The antimicrobial and disinfecting effect creates the smell of pine in the apartment; the benefits and harms of coniferous wood have been familiar to man since the time of Hippocrates. A coniferous plant with a beautiful crown, planted in a small container, creates a special mood and emphasizes the individuality of the living space and the character of its inhabitants. The aroma of a coniferous forest is reminiscent of New Year's celebrations and Christmas holidays.
What is the smell of pine (description)
The description of the aroma of a coniferous tree is carried out on the basis of subjective sensations obtained from inhaling its smell. The associative perception of pine breath is perceived as a deep, bitter, harsh and warm aroma. Corsican pine is a southern tree that has a resinous, slightly sweet aroma and has an emotional effect on humans. Corsican essential oil is a spirit of purity and freshness.
Yellow coniferous tree has a unique bouquet that influences creative activity and creates an additional influx of energy. The aroma is soft, unobtrusive, more intense in the “Gold Coin” variety.
A swamp long-coniferous tree smells of resin and pine needles. The Pumilla species, which has a bushy form, has few branches, so the pine spirit is much weaker.
The plant has an interesting feature - it cannot grow in conditions other than swamps and quickly dies. Therefore, the owner will not be able to place coniferous wood on his site to feel its aroma.
Frankincense or God's tree (Pinus taeda) carries the breath of church incense. It is a soothing aroma that comes from the resin of a pine tree. Some plant species are characterized by a classic Greek bouquet, bright and strong.
Where is oak wood used?
Summer oak wood is widely used in construction, and its moisture resistance properties allow it to be used in underwater structures or the hulls of wooden floating craft. It is also good for making souvenir crafts.
Winter wood is used in carpentry, furniture and parquet production. Oak firewood is not the best option because coal cools quickly. And to maintain combustion you need good draft. And it’s a pity to use such valuable wood as fuel, unless waste from other industries can be used for firewood.
The benefits of the smell of pine in an apartment
Resinous breath helps to maintain cleanliness and order in the apartment, which improves well-being and increases performance. Biologists have determined the benefits and harms of the plant: essential oils, entering the blood and lymph, improve health.
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The aroma of pine needles has a strong antiseptic effect on the human body. You can place a flower pot with dwarf pine in the room, enjoy its aroma or use essential oil. Coniferous spirit has an effect on brain function, increases performance, improves sleep, and eliminates disturbances that have arisen in the functioning of the cardiovascular system.
Pine spirit exhibits an antiseptic effect. It purifies the air in a smoky room. A person who is in a room filled with the aroma of pine wood feels a surge of strength, understands that any poop, badness and dirt are temporary, and life is beautiful and amazing.
Baths with pine concentrate improve health and reduce stress. Doctors do not recommend using pine oil in its pure form, because it has high biological activity. The pine aroma affects the human subconscious, causing associations with neatness, cleanliness, and freshness.
The smell of wood. Symbols of oak Aromas of certain wood species
Oak wood has always been associated with the concept of strength, power, and health. The oak tree itself is a majestic picture. Its wood is dense, hard, heavy and highly durable. It is also characterized by resistance to moisture, rotting and various fungi.
The wood is porous with a beautiful texture. The color is brown or yellowish brown. The sapwood part of oak wood has a light yellow color. Over time, the color of its wood darkens, which, however, gives it a more noble appearance.
Oak is a long-living tree; age of more than a century is not the limit for it. The height of the oak reaches 30 meters, and the diameter is from 1.2 to 1.8 m. Oaks growing in forests are characterized by the presence of a straight trunk without knots up to 15 meters in height.
Wood density: about 700 kg/m3. Hardness: 3.7 - 3.9 Brinell.
Possible harm
Pine forest breathing is contraindicated for people suffering from diseases such as:
- cardiosclerosis;
- angina pectoris;
- bronchial asthma.
Patients complain of shortness of breath, tachycardia, discomfort in the heart area, headache, poor sleep, and irritability. The headache occurs a few minutes after being in a room engulfed by a pine spirit.
