Cirmolo (Swiss stone pine). A wood that prolongs life.

Also called the “ice tree,” this tree grows in extremely harsh conditions at very high altitudes and can withstand temperatures below -40°C. It is the most frost-resistant Alpine species, able to do this by forming ice crystals outside its cells, which do not damage the cells but protect them by drying and preventing freezing. Additionally, it maintains particularly high pressure in the water conduits in its needles, ensuring good irrigation and nourishment even at very low temperatures. For this reason, these trees are rich in resin and essential oils. And this is the secret of this wood.

We firmly believe that our ancestors knew nature and its secrets very well. This is why many houses in the mountain villages, including here in Val di Sole, had a “stube,” the main room of the house where people ate and spent most of the day, completely lined with stone pine. In some houses, even the bedroom was lined with stone pine, though in most cases, only the bed was made of “zirmol” (stone pine).

They knew very well that this wood has calming and relaxing properties and helps in energy recovery by providing rejuvenating sleep. The point is that this is not just a simple popular belief but has been reinforced by scientific studies conducted by the Human Research Institute for Health Technology and Prevention in Graz, led by Dr. Maximilian Moser. The studies have shown that the essential oil of Swiss pine has beneficial effects on the parasympathetic system. In particular, its scent acts on the vagus nerve, which helps lower blood pressure and heart rate. In practice, it protects our heart from daily stress, promoting optimal relaxation and energy recovery. Today, this nerve is also recognized as the “nerve of health” because it inhibits inflammation in our body. These inflammations are reactions of our immune system to external pathogens, and they often become chronic. Therefore, the activity of the vagus nerve is of fundamental importance.