Pine Needle Tea

Pine Needle Tea- Benefits, How To Make, & Possible Dangers

Drinking herbal teas like “Pine Needle Tea” for medicinal purposes is an ancient custom in many parts of the world. It is fair to say that tea drinking is “steeped” in culture, excuse the pun!

Tea , as a herbal remedy, is an effective way to take in the essential oils and phenolic compounds, released by the adding of hot water to dried or fresh leaves.

Did you know pine needle tea is a powerhouse of phenolic compounds and plant sterols?

Once you infuse these needle-like “leaves” you will release the magical aroma within and reap the full benefits of what pine needle tea has to offer.

Apple Cider Vinegar Homemade is a great remedy.

Which Pine needles are edible?

If you think you can just go out and gather your own pine needles and whip up a steaming cup of health, you are right! You can, but just be warned….. There are many species of “pine” to pick from.

What makes drinking the tea so special for me is the massive amount of history and folklore attached to pine trees. Not only in the States but worldwide, you will find amazing stories of the magical and beneficial uses of the mighty pine.

When I drink teas from plants with amazing back stories I can’t help but feel I am getting even more out of the tea than just health benefits.

Pine trees are conifers. True pine trees are from the genus Pinus. But many conifers are used medicinally and are also referred to as pine trees. Firs, spruces and cedars are all conifers whose leaves can be used as tea.

Some pine needle teas are labeled as Piñon tea. Piñon is just another name for some species of pine that are smaller or of a dwarf variety.

Boosting the immune system​

Hi levels of antioxidants and vitamin C play a significant role in boosting your immune system

Relieves bronchial and sinus infections

Pine needle tea has been used by indigenous cultures for its decongestant qualities. It can force mucus and phlegm to be expelled, which effectively eliminates the bacteria and other pathogens living there.

The decongestant nature helps to clear out your sinuses and relieve pressure and sinus headaches.

Pine Needle Tea Antiviral Properties

It is known that pinene, which is the primary component of pine needles, inhibits the growth of microorganisms. Terpinene, camphene and limonene are antiviral. It has been further stated in this scientific paper that Beta-pinenene and limonenen reduced viral activity significantly.

Antiviral capability is also being sort by many as a protection against the Coronavirus or Covid19. While there is no evidence – I and many friends are now adding a cup of pine needle tea to our plan of immunity to coronavirus.

Simply the best pine needle tea with great benefits to get is Juniper Ridge Douglas Fir – It is a great flavour and a good price – although I notice stocks are getting low.

Check Here for price and availability.

Safe to drink, unless you are pregnant or breastfeeding, pine needle tea can also improve general skin, hair and nail health as well as improve vision.

You must be curious as to what exactly it is in pine needles that give it, its healing properties. Properties in pine needles include:

Antioxidants – found in the high levels of vitamin C and A and presenting as flavonoids, and their glycosides. High in proanthocyanidins.

Antiseptic qualities, notably present and detected by the scent it exudes.

Terpenes, found in high concentrations in pine resin but also present in needles in the form of pinene, myrcene, cadinenes and thujenes.

Notable levels of calcium, iron, potassium and phosphorous.

High levels of vitamin C are present in pine needle tea. It has almost 25% more than that of citrus fruit! The bioflavonoids in pine needles are high in antioxidants, thanks to the vitamin C levels. This means free radicals are neutralized, reversing the effects of oxidative stress at cellular level.

leaves of Pinus densiflora yield almost the same amount of proanthocyanidins as grapes. This is a phenomenal discovery as we already know the anti-inflammatory benefits of grape seed extract.

Anti-inflammatory compounds are essential in the antioxidant activity needed to neutralize free radicals and prevent serious illnesses that develop from inflammatory conditions.

Antioxidants can prevent cancer

Pine needle tea is high in antioxidants in the form of carotenoids and plant sterols. It also has potassium, iron calcium and phosphorous. Antioxidants reverse oxidative stress which can lead to cancers.

Phenolic Compounds Fight Respiratory Conditions

With decongestant properties, pine needle tea can ease symptoms of a chest infection by breaking down stubborn mucus and easing harsh coughs. This works especially well when a tea is taken with added raw, organic honey.

High Vitamin A Levels Improve Eye Health

High levels of vitamin A contain flavonoids with antioxidant properties that can actually increase through the application of heat, so a tea can provide healing benefits in this way.

