Holiday Pine Tea Recipe
By Amy Lupton
Much more than an object of holiday decor, did you know pine needles (Pinus Strobus) have been used medicinally for hundreds of years by various tribes and native cultures?
It was traditionally used to treat scurvy because of its high Vitamin C content. Many would succumb to scurvy because lack of fresh fruits and vegetable in the cold harsh winters.
One cup of pine needle tea would have the same amount of Vitamin C of 5-6 lemons, more than enough to keep their levels intact.
Pine also has energetic properties as being the self-acceptance plant, and is wonderful for this time of year, as we move into the new year.
Our favorite way to use pine is making tea, and we love the wonderful smell as we harvest the needles! You can also use them for salves, oils (as pine contains volatile oils such as alpha-pinene), syrups and even vinegar.
"Pine needles and bark are harvested and used fresh or dried for use in teas, tinctures, or infused oils. Pine’s warming energetics, its antimicrobial and expectorant actions, and vitamin C content make it a natural ally for respiratory support during cold and flu season."
~Herbal Academy
Drinking a decoction of the bark and needles can help move respiratory congestion and ease a wet cough, and the decoction can also be used as a pleasant facial steam for the same purposes.
If you don't have access to harvest Pine safely (or which variables to use), you can order some HERE!
If you would like to boost it a bit, here are some nourishing herbs to add to make a nice holiday tea!
~Holiday Boost Tea~
1 tbs dried pine needles (see below for safe pine harvest methods)
1 tbs dried nettle
1 tsp peppermint
1 tsp rose hips
Combine and steep in very hot but not boiling water (as this destroys Vitamin C in the herbs), and let steep for 7-9 minutes. Strain and enjoy with optional lemon wedge or local honey.
Note: Most pine trees can be used for pine needle tea, but not all. There are some that are poisonous or toxic for some. Those you want to avoid include Lodgepole Pine, Monterey Pine, Ponderosa Pine, Norfolk Pine (Australian Pine), Loblolly Pine, Common Juniper, and although not a pine, Yew. Pine tree species, such as Lodgepole, Jeffery, Western and Eastern White, and Sugar Pine, have all long been used medicinally. As always, make sure your pine hasn't been sprayed with pesticides or herbicides, and is located in a wild area away from traffic and spray areas.
