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Can you make tea from Australian pine needles?
Brewing Pine Needle Tea is generally an easy affair but there are a few key points that need to be understood. In order to get the best results, unfortunately, you can’t just drop and place the needles into hot water, steep for a few minutes and be good to go.
Which pine trees are safe for tea in Australia?
- Australian Pine.
- Common Juniper.
- Monterey Cypress.
- Common Yew.
- Norfolk Island Pine, Lodgepole or Shore.
- Ponderosa Pine (Also known as Blackjack, Western Yellow, Yellow & Bull Pine)
What does pine needle tea do?
The best benefits of pine needle tea may include maximizing the immune system, improving vision, preventing respiratory infections, stimulating circulation, avoiding chronic disease, increasing cognitive performance, strengthening heart health, and speeding healing.
Who should not drink pine needle tea?
It is generally considered safe, however pine needle tea should not be consumed if you are pregnant or nursing as is may cause a possible miscarriage. Which Pine Needles are safe for tea? The Eastern White Pine makes a great tea, but any variety of pine, spruce, or hemlock tree can be used.
Which pine needles are toxic?
Some plants tagged as pines, including Norfolk Island pine (Araucaria heterophylla, USDA zones 9-11) and Yew pine (Podocarpus macrophyllus, zones 7-9), are not true pines, but they both contain toxic compounds and should be planted with care when you’re looking for evergreen trees to grace your yard.
Pine Needle Tea: How To Make It & Benefits
Pines (Pinus spp.) belong to a huge genus of evergreen trees that vary widely in size and shape. Most are able to tolerate difficult growing conditions, including drought, high winds, and poor soil. The needles of many pine trees are poisonous and can be particularly dangerous to cattle and other livestock.
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Some plants labeled as pines, including the Norfolk Island pine (Araucaria heterophylla, USDA zones 9-11) and the yew pine (Podocarpus macrophyllus, zones 7-9), are not true pines, but both contain toxic compounds and should be planted with care if you are looking for some evergreen trees to decorate your garden.
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Tip The needles of some pines, like the ponderosa pine, and other non-pine evergreens, like the Norfolk Island pine, can be poisonous to humans, livestock, and other animals.
pine needles and livestock
The needles of at least 20 known pines are poisonous and pose a serious hazard to livestock. Although the needles and bark and branch tips are poisonous to horses, goats and sheep, cattle are particularly susceptible to potentially fatal reactions, including premature birth and miscarriage.
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Pines that pose a hazard to livestock include ponderosa pine (Pinus ponderosa, zones 3-7); Lodgepole pine (Pinus contorta var. latifolia, zones 3-7); and Monterey pine (Pinus radiata, zones 7-10).
Although some cattle are more resilient, others can abort unborn calves within two weeks after eating very small amounts. Sheep can give birth to dead lambs after eating pine needles. Cattle that eat large amounts of pine needles can also develop neurological or kidney diseases.
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Pine needle risk
Native Americans and other cultures have brewed pine needles into tea for medicinal purposes for centuries, including ponderosa pine. Pine needles were commonly used for respiratory problems and topically for a number of skin conditions. However, miscarriage, low birth weight, and other similar toxic reactions can occur in humans and pets after consumption of pine needles. The risk may not be as severe and life-threatening as in cattle and other livestock. Although people often enjoy pine needle tea with no ill effects, pine needle tea is not recommended for use by humans or pets.
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Norfolk Island Pine
The Norfolk Island pine (not a true pine), also known as the Australian pine, is an evergreen plant most commonly grown indoors. However, the plant is suitable for outdoor cultivation in USDA zones 9 through 11. The plant can cause vomiting and depression when ingested by cats and dogs. The Norfolk Island pine is believed to be safe for humans. However, some people may experience skin irritation after handling the plant.
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Yew (Japanese Yew)
Yew pine (not a true pine), also known as Buddhist pine or Japanese yew, is an attractive garden plant popular for its light green foliage and easy growth habit. However, the fleshy seeds of the yew pine resemble fruit and are mildly toxic if eaten.
Symptoms of ingestion include nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea, according to the ASPCA’s Animal Poisons Control Center. Ingestion of yew can also cause vomiting and diarrhea in pets, including dogs, cats, and horses.
Should you wash pine needles before making tea?