People who get enough vitamin C, A and E are less likely to develop cataracts and macular degeneration.

Some forms of night blindness may also improve by increasing vitamin A intake, provided you don’t suffer from liver disease , malabsorption or alcoholism. If the vitamin is not getting metabolized properly, it is of no use.

Carotenoids Regenerate Skin, Hair and Nails

Vitamin A and its compounds like carotenoids, flavanols and other bioactive chemicals are amazing healers of skin.

Studies have shown that vitamin A can heal the skin ( source )damage caused by steroidal drugs, immune suppression, diabetes or radiation. It has the added benefit of preventing infection while stimulating new skin growth.

Hair growth and nail strength will improve too when regular doses of vitamin A and C are maintained.

Vitamin C Elevates Mental Health

In the olden days sailors contracted scurvy from lack of vitamin C, but a precursor to this ancient malady is actually depression.

Today depression has become a common disease of modern society. By upping your levels of certain vitamins and minerals, like the ones found in pine needle tea, you may experience a slight elevation in mood and general well being ( source Our mental, emotional, spiritual and physical health is interconnected and an easy way to top up our nutritional levels is to add a few cups of herbal tea to our regular regime.

Choices for Pine Needle Tea- Which pine trees are edible?

White pine needles (Pinus strobus) – The White Pine is a tree with much folklore attached to it. Used by Native Americans for centuries as a staple in a shaman’s “first aid kit”, mythical stories and folk remedies abound about this lovely needle tea , with vast restorative properties.

is common and widespread in China it has a close relative that is on the threatened species red list.

Always choose sustainably harvested over wild harvested. If you are purchasing a commercially labeled product and it is wild harvested, warning bells should go off. Do your research, be an informed consumer.

Cedrus deodara – High in essential oils with healing properties, both antimicrobial and antioxidant ( source Thuja occidentalis – Also known as Eastern white cedar Pseudotsuga menziesnii – Douglas Fir – popular choice for homegrown US spruce tip tea. Not a true pine.

A Word of Caution: There are many species of pine trees and many trees that pass for pine but aren’t. Some of these trees are toxic and some people even have allergic reactions to pine so bear that in mind when foraging for pine needles! There are some good books on foraging on Amazon.

Prep time: Less than 5 minutes (excluding gathering time if using fresh leaves) Total time: Less than 10 minutes for an instant cup. Longer if making an overnight infusion.

Yield: 1 – 4 cups Ingredients:

• 1 – 4 cups of boiled water (1 cup per person)
• 1 – 4 tsps raw, organic honey – optional but advised! ( or sweetener of your choice)
• slices of lemon – optional
• ½ tsp of tea masala – optional (see below for easy to make tea masala)

Instructions:

• Chop the needles with knife or cut up with kitchen scissors.
• Add 1 heaped tbs of needles to one cup per person.
• Once water is off the boil, pour over the needles, into each cup..
• Alternatively, you can fill a teapot with the desired quantity of needles and add the hot water to pot. Cover and allow to steep for 3 -5 minutes.
• Add tea masala, ¼ tsp per person (optional).
• Cover the cups with a saucer and leave to steep for 5 minutes.
• Stir once to release flavors and compounds. If you prefer, now would be the right time to strain tea, before adding honey.
• Add honey and stir till dissolved (optional)
• Garnish with slice of lemon or a squeeze of lemon juice (optional)
• Drink with delight!

Note: For overnight infusions place needles in a pot, add 1 cup water for every 1 tbs of needles. Bring water almost to the boil, then remove from heat and let it stand overnight. In morning, reheat, strain and drink.

Tea masala Powder recipe

Prep time: Less than 5 minutes | Total time: Less than 5 minutes Yield: Roughly 45ml or 16 servings. | Serving size: ¼ or ½ tsp Ingredients: All in powder form

• 4 tsp cinnamon
• 1 tsp nutmeg
• 1 tsp cloves
• 1 tsp elachi (cardamom)
• ½ tsp cayenne peppermint
• ½ tsp black pepper

Instructions:

• Add all the ingredients to a small glass jar.
• Screw lid on and shake.
• Use between ¼ -1/2 tsp per serving.
• Add to coffees, teas, chai, smoothies and even lattes.