The honest self-care

One of my favourite trees grows in the south of Germany, Austria and Switzerland. The Swiss stone pine (Zirbe).

I’ve stayed in hotels where entire rooms were built from the wood and where I slept so incredibly well.The Swiss stone pine smells better than any other tree in the world. Even better than Palo Santo.

A tree with many names

Depending on the region, there is different names. We call it Zirbel, Zirbe, Zirbelkiefer, Arbe or Arve.

Where to find the Zirbe

The Zirbe grows very tall (by European standards) and can live for up to 1000 years.

It prefers cooler temperatures, which is why it is mainly found in the German Alps, as well as in Austria, France and Switzerland.

If you love mountains you will love Zirbenholz (the wood of Swiss stone pine).

Think of mountains, snow-covered peaks, fresh cool air, deep green conifers, moss, resin and damp earth.

Think of sitting in front of a cosy fire after a day full of evening adventures, a cold beer or a warm tea in your hand.

And all of these come together in a unique odour, the Zirbe.

It is an incredibly calming and relaxing scent that brings the body back to peace even after a stressful day.

Why does the Zirbe smell so good

The Zirbe produces fragrance molecules, so called terpenes.

Similar scent molecules can also be found in other coniferous woods and aromatic herbs such as thyme and rosemary.

The Zirbe does not produce essential oils in its flowers like other plants, but in the leaves (needles) and wood.

The composition of terpenes in the Zirbe has already been analysed in detail. A total of around 125 different terpenes have been identified, although the diversity is probably much greater.

It is estimated that there are up to 800 different terpenes.

How do you get the Zirbe into your home?

Furniture:

You won’t find furniture made of Zirbe at Ikea or in furniture stores. The wood is expensive and only well-trained craftsmen use it to make furniture.

So it’s best to look for small businesses and carpenters.

Unfortunately, furniture made of Zirbe is not for those on a budget, as it can quickly cost several thousands of euros. However, they not only last a lifetime but can also be passed on. Here is two

Cushions:

Cushions filled with Zirbe are simply just cotton covers filled with wood shavings. This allows you to smell the scent directly under your nose.

There are also cuddly toys filled with Zirbe for children.It’s also really comfortable. The odour lasts at least a year. After that you have to buy more filling and refill the cushion.

Here on this page you can get the Zirben products online. This link in non affiliate 🙂

I also think it’s a wonderful idea to bring it back to someone as a souvenir from Europe. Zirbe products are really authentic, even my grandmother loved them. They make you much happier than bits and bobs from a cheap tourist shop.

Oil:

Finally, Zirben-oil is available as a room fragrance, either as spray or diffuser. This allows you to enjoy the fragrance whenever you want.

The price of around 12 euros is definetely worth it, because you can really enjoy it for a very long time.

A cosy Zirbe cushion or a Zirbe-oil candle are perfect as a Christmas present or Secret Santa gift!

Here on this page you can get the Zirben products online. This link in non affiliate 🙂

Schnaps:

Of course, Zirbe is available as Schnaps.

If you don’t know what Schnaps is, here’s a brief explanation:

Schnaps is a clear alcoholic drink with an alcohol content of at least 32%.

But it is not an official or protected term that has to fulfil guidelines. We actually call everything that burns in the throat and is drunk from a small glass schnapps. Zirbenschnaps is usually flavoured, for example with cinnamon, herbs and honey. Again, perfect for Christmas.

Zirbenschnaps is not available in supermarkets, only small local producers sell it. In restaurants and hotels you can often also drink and buy a homemade one.

Here is the link to an online shop, where you can buy Zirbenschnaps. This link is non affiliate 🙂

Zirbensauna is next level

If you want to immerse yourself even more on a spiritual level, the wood of the Zirbe may be used as a sauna infusion. There is nothing in this world that could relax you even more.

Hotels in the Bavarian Forest (Germany), Austria and the Swiss Alps often specialise in these wellness offers.

If you should go to a sauna in Europe, don’t be surprised: We don’t care about being naked. Actually you are not even allowed to wear clothes in a sauna.