Making Pine needle Tea:
After identifying a safe pine variety, like lodgepole pine, or go with a nice douglas fir, harvest a few small branches, the tenderer the better. Rinse the branches and remove the needles from the stems. Chop the needles lightly, and put into a sieve.
Pine Needle Tea: How To Make It & Benefits
As I type this, I’m sitting on the desk next to my computer with a steaming cup of pine needle tea, unsweetened. The scent reminds me of winter holidays, summer forest walks when the needles are burning in the strong sun, and harvesting in our forest garden under the pine needle mulch. It’s a homey scent rich in grounding memories as well as health benefits. Pine trees grow abundantly around me in the coniferous forests of the arid southern interior of BC, where I live. Pine is my herb of the month as I study one herb at a time.
Pine needle tea has a citrus flavor with hints of resin. Flavor depends on the pine or conifer you harvest the needles from. Before harvesting, nibble on a few needles from several pine trees and pick the tastiest ones for your tea. Save the more resinous needles for crafting pinewood-infused cleaning products. Use the citrus flavored needles for tea and herbs in cooking. Drinking pine needle tea is a way to learn about your local conifer resources and expand your local herbal knowledge with hands-on experience. The best way to learn.
Vitamin C is an essential nutrient necessary for health. It is a water soluble vitamin with many benefits. See this post about vitamin C benefits. Pine needles have 4 times the vitamin C of freshly squeezed orange juice. However, they don’t have quite as much vitamin C as rose hips. But pine needles have other health benefits as well. Pine needles are also rich in vitamin A.
Health benefits of pine needle tea
The needles of pine and other conifers have many health benefits. If you cough, pine needles can help make the cough more productive. They relieve traffic jams. They also support the immune system in recovering from viruses and infections. Pine is rich in antioxidant flavonoids, including anthocyanins.
A 2011 Korean study showed that using pine needles in tea is the best way to get the antioxidant benefits of pine needles. Pine needles contain shikimic acid, an antiviral precursor to the drug Tamiflu. Some other benefits that pine needles share with other conifer species:
analgesic
Antibacterial
Antifungal
antiphlogistic
Antimicrobial
antioxidant
antiseptic
antispasmodic
antitumor
antitussive
antiviral
Aromatic
Astringent
bronchodilator
Decongestant
detoxification
disinfectant
Diuretic
expectorant
Immunomodulating
Improves blood circulation
Reduces clotting
Invigorating
Lymphatic
Relaxing
Relieves nervous exhaustion and fatigue
Relieves sore muscles
relaxing
tonic
Pine needle tea is one way to enjoy the benefits your local conifers have to offer. Pine needle tea is rich in vitamin C and other antioxidants. However, before you plan on drinking a cup of this natural vitamin C supplement, there are a few things you should understand.
Be cautious about drinking pine needle tea if:
Some species of pine are known to cause abortions in pregnant cattle. So if you are pregnant or planning to become pregnant soon, avoid using pine needle tea out of caution. Avoid ponderosa pine (Pinus ponderosa) in particular, as drinking water from cattle under these trees has reportedly a higher rate of miscarriage.
The diuretic effects of pine needle tea can irritate the bladder. If you take any prescription medication, consult your doctor before drinking pine needle tea on a regular basis. Pine needle tea can lower the amount of other medications circulating in your blood.
Some conifers can be poisonous, so identify the specific species before using them in this recipe. Avoid yew, cypress and Norfolk pine and Norfolk Island pine as they are said to be poisonous. Also, avoid hemlock trees and poison hemlock if it’s in your area.
Clock Clock Icon Cutlery Cutlery Icon Flag Flag Icon Folder Folder Icon Instagram Instagram Icon Pinterest Pinterest Icon Facebook Facebook Icon Print Print Icon Squares Squares Icon Heart Heart Icon Heart Solid Heart Solid Icon How To Make Pine Needle Tea Makes ★★★★★ Author: Joybilee Farm
Preparation time: 5 minutes.
