Pine Needles (Dried)
Pinus strobus
Use the needle loaded with vitamin C—more than five times that of an orange—along with vitamins A, E, and a host of B vitamins, the needles are a cherished part of the pine. Pine needles have strong antimutagenic, antioxidant, and antiproliferative properties, which help in preventing the growth of cancer cells. Try making your own tea with the following recipe:
Sacred Pine Needle Tea
Ingredients:
½ cup young pine needles (a small handful)
3 cup spring water
1 slice of lemon (optional)
Instructions:
Bring water to a boil.
De-stem and remove the brown papery sheaths at the base of the needles.
Chop needles into ½-inch pieces, to help release essence.
Place 1 tbsp. of chopped needles into a mug and pour boiling water over top, allowing to steep for 5-10 minutes.
Squeeze lemon into tea for flavor, or use as garnish.
In a respiratory steam, tea or tincture, pine is a stimulating expectorant. It is a tremendous ally for breaking up boggy wet mucous and helping the body expel it from the lungs. It is warming and aromatic, which helps to relieve congestion in the lungs and the sinuses. Pine is a great ally for when you are sick, but it can also be worked with on a daily basis to help support seasonal wellness.