Pine fills the room with vapors of turpentine and ether-soluble ingredients. In hot weather, in a room where there are coniferous tree branches in a vase, the smell of turpentine can be felt in the air, which has a negative effect on a sick person.
The aroma of a medicinal plant can cause great harm to the health of a person suffering from allergies. A patient with a weak immune system is sensitive to the resinous spirit and a bouquet of essential oils. You should use preparations containing pine oil with caution during the hot season when indoors.
The allergen affects the respiratory system, a person experiences lacrimation, a runny nose, itching and rash on the skin, it is difficult to exhale, a wet cough develops, sneezing, and the nasal mucosa swells.
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When wood smell matters
It is very important to take into account the smell of wood when choosing material for decorative and artistic works, when making containers from it for storing and packaging food products. For example, it is customary to make barrels for honey from linden. For wine and beer, it is best to make barrels from Mongolian oak. Butter easily absorbs foreign odors and for its transportation over long distances, the best containers are made from the wood of the Australian coniferous tree Araucaria Cunninghama. It is light, dense, and does not allow foreign aromas to pass through.
This is a set of characteristics that are easy to identify without compromising the integrity of the lumber and which allow one species to be distinguished from another. The main physical properties include the color, texture and smell of wood.
How long does it take for the smell to disappear from the wood?
The smell from the cabinet, made of solid pine, is strong when you open the doors. After airing new furniture on the balcony for several weeks, the pine scent will decrease.
Many owners are afraid to bring strong-smelling furniture into the room. To reduce the pine spirit, it is necessary to treat the inner surface of the cabinet using a solution of laundry soap.
The owner places an odor absorber inside and closes the cabinet doors. Many people use activated charcoal tablets or cat litter. Sometimes the aroma disappears after treating the surface of the furniture with a weak solution of vinegar, which is prepared by adding 20 g of a 0.9% alcohol composition to 1 liter of liquid.
The owner places small pads soaked in eucalyptus oil in the closet for 1-2 weeks. Pine furniture can be treated with alkyd varnish, which is odorless. Tikkurilla or John Stones products have the best qualities. After applying the gloss, the pine smell disappears.
Features of working with oak wood
Oak wood should be dried under natural conditions. It is not recommended to try to speed up this process as this may result in cracking.
Stained oak wood takes on a dark purple hue
In order for the wood to acquire a decorative appearance, staining is used - for oak this is done by keeping it in water for several years. After this exposure, the color of the wood becomes dark purple and silky. The hardness of long soaking only increases, although it becomes more fragile.
When working with oak wood, you should remember that it does not like alcohol varnishes, and it is useless to use polish due to its high porosity.
Oak wood does not like oils - they form unsightly stains on its surface.
This wood does not need painting because it has a beautiful natural texture and color. To finish, it is enough to cover the surface of the product with a transparent varnish, preferably one that dries quickly.
For construction purposes, it is better to use wood with a large width of annual rings. This wood is highly resistant to wear. For making furniture, souvenir crafts, wooden sculptures and turned products, lighter and softer wood with narrow annual rings is better suited.
Each type of wood has its own specific smell. In some types of wood it can be very weak, almost indistinguishable to humans. Odors come mainly from gums, resins, essential oils and other substances contained in wood. The kernel has a stronger odor, because contains the largest amount of these substances. The smell of wood is stronger immediately after cutting the tree. After drying, it becomes weaker, and in some tree species it changes altogether.
Methods of preparation and use
In folk medicine, the most popular are alcoholic and aqueous preparations based on spruce needles. They are easy to prepare at home, and the scope of such products is very wide.
Tincture of spruce needles in alcohol
Valuable substances contained in spruce needles dissolve well in an alcohol base. The drug is made as follows:
- Wash and dry 250 g of pine needles, and then chop them with a knife.
- Pour 500 ml of vodka into a glass container.
- Sent to a dark place for two weeks.
- After time, filter.
A ready-made alcoholic infusion of spruce needles is used for acute respiratory infections, flu and bronchitis, 15 ml three times a day.
You should take the tincture no more than ten days in a row.