Cooking time: 10 minutes
Total time: 15 minutes
Yield: 1 cup 1 x Print recipe Pin Recipe Description Pine Needle Tea is a vitamin C and antioxidant rich tissane that is winter fortifying and fortifying, with 4 times the vitamin C of freshly squeezed orange juice. However, it should be avoided by pregnant mothers and those planning a pregnancy. Ingredients Scale 1x 2x 3x 2 tablespoons fresh pine needles
fresh pine needles 1 cup boiled, hot water
boiled, hot water honey to taste Instructions Remove the fresh, unblemished pine needles from the pine branches. Rinse the needles in cold water.
Cut the pine needles into smaller pieces with herb scissors or a sharp knife. Discard the brown scale connecting the needles to the tag.
Place the pine needles in a tea strainer. Place the tea strainer in a cup. Pour boiled water into the mug over the pine needles. Cover to prevent the volatile oil from escaping in the steam. Leave for 5 minutes.
Remove the strainer from the mug. Add honey to sweeten the pine needle tea.
Drink warm. Notes The needles of some species of pine can cause abortion in pregnant animals, including humans. Avoid drinking or eating pine needles when pregnant.
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Prepare pine needle tea:
After identifying a safe pine species like lodgepole pines or a beautiful Douglas fir, harvest a few small branches, the more tender the better. Rinse the branches and remove the needles from the stems. Chop the needles lightly and put them in a colander. Pour boiling water over or boil in water and strain. Cover and let steep for at least 5 minutes. Add lemon juice and honey to enhance flavor. Enjoy.
Pine Needle Tea
The Pinaceae family of plants includes pine, spruce, fir, cypress, cedar, juniper and other conifers. When speaking of pine needle tea, many people will assume that it refers to any plant within the pinaceae family. So look beyond pine and also consider spruce, fir, and cedar as candidates for a daily cup of tea. All of these have high amounts of vitamin C and vitamin A, as well as other antioxidants that can help you stay healthy through a long winter.
However, before setting out on a foraging trip, get a good field guide for your area. Some trees are potentially poisonous and should be avoided. Spruce and fir are safe and have a nicer flavor with a less resinous quality than pine or cedar in my opinion. Flavor also varies between individual trees, even within the same species, so nibble while hiking. However, avoid yews, Norfolk pines and some cypresses.
Shikimic acid in pine needles
In addition, zeylenone derived from shikimic acid exhibits anticancer, antiviral and antibiotic behavior and triacetylshikimic acid exhibits anticoagulant and antithrombotic activity. (Source)
Shikimic acid is the precursor used in the manufacture of Tamiflu, a prescription drug used to treat H1N1, swine flu, and bird flu. It is generally derived from the spice star anise. It can also be obtained from fennel seeds or pine, fir or spruce needles. Researchers at the University of Tasmania have developed a technique that allows them to inexpensively extract shikimic acid from star anise using a home espresso machine. During their experiment, they extracted shikimic acid using alcohol and water (75% vodka and 25% water) under heat and pressure. Shikimic acid is water soluble and can be extracted with water alone.
Should you use fresh pine needles or dried pine needles?
To extract the most antioxidants and vitamin C, the needles should be fresh or freshly dried with a green color and fresh evergreen scent. If you plan to extract your pine needle tea using a home espresso machine, briefly grind the fresh needles in a Vitamix jar or Blendtec blender until coarsely ground. Don’t over edit. Freeze unused portions of ground pine needles to preserve their antioxidants.
How to extract pine tea with a moka pot
I found that a “moka” pot on the stove produces a stronger pine tea while the rapid extraction preserves antioxidants, volatile oils and colour, evidence of flavonoids. Use 1/4 cup ground pine needles in the strainer basket of a 6 cup moka pot. Fill the lower chamber with filtered water. Place on stovetop over medium-high heat according to the Moka Pot manufacturer’s directions. In a standard 6-cup moka pot, you have 3 servings of concentrated pine tea.
Use 1/2 cup of this strong pine tea in your mug, then top up with water. Sweeten to taste with local wildflower honey. Drink warm or cold.
You can store unused portions of this concentrated pine tea in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Does pine needle tea contain suramin?
dr Judy Mikovits didn’t say that suramin can be found in pine needles. She was misquoted. Suramin is a 100-year-old World Health Organization chemical drug. Suramin is not found in pine needles. You can read the testimony of Dr. Listen to Judy Mikovits here (9:40 minutes).
A natural source of vitamin C, flavonoids and polyphenols, pine needle tea is a great choice for maintaining good health.
