Pine Needles Have Surprising Benefits

 I love the smell of pine and I always associate it with the holidays and the real pine trees we decorated for Christmas. Besides smelling good and making a beautiful display during the holidays, pine has a host of health benefits. There are the needles which produce essential oil and tea. There are pine nuts, that have nutritional value and pine bark that was eaten by indigenous peoples.

 Pine needles have been part of popular folk remedies for centuries. Pine needles were used for mattresses to discourage bugs, and are still used today in the Swiss Alps for rheumatism. In Scandinavia pine branches were used in their saunas Indigenous peoples used pine for all kinds of things. For example, they would make ointments for skin problems. According to folklore, the Native Americans taught the European settlers to consume pine needles to help them get through the winter.
.
Pine essential oil is a favorite essential oil and has numerous benefits. It is often used by aromatherapists for respiratory problems that include clearing mucus and phlegm, and soothing congested, inflamed sinuses. It goes well blended with other essential oils like cedarwood, juniper, sage and rosemary. It is considered one of the safer essential oils. Pine essential oil is often used in cough and cold formulas because of its expectorant qualities.

A tea can be brewed from pine needles that contains vitamins A, C, B1, B2, B3, iron, potassium, calcium, sodium, and numerous carotenoids. The tea is reportedly able to assist circulation, and respiratory health. The tea can be cooled and used as a wash for wounds to prevent infection. There is pine tea and white pine tea. The white pine variety is reportedly especially nutritious.

I do want to add a word of caution. Pine needle tea has been known to cause miscarriage so pregnant women should not consume it. If you do decide to make the tea, research the type of pine needle you are using because some types of pine needles can be toxic. Be sure to consult your healthcare practitioner if you are pregnant, seriously ill, taking prescription medications, or even considering the use of pine as a remedy.

Here is a simple recipe for pine needle tea.

Be absolutely sure you have identified the plant your needles come from as some varieties are toxic.
Bruise a handful of young green pine needles
Remove brown ends and chop into half-inch pieces.
Place needles in glass, ceramic or stainless steel pot.
Pour 2 C of boiling water over the needles and steep a few minutes
The  needles will sink to the bottom
Pour off the tea into a mug.
Lemon juice or another tea can be mixed with the pine tea.

Sources:
http://www.bodyenlightenment.me/blog/2012/03/pine-needle-recipes/
https://www.organicfacts.net/health-benefits/essential-oils/pine-essential-oil.html
https://www.organicfacts.net/health-benefits/herbs-and-spices/pine.html
http://www.ediblewildfood.com/blog/2012/12/winter-teas/
http://www.almanac.com/blog/natural-health-home-tips/pine-needle-tea

Be sure to check out my web page at www.valerielull.com  Check out my books. They make excellent holiday gifts.

Valerie Lull
Author
valerielull923@gmail.com