Spruce needle infusion
An aqueous infusion of spruce needles is good for vitamin deficiency and loss of strength. It is prepared like this:
- Wash four large spoons of spruce needles.
- Pour the raw material with 750 ml of warm water.
- Place for three days in a dark place at room temperature.
- Strain the product and add 10 ml of apple cider vinegar.
Drink half a glass of pine needles twice a day. To improve the taste, you can add a spoonful of honey to the drink.
Spruce infusion helps with inflammation and bleeding gums
Decoction of spruce needles
A decoction of pine needles has good cleansing and tonic properties. The cooking recipe looks like this:
- A large spoonful of pine needles is thoroughly crushed and 250 ml of boiling water is poured into it.
- Place in an enamel pan on the stove and boil for half an hour.
- Remove from heat and leave covered for three hours.
- Pass through gauze.
A decoction of pine needles should be drunk 100 ml three times a day on an empty stomach.
Spruce decoction can be added to baths for skin diseases and neuroses.
Application of Oak
Oak bark decoction
and leaves (1:10) are taken for kidney diseases, kidney bleeding, bloody urine, frequent urination (in small doses), and inflammation of the urinary tract.
Oak leaf infusion
used for bedwetting (enuresis). Decoctions are also used for rinsing for inflammation of the oral mucosa, bad breath, inflammation of the tongue, for lotions for bedsores, frostbite of the hands and feet (baths), burns, wounds, skin inflammation, eczema, scrofula.
For sweaty feet, make baths from a decoction of the bark (2 tablespoons per 1 glass of water, boil for 1-2 minutes, leave until cool), and also pour crushed bark into socks for the day.
Coffee from Oak acorns: the acorns must be peeled, boiled, drained immediately, then coarsely chopped into pieces and fried until browned. Let cool and grind in a coffee grinder into powder. Brew like coffee, or can be used as a dietary supplement. This drink is given to children with diseases of the cardiovascular and nervous systems.
Physical properties of wood that determine its relationship to electricity: electrical conductivity
Electrical conductivity is the ability of wood to resist the passage of electric current. In practical terms, electrical conductivity is the ability of wood to conduct electric current.
The electrical conductivity of wood depends on the species, humidity, temperature and direction of the fibers. Since dry wood has low electrical conductivity, this allows it to be used as an insulating material. With an increase in humidity from 0 to 30%, the resistance of wood to the passage of electric current drops millions of times, and with an increase in humidity of more than 30% - tens of times.
The electrical resistance of wood across the grain is several times greater than along the grain.
2.6. Wood moisture content
The moisture content of wood is understood as the ratio of the amount of moisture removed to the mass of wood in an absolutely dry state. Wood moisture content is expressed in %.
Absolutely dry wood in small samples can be obtained by drying it in special cabinets. In nature and in production, wood always contains some amount of moisture. Moisture in wood permeates cell membranes and fills cell cavities and intercellular spaces. Moisture that permeates cell membranes is called bound or hygroscopic. Moisture that fills cell cavities and intercellular spaces is called free, or capillary. When wood dries, first free moisture evaporates from it, and then hygroscopic moisture. When moistening wood, moisture from the air permeates only the cell membranes until they are completely saturated. Further moistening of wood with filling of cell cavities and intercellular spaces occurs only with direct contact of wood with water (soaking, steaming, rafting, rain).
The total amount of moisture in wood consists of free and bound moisture. The maximum amount of free moisture depends on how large the volume of voids in the wood is that can be filled with water. The condition of wood in which the cell membranes contain the maximum amount of bound moisture, and the cell cavities contain only air, is called the hygroscopic limit. Thus, the humidity corresponding to the hygroscopic limit at room temperature (20°C) is 30% and practically does not depend on the breed. When hygroscopic humidity changes, the dimensions and properties of wood change dramatically. The following stages of wood moisture are distinguished: wet - exposed to water for a long time, humidity above 100%; freshly cut - humidity 50-100%; air-dry - stored in air for a long time, humidity 15-20% (depending on climatic conditions and time of year); room-dry - humidity 8-12% and absolutely dry - humidity 0%. The moisture content in the trunk of a growing tree varies along the height and radius of the trunk, and also depending on the time of year. The moisture content of pine sapwood is three times higher than the moisture content of the core. In deciduous trees, the change in humidity along the diameter is more uniform. Along the height of the trunk, the moisture content of the sapwood in conifers increases up the trunk, but the moisture content of the core does not change. In deciduous trees, the moisture content of the sapwood does not change, but the moisture content of the core decreases up the trunk. Young trees have higher humidity and its fluctuations throughout the year are greater than older trees. The greatest amount of moisture is contained in the winter (November-February), the minimum - in the summer months (July-August). The moisture content in the trunks changes throughout the day: in the morning and evening the humidity of the trees is higher than during the day.