Are Australian pines toxic?
Australian Pine, which is also called house pine, Norfolk Island pine, and Norfolk pine, is poisonous to cats. The Australian pine is popular for use as a Christmas tree and for outdoor landscaping. Protect yourself and your pet.
Pine Needle Tea: How To Make It & Benefits
Any poisoning from this tree will make your cat uncomfortably ill. To help her get better, take the cat to the vet so she can be given appropriate medication. Within a few hours or days, your cat will be fully recovered, depending on how much tree or water it ate or drank.
If you received immediate veterinary care, you can expect your cat to feel unwell for up to a few days. Once the offending material is removed from its stomach, it will feel more like its normal self and make a full recovery.
Put up barriers at home so the cat can’t get to the tree, whether it’s part of your outdoor landscape or a Christmas tree inside. Offer your cat distractions like a scratching post, fishing pole, treats, and catnip. Since cats love to nibble on greenery, provide safe, cat-edible grass indoors and outdoors.
How often should you drink pine needle tea?
You can drink pine needle tea every day but you should avoid drinking too much. It is recommended to only try about half a cup for the first time. If you are sure that your body has been used to it and you feel no side effects, you can consume it once or twice a day.
Pine Needle Tea: How To Make It & Benefits
What is pine needle tea? Pine needle tea is an herbal tea made from the leaves of pine trees, or you commonly call it pine needle. You can use fresh pine needles or dried pine needles to make it. Pine trees are found all over the world, from cold to subtropical regions, and each country has its own history and folklore associated with pine trees. Because of its benefits, pine needle tea is consumed in the United States and many Asian cultures. In Japan, there are two of the main native species of pine needles; Pinus thunbergii (kuro matsu, translated as “Japanese black pine”) and Pinus densiflora (aka matsu, translated as “Japanese red pine”). Pine needles grow naturally in various areas of Japan and have been popular since ancient times. It can be evidenced by the appearance of the pine needle in ukiyo-e prints, kimono patterns and family crests. In addition to consuming pine needles as a tea, they are also used for bathing in Japan. What does pine needle tea taste like? Pine needle tea has a pleasant herbaceous taste and a refreshing scent. Flavor may depend on the type of pine needle used. It may have a hint of citrus flavor. Some people also said that the taste reminds them of basil or mint tea. Are Pine Needles Safe to Consume? Most pine needles are safe for making tea. However, there are some varieties that contain harmful toxins. There are at least about 20 known poisonous pine species such as yew (Taxus), Norfolk pine (Araucana heterophylla), and ponderosa pine (Pinus ponderosa). Instead of risking yourself, it is better to buy pine needle tea that has been safely made. Recommended products for pine needle tea
Pine Needle Tea Nutritional Information Pine needles have long been used as herbal medicine and contain rich nutritional components leading to potential benefits. The nutritional components of pine needle tea include: Chlorophyll One of the benefits of chlorophyll is to relieve constipation as it cleanses your intestines. It can also help transport nutrients and oxygen to the body’s cells. Quercetin Quercetin is a type of flavonoid and polyphenol, it is a component mainly found in vegetables such as onions. One of the benefits of quercetin is improving blood flow and preventing atherosclerosis. Terpene Essential Oil (Alpha Pinene) Terpenes are components that give essential oils a strong fragrance. Terpenes are said to promote various health benefits, such as helping you sleep and boosting energy levels. It is also effective for relaxing, refreshing and relieving fatigue. Vitamins and minerals Pine needle tea is rich in vitamins, especially vitamin A, vitamin C and vitamin K.
Pine Needle Tea Benefits It is said that the medicinal benefits of pine needle have long been recognized in China and the records have been found in Chinese medicine books dating back 500 years. There is also a legend that hermits ate them as an elixir of longevity. Below you can see the benefits of pine needle tea not only for your body but also for your mind. #1 Rich in Vitamins (Vitamins A, C, and K) The most well-known reason for the popularity of pine needle tea is its vitamin C concentration. Vitamin C helps boost your immune system and is also known as an antioxidant. They also contain vitamin A, which is good for your eyesight and skin, and vitamin K, which helps your body make various proteins needed for blood clotting and bone formation. #2 The Power of Antioxidants Pine needle tea could be a very rich source of antioxidants, which can be essential for fighting free radicals, cancer, chronic conditions, and disease prevention. A published study shows that pine needles have potent antioxidant, antimutagenic and antiproliferative effects on cancer cells and also antitumor effects in vivo, pointing to its potential utility in cancer prevention.
