.
Since it is accustomed to harsh conditions, the tree thrives throughout the Alpine region. In Switzerland, it is known as “Arve” or “Arbe,” whereas in Austria it is called Zirbelkiefer or Zirbe. According to an old tradition, the best Swiss stone pine wood is obtained when the tree is felled in winter and in accordance with the lunar calendar. The “moon wood” obtained in this way is said to be indestructible and extremely durable. The old mountain farmers made use of their knowledge of the secrets of this very special tree: the old living rooms of the houses on the alpine pastures were traditionally lined with Swiss stone pine boards to integrate the many beneficial properties of this wood into everyday life.
Even today, these ancient boards still give off their wonderfully resinous scent, creating a particularly cozy and comforting atmosphere, especially in winter. The tree’s seeds have also been traditionally used for centuries to make Swiss stone pine schnapps.
General Benefits of Swiss Stone Pine Shavings
Swiss stone pine wood has many health-promoting properties:
- a particularly pleasant and soothing scent that lasts for years
- contains pinosylvin, which has antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties
- It repels moths and insects, which is why Swiss stone pine wardrobes are particularly well-suited for storing textiles
- has been shown to have a positive effect on the central nervous system and helps you achieve deep relaxation and restful sleep
- has a positive effect on people who are sensitive to weather changes
- faster recovery from colds and sinus infections
How does Swiss stone pine affect my sleep patterns?
“As you make your bed, so you must lie in it!” – this saying is as true as ever. The essential oils found in Swiss stone pine have a calming effect, which is why sleeping surrounded by the aroma of Swiss stone pine is said to result in a significantly more peaceful and restful sleep.
A well-known study has even shown that Swiss stone pine wood can slow the heart rate to such an extent that it can reduce the number of heartbeats by about 3,000 per day, which means about 60 minutes less work for the heart. For this reason, the wood is perfect for bedroom furnishings or as a filling for bedding.
Properties of Swiss stone pine pillows
Swiss stone pine blankets and pillows are becoming increasingly common in homes across Austria and Switzerland, as well as in hotel rooms. People who have trouble falling asleep, in particular, swear by the calming effects of Swiss stone pine and choose to purchase their own Swiss stone pine blanket. It’s usually worth buying the matching Swiss stone pine pillow as well, to bring the fragrant and soothing natural aroma of Swiss stone pine into your own sleeping environment.
If you already have a bedroom furnished with Swiss stone pine, bedding filled with Swiss stone pine is the perfect complement. Only wood with a high resin content is used in the production of bedding with Swiss stone pine filling, ensuring that the essential aroma is distributed as effectively as possible and that you can enjoy your bedding for a long time. Swiss stone pine also has antibacterial properties. Your circulation, central nervous system, autonomic bodily functions, and sleep patterns all benefit from the use of Swiss stone pine blankets and pillows.
Care Instructions for Our Swiss Stone Pine Products
When caring for your bedding or washing your Swiss stone pine pillows and blankets, it’s important to ensure there is always plenty of fresh air and humidity, as the heated air in the bedroom can make the environment dry, which in turn dries out the Swiss stone pine wood. It is best to place the pillows and blankets outside in the fresh air for a few hours or wrap them in a slightly damp cloth. You will then notice a more intense aroma of Swiss stone pine! Due to its antibacterial properties, the wood can tolerate a certain amount of moisture. However, you should never wash your bedding filled with Swiss stone pine shavings in the washing machine or put it in the dryer; the wood is not suitable for this.
The cover of your bedding, which is usually made of cotton, can be easily washed in the washing machine, ideally using the “Extra Rinse” cycle, so that the cover is free of any detergent residue and the natural Swiss stone pine scent isn’t masked. To do this, simply remove the Swiss stone pine shavings from the cover and place them in a large laundry basket. While the duvet cover is being washed, the shavings have the opportunity to air out thoroughly and absorb new moisture from the surrounding air. If the natural Swiss stone pine aroma no longer becomes as intense, you can also replace all or part of the filling as needed. A few drops of Swiss stone pine oil can also help refresh the scent and allow the shavings to reach their full potential.