To determine the moisture content of wood, gravimetric and electrical methods are used. With the weight method, samples of prismatic wood measuring 20x20x30 mm are cut, cleaned of sawdust and burrs, after which they are immediately weighed with an error of no more than 0.01 g. Then they are placed in a drying cabinet and kept at a temperature of 103 + 2 ° C. The temperature should not be raised above 105°C to avoid the release of resin (from conifers) and decomposition of the wood. The first weighing of the sample is carried out depending on the type of wood 6 hours after the start of drying (samples of oak and ash wood after 10 hours), the second and subsequent ones - every 2 hours. Dry the sample to a constant weight, i.e. until upon further weighing, its mass will cease to change.
Wood moisture content W, determined by weight, is calculated as a percentage using the formula
W=[(m1-m2)/m2]x100,
where m1 is the mass of the wood sample before drying, g; m2 is the mass of the same sample in an absolutely dry state, g. The advantage of the gravimetric method is a fairly accurate determination of wood moisture content for any amount of moisture. Its disadvantage is the duration of drying of samples (from 12 to 24 hours).
With the electrical method, wood moisture content is determined using an electric moisture meter. The operation of this device is based on measuring the electrical conductivity of wood depending on changes in its humidity. The working part of the most common electric moisture meter is needles with electrical wires connected to them. The needles of an electric moisture meter (sensor) are inserted into the wood to a depth of 8 mm and an electric current is passed through them, while the actual moisture content of the wood is immediately shown on the dial of the device. The advantage of the electrical method is the speed of determination and the ability to check the moisture content of wood of any size. Disadvantages - determination of humidity only at the point of contact of wood with the sensor; low accuracy. In the measurement range up to 30% humidity, the error is 1-1.5%, above 30 ±10%.
Each type of wood has its own specific smell. In some types of wood it can be very weak, almost indistinguishable to humans. Odors come mainly from gums, resins, essential oils and other substances contained in wood. The kernel has a stronger odor, because contains the largest amount of these substances. The smell of wood is stronger immediately after cutting the tree. After drying, it becomes weaker, and in some tree species it changes altogether.
The magical properties of spruce
Popular beliefs endow spruce with strong mystical properties. The tree is used in cleansing rites and rituals to protect against otherworldly forces, and is used in meditations aimed at streamlining thoughts and feelings. The plant helps restore mental balance in case of excessive temper, helps to control oneself and look at things soberly.
At the same time, it is not recommended to stay in contact with spruce for a long time if you are prone to melancholy; the tree can aggravate the condition. It is also believed that in the summer months the plant can draw strength from a person, while in winter it releases accumulated energy.
Physical properties of wood that determine its appearance: color, texture, pattern, shine
Wood color
One of the signs by which the type of wood is recognized is the color of the wood . Numerous shades of color are imparted to wood by tanning, resinous and coloring substances.
Wood shades:
black | brown | brown | violet | red | yellow |
bog oak | Walnut | cedar | lilac | Red tree | Linden |
apricot | poplar | yew | fir | ||
cherries | alder | ash | |||
plum | bird cherry |
Wood pattern, texture
The pattern on the surface of the wood and its texture also help determine the type of wood.
The pattern on the surface of the wood and its texture determine the type of wood
Wood shine
Gloss is the ability of a surface to directionally reflect light. Ideally smooth, mirror-like wood surfaces have the greatest shine and directional reflection. Even carefully processed wood is far from a mirror surface.