Antioxidant, Antimutagenic and Antitumor Effects of Pine Needles (Pinus densiflora) #3 Antiviral Properties Pinene, one of the components in pine needle tea, inhibits the growth of microorganisms. Terpinene, camphene and limonene are antiviral. A scientific paper says that beta-pinene and limonene (pinene variety) can help reduce viral infectivity significantly by 100%. Relation:
Antiviral activity of monoterpenes beta-pinene and limonene against herpes simplex virus in vitro #4 Keep your heart and respiratory system healthy Pine needle tea is said to be good for your heart as it can improve your cardiovascular health. It can also have powerful anti-inflammatory properties that can help minimize damage to your heart or respiratory system from pollutants or other factors. Results of a study indicate that pine needle ethyl acetate extract (EAE-PN) may provide potential protective effects against low-density lipoprotein (LDL) oxidation and attenuate excess nitric oxide production at sites of inflammation; consequently, this may contribute to the anti-atherosclerotic and anti-inflammatory effects of EAE-PN. Relation:
Protective effect of pine needle (Pinus morrisonicola Hay.) on LDL oxidation and its anti-inflammatory effects by modulating iNOS and COX-2 expression in LPS-stimulated RAW 264.7 macrophages #5 Weight Management Pine needle tea calories are minimal, which is excellent is news for those who want to reduce their intake. The average serving contains no more than two calories. It is also said that pine needle tea can boost the metabolism of fat cells. Metabolism is a process by which the body converts fuels, such as fat and muscle, into energy. Consuming pine needle tea can cause your body to burn fat faster and more efficiently. However, remember that drinking for weight loss only works if you’re burning more calories than you’re expending through your diet and physical activity. #6 Essential Oils To Improve The Body’s Circulatory System, Relieve Fatigue And Relaxation Terpenes, which are an essential oil component in pine needle tea, are said to help you sleep better or boost your energy levels. It is also effective for relaxing, refreshing and relieving fatigue. One way to feel these benefits is by using pine needle tea as a bath tea.
How to Make Pine Needle Tea There are two ways to make pine needle tea: brewing in a pot or kettle, and brewing in a kyūsu, or traditional Japanese teapot. How to Make Pine Needle Tea Using a Pot or Kettle If you’re using a pot or kettle, you need to boil the pine needle. We recommend this method for those who like a strong taste. 5 out of 4 votes Print Recipe Pin Recipe Cooking time 10 minutes Servings 4 teacups Ingredients 1x 2x 3x 10 grams Dried pine needle approx. 2.5 tablespoons
1L water Instructions Put 10g of pine needle tea and about 1 liter of water in a saucepan and bring to the boil.
When the water boils, simmer on low heat for about 10 minutes.
Turn off the heat and strain the leaves with a tea strainer.
The pine needle tea is ready. You can adjust the cooking time to your liking. Notes The use of a tea bag is recommended for easier cleaning.
Preparing Pine Needle Tea with Teapot (Kyūsu) When brewing with kyūsu, you can adjust the flavor to your liking. 4 votes out of 7 Print Recipe Pin Recipe Cooking time 10 minutes Servings 4 teacups Ingredients 1x 2x 3x 15 grams Dried pine needle about 3 tablespoons
1L of water Instructions Place about 15g of dried pine needles in a kyūsu and pour boiling water over it.
Leave it for 3 to 4 minutes. You can adjust the time and enjoy the tea once the taste is to your liking. Notes The use of a tea bag is recommended for easier cleaning.
Effective way of drinking pine needle tea Pine needle tea is high in essential oil and fat-soluble vitamins. We recommend drinking pine needle tea after meals as it breaks down and absorbs oil well. It’s a good idea to have it as a drink after breakfast or dinner. Aside from dried leaves, there are also pine needle powder type products that you can drink simply by pulverizing the leaves and pouring hot water over them. This way is recommended for easier manufacture. Please remember to use a moderate fixed amount over an extended period of time rather than drinking a lot at once. You can drink pine needle tea every day, but you should avoid drinking too much of it. It is recommended to only try about half a cup the first time. If you are sure that your body has adjusted to it and you do not feel any side effects, you can take it once or twice a day. Pine needle tea for bath tea In Japan, dried pine needles are also often used as bath tea. The essential oils in the pine needle improve your body’s circulatory system. And the gentle scent of pine needles is said to have the beneficial effects of relieving fatigue and relaxing. To use the dried pine needles as part of your bath routine: 1. Place 30g of dried pine needles (about 7.5 tablespoons) in a large tea packet.
