Traditional Tar Production from the Anatolian Black Pine [Pinus nigra Arn. subsp. pallasiana (Lamb.) Holmboe var. pallasiana] and its usages in Afyonkarahisar, Central Western Turkey

Abstract

BackgroundTar is one example of a plant product used in folk medicine and it is obtained from Pinus nigra Arn. subsp. pallasiana (Lamb.) Holmboe, which is very common in the West Anatolian Region. Old trees that are good for kindling and have thick trucks are preferred to obtain tar. Tar is used not only as traditional medicine but also for protection against both endoparasites and ectoparasites. The objective of this study was to record the traditional method of obtaining tar and its usages in Afyonkarahisar which is located in the Western Anatolian Region of Turkey.MethodsIn order to record the traditional methods of obtaining tar, we visited the villages of Doğlat, Kürtyurdu and Çatağıl in Afyonkarahisar (Turkey) June-July, 2012. Ethnobotanical data about the method of collection and traditional usages of tar were obtained through informal interviews with 26 participants (16 men and 10 women). Data concerning the method of tar collection and its traditional usages were recorded and photographed.ResultsThe traditional method for obtaining tar from Pinus nigra subsp. pallasiana by local people was recorded and the local usages (curing ear pain in children, osteomyelitis, wounds, ulcers, eczema, acne, alopecia, fungus, foot-and-mouth disease in animals, mouth sores in sheep and goats, protection against endo- and ectoparasites, repellent for snakes, mice, flies (Tabanus bovinus) and ticks, and the prevention of water leakage from roofs) of tar are described.ConclusionIn this study, the traditional method for obtaining tar and the traditional usages of tar are explained. Documentation of the method of obtaining tar and its traditional usages may contribute to scientific research on the benefits and usages of tar in medicine, veterinary medicine, as well as other fields.

High-resolution sediment analysis reveals Middle Bronze Age byre-houses at the site of Oppeano (Verona province, NE Italy)

“…Wood tar could be related to several activities carried out in the domestic space, some of which linked to animal husbandry. Wood tar is in fact primarily a form of glue [ 103 , 104 ], but it can also protect vegetal remains from fungal attack [ 105 ], and treat a variety of human diseases thanks to its antiseptic properties [ 106 , 107 ]. The zootechnical and ethnoarchaeological literature indicates that it played an important role in husbandry practices until recent times [ 108 ].…”

“…The zootechnical and ethnoarchaeological literature indicates that it played an important role in husbandry practices until recent times [ 108 ]. It was in fact used to treat also domestic animal diseases [ 106 , 109 – 112 ] and to repel parasites [ 113 , 114 ] and insects [ 115 , 116 ].…”

Essential Oils as Novel Anthelmintic Drug Candidates

“…In Turkish folk medicine, Pinus nigra is frequently used for the treatment of worm infection in cattle [ 187 ]. This information encouraged Kozan et al [ 168 ] to study its scolicidal activity.…”

Topical pine tar: History, properties and use as a treatment for common skin conditions

“…In fact, the use of pine tar in medicine was first described by Hippocrates more than 2000 years ago . Pine tar made in villages in Turkey according to traditional methods is still used today for medicinal purposes . Commercial topical pine tar products have been manufactured around the world for well over a hundred years, and have been used for a range of skin ailments including eczema and psoriasis.…”

“…Furthermore, pine tar is widely used in veterinary medicine. It is a traditional antiseptic and hoof care product for horses and cattle and is also used to prevent chickens pecking the low hen …”