Some types of wood (white acacia, maple, oak, beech) are capable of specular reflection of light on a radial section emanating from the core rays, that is, from the surface of the core rays. Mahogany (mahogany) wood has a particularly noticeable shine.
The decorative value of wood in the manufacture of tools is determined by its texture, color and shine.
Texture, color and shine determine the decorative value of wood for the manufacture of furniture and musical instruments.
What does the smell of wood mean?
Each type of wood has its own unique smell. We were not mistaken - all wood really has a smell. Odorless wood also has its own smell, it’s just not detected by the human sense of smell.
The smell of wood
associated with the presence of tannins, resins and essential oils in the material. The intensity and durability of the aroma depends on their quantity.
Almost all freshly cut wood has a rich and distinct aroma, but during drying it weakens significantly or disappears altogether, for example, like teak, juniper, acacia, walnut or oak wood. Not all types of wood can boast of having a persistent odor for a long time, even after drying.
The smell of wood is an important physical property.
What does the smell of wood tell us:
About the belonging of lumber to a certain species. Experienced craftsmen can accurately name the type of wood just by smell;
About the quality of wood. Wood affected by fungi or rot changes its smell, for example, the smell of pine wood
when rotting it acquires sweetish vanilla notes;
About the scope of application. There is wood that, after drying, loses its smell and no impact on the material will return it, but there is wood that smells quite strongly even after treatment, or begins to smell stronger when exposed to heat. Besides, not every smell of wood
pleasant to humans; some breeds have a persistent, pungent and unpleasant odor. Knowing all these nuances, you will be able to choose the right material for yourself and avoid the discomfort associated with the smell of wood.
The heart of the wood has the most intense odor; it is there that the maximum concentration of tannins and essential substances is found.
The smell of wood
has not only distinctive, but also useful properties. Together with aromas, substances with antiseptic and bactericidal properties are released into the environment and help clean the air in the room. That’s why it’s so easy and free to breathe in a house made of wood.
What is the smell of different types of wood?
The smell of wood
different breeds is unique and unrepeatable. Some of them are typical and familiar to everyone, some are difficult to describe in words and compare with something.
All wood odors can be divided into pleasant and unpleasant. The wood of juniper, cypress, citrus trees, rosewood, acacia and peach has such a pleasant, attractive smell for humans. But teak, laurel and poplar wood has a pungent and unpleasant odor. Coniferous wood has the most persistent odor due to the large amount of resins in its composition. The smell of pine wood is the strongest, fragrant and fresh in intensity. In second place is juniper wood; its smell also lasts for a fairly long period.
As for hardwoods, they smell weaker; the intensity and persistence of the smell is affected by the amount of tannins in the wood. For example, the smell of linden wood
very durable and preserves even after drying and processing. The substance is responsible for the smell of linden. - phraseol, of which there is a lot in the structure of the tree. This smell is familiar to everyone - sweet with notes of honey. It is from linden wood that barrels for storing honey are made.
The smell of oak wood
sourish, smells of tannins. Oak wood is well suited for the production of barrels for storing beer or cognac; the aroma of the tree, mixed with alcohol, gives it a unique flavor.
The smell of birch wood
practically undetectable to humans. Therefore, such wood is often used to make dishes or containers for storing cereals.
Irina Zheleznyak, Staff correspondent of the online publication “AtmWood. Wood-Industrial Bulletin"
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Oak
- a mighty strong tree, a symbol of courage, fire, lightning and princely power.
Oak is one of the most beloved and revered trees among European peoples. All the most important events took place among the Slavs under the sacred Oaks - meetings, wedding ceremonies, courts. In the sacred Oak groves,
the oldest and most respected trees were surrounded by a fence, beyond which only priests could enter.
In prehistoric times, almost half of Europe's forests were oak forests. The man famously dealt with this wonderful tree. First he cut down and burned the Oak
, freeing up the land for arable land, and then chopped it for firewood and building materials. Oak, unfortunately, was excellent for both. The result is sad - there are tens of times fewer oak trees (about 3% of all European forests).