2. Let it simmer for a while.
3. Then put it in your bathtub.
Pine Needle Tea Possible Side Effects Basically, there are no side effects when using non-toxic pine needles. But it is important to consume pine needle tea according to your physical condition. Please avoid drinking pine needle tea if you are taking warfarin, a drug used to treat people with blood clotting problems. If you have a weak gastrointestinal tract, use with caution as it can cause gastrointestinal problems. Pine allergies can cause throat damage, nausea, and diarrhea. In rare cases, pine needle essential oil can also cause symptoms such as abdominal pain and skin rash. Pregnant and breastfeeding women should avoid consuming pine needle tea as it contains a small amount of caffeine.
Pine Needle Tea FAQ Is Pine Needle Tea Good For You? Yes, pine needle tea contains rich nutritional components that result in potential benefits such as: See the Pine Needle Tea Benefits section for more details on each benefit. Is pine needle poisonous? Most pine needles are safe for making tea. However, there are some varieties that contain harmful toxins. There are at least about 20 known poisonous pine species such as yew (Taxus), Norfolk pine (Araucana heterophylla), and ponderosa pine (Pinus ponderosa). What are the side effects of pine needle tea? Basically, there are no side effects when you use non-toxic pine needles. Avoid drinking pine needle tea if you are taking warfarin or have allergies to pine. Those who have a weak gastrointestinal tract should also use it with caution as it can cause gastrointestinal problems. Pine needle essential oil can also cause symptoms such as abdominal pain and skin rashes in rare cases. Is It Okay To Drink Pine Needle Tea While Pregnant And Breastfeeding? Pine needle tea contains a small amount of caffeine. Pregnant women should refrain from taking caffeine, i.e. it is better to avoid pine needle tea during pregnancy and breastfeeding. How much pine needle tea can you drink? You can drink pine needle tea every day, but you should avoid drinking too much of it. It is recommended to only try about half a cup the first time. If you are sure that your body has adjusted to it and you do not feel any side effects, you can take it once or twice a day. When is the best time to drink pine needle tea? We recommend drinking pine needle tea after meals, especially after breakfast and/or dinner, as it breaks down well and absorbs oil. Where to buy pine needle tea? If you live far away from pine forests or don’t want to risk yourself mistakenly choosing poisonous pine needles for tea, there are some quality pine needle teas available online. You can also check our product recommendation below, which uses Japanese household and high quality dried pine needles.
Are Australian pine trees edible?
Apparently the needles have all of positive fuel characteristics of pine needles, without the creosote and oily residue. The seeds are edible and were roasted and eaten by Australian Aboriginies and the sap is a source of water in an emergency.
Pine Needle Tea: How To Make It & Benefits
Casuarina Equisetifolia Australian Pine She-Oak Seeds
Large pack of over 200 seeds of this hardy and iconic native tree!
Known as Australian Pine in many parts of the world, but more commonly known as She-Oak in OZ.
Other names are Agas, Agasu, Agoho, Aito, Arbe de Fer, Arbre de Fer, Arzelibanos, Australian Beefwood, Australian Oak, Beach Casuarinas, Beach She-Oak, Beef-Holz, Beefwood, Bius Pin Do Australie, Bois de Fer, bois pin do australie, cavalinho, cemara laut, casuarina, casuarina cola de caballo, casuarina de la nueva holanda, casuarinas, casuarine a feuilles de prele, cavalinho, cemara laut, chorao, coastal ironwood, coastal oak, common ru, common ru, filao, filao, filao-pays, filao bord-de-mer, filao tree, gagu, horsetail beef, horsetail casuarina, horsetail tree, ironwood, jangli saru, jau, jemara laut, kasa ghas, kazuarisboom, mejinoki, mile tree, mokumao, mu ma huang, nakure, ngas, ngasu, nggaro, nokonoko, nokonoko ndamu, ogasawa matsu, palo de buey, phil lao, pin d’australia, pinheiro, pino australiano, pino australiano, pino cipres, pino de australia, pino de chipre, pino de holanda, pino real, pu tong mu ma huang, qaro, rbol de hierro, rbol de la tri steza, ru, ru loud, savukku, horsetail kangaroo, she-oak, she aok, she-oak, shewshewe, clapboard, son th’ale, son thale, seashore casuarine, gago, swamp oak, thau, tin yu, toa, Velau, whistling pine, whistling tree, willow or just yar.
I like the last one best and it’s what I use. “jar”.
It all sounds like piracy. Haha.
In some places it is still known under the synonyms Casuarina africana, Casuarina brunoniana, Casuarina excelsa and Casuarina indica.
Native to Australia, Bangladesh, Brunei, Cambodia, Fiji, Indonesia, Malaysia, New Zealand, Papua New Guinea, Philippines, Samoa, Solomon Islands, Thailand, Tonga, Vanuatu, Vietnam and has also been hauled en masse to Antigua, Barbuda, Bahamas, Benin, Burkina Faso, Cameroon, Central African Republic, Chad, China, Congo, Ivory Coast, Cuba, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Djibouti, Dominica, Dominican Republic, Eritrea, Ethiopia, Gabon, Gambia, Ghana, Grenada, Guadeloupe, Guinea, Guinea-Bissau, Haiti , India, Israel, Jamaica, Kenya, Liberia, Madagascar, Malaysia, Mali, Martinique, Mauritania, Montserrat, Myanmar, Netherlands Antilles, Niger, Nigeria, Pakistan, Puerto Rico, Senegal, Sierra Leone, Somalia, South Africa, Sri Lanka, St .Kitts and Nevis, St. Lucia, St. Vincent and the Grenadines, Sudan, Tanzania, Togo, Trinidad, Tobago and Uganda for erosion control, hardwood production and ornamental only.
Some places now regret it, and it’s considered a big weed in many places, especially in the US where decades of government-subsidized distribution programs have caused major problems.
Australian pine needles are used by Florida beekeepers as the perfect smoking fuel. Apparently the needles have all the positive fuel properties of pine needles without the creosote and oily residue.
The seeds are edible and have been roasted and eaten by Australian Aborigines and the sap is an emergency water source.
However, it’s a better idea to dig around the base, as they often indicate sandy soils with a high water table.
I’ve used them a few times over the years to find water myself when I was less prepared for a Scrub adventure than I first thought…
Where borers pierce the trunk, the tree produces an edible gum that can be collected and is surprisingly energizing.
No meal or anything but good to tide you over on a hike or whatever and a heck of a lot better than nothing!
The green cones are great to suck on to stimulate salivation and the new sprouts have a salty tannic flavor.
The tannins and salts also soothe a toothache by killing some of the bacteria and killing off the area, and European settlers used it extensively for this reason.
A tea made from the bark is still widely used around the world for toothaches, sore throats, coughs, headaches, diarrhea, beri-beri, infections, tropical ulcers and bruises, and its chemical composition supports these traditional medicinal uses.
The leaves, bark, and stem are also widely considered contraceptives, the internet tells me.
I wouldn’t believe it myself, but it’s a cool tree!
The wood is an important fuelwood crop that burns at a much higher temperature than most other woods and unlike the others it also burns green.
The leftover ash is used to make soap, and the ash from burning the leaves and cones is used to make salt and as an ingredient in your own spice blends.
It is a large deciduous tree with a classic pine-like appearance.
It can be grown as a bonsai to great effect and can grow to 30 meters or more in the wild!
Handles almost any soil, even sand and gravel, and it eliminates salt intake so effectively it can be grown right on the beach!
It is also a nitrogen-fixing plant and is excellent for stabilizing soils from erosion.
Very attractive wood, also known as ironwood and cattlewood for its grain and deep, rich color because of its natural density.
It was introduced to Florida in the 19th century to stabilize canals and as a fast-growing timber plant.
Growth rates of ~3 meters per year are not uncommon in good conditions.
Pretty incredible really!
Wild harvested sustainably by me and the wife, no chems, no hassles, no dramas!
Is pine needle tea poisonous?
Don’t pick poisonous pines!
Caution: Women who are pregnant, or who could become pregnant, are advised NOT to drink pine needle tea in general for fear it could cause abortion. This beauty grows from a shrub to small tree. It contains a toxic alkaloid called taxine that is highly toxic to humans and animals!
Pine Needle Tea: How To Make It & Benefits
How to make pine needle tea. Episode 92: The Pine, Pinus 10:00 min. Eat the weeds
Everything you want to know about pine trees.
Can you boil pine needles and drink it?
The ideal ratio seems to be about 1/2 cup of pine needles per 3 cups of water, but this may vary according to preference. The longer you steep, the more intense the flavor will be. Boiling the pine needles will cause the tea to turn murky and bitter, and isn’t recommended.
Pine Needle Tea: How To Make It & Benefits
Fast Facts Origin: Korea, North America
Korea, North America Alternative names: White Pine Tea, Pine Tea
White Pine Tea, Pine Tea Caffeine: None
What is pine needle tea?
Pine needle tea is made by brewing the needles of pine trees to create an aromatic hot beverage. Its taste is variously described as piney, resinous, astringent and citrusy with undertones of mint. Older pine needles tend to taste more bitter and tannic than young ones. The tea can be sweetened with honey or sugar. It is transparent in color or maybe slightly green in color.
Commercial pine needle tea is made by harvesting white pine needles and then steeping them for about 24 hours. After this time they are then rinsed, cleaned and trimmed to remove any sharp points before being dried in a shaded area.
Commercial pine needle teas in North America are made from the eastern white pine. In Korea, this tea is made from Korean red pine or Manchurian red pine. Another version of pine needle tea known as “sollip-cha” is made in Korea by fermenting the pine needles in a solution of sugar and water for a week or more. The liquid is then filtered and drunk cold.
Used
Pine needle tea is usually freshly brewed and consumed hot, although it can also be chilled and enjoyed as a cold drink. If you’re super confident in your knowledge of trees, you can enjoy it on a camping trip made from pine needles from nearby trees (but see the note below on foraging).
How to drink pine needle tea
If you’re buying commercial pine needle tea, it will come in the form of dried pine needles, while if you’re sourcing your own, use fresh.
Foraging Note: You should not collect your own pine needles to make tea unless you are 100 percent sure what species of tree you are getting the needles from. Not all pines make good tea, and some conifers are poisonous. For example, ponderosa pine, lodgepole or maritime pine, common juniper, Monterey cypress, common yew, Norfolk Island pine, and Australian pine are all known to be toxic to humans.
Whether you use fresh or dried pine needles, the process for brewing pine needle tea is the same. You can boil water in a saucepan and then remove from heat, put the pine needles in the hot water and let steep for 5 to 20 minutes. Or you could use a tea infuser or filter or French press and pour your hot water over the pine needles and then steep. Depending on whether you bought or collected your pine needles, you may need to trim them as they can be 3 to 4 inches long.
The ideal ratio seems to be about 1/2 cup pine needles for every 3 cups of water, but this can vary based on preference. The longer you steep, the more intense the flavor will be. Boiling the pine needles will cause the tea to become cloudy and bitter and is not recommended.
Sweeten with sugar or honey and season with fresh lemon if you like.
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Caffeine content in pine needle tea
Pine needle tea does not contain caffeine.
Buy and store
Pine needle tea may be available at specialty tea shops or health food stores, and it’s definitely available online where it’s most likely to be purchased. It is available in loose leaf and also as tea bags.
For storage, keep tightly closed in a cool, dry place away from light.
recipes
Many recipes use brewed tea as an ingredient, including cocktails and iced teas. You can substitute pine needle tea in any of these recipes. Or you could try blending pine needle tea with other teas like lemon or mint teas.
Which pine trees are safe for tea?
The eastern white pine (bottom) is common, readily identifiable by the fact its needles grow in clusters of five, and makes for a tasty tea.
Pine Needle Tea: How To Make It & Benefits
36 pine species are common in North America, although not all are good candidates for pine tea. Some pine species, such as the ponderosa pine, and trees that appear to be pines but are not, such as the yew species and the Norfolk Island pine, are actually potable. But many others, including eastern white pine and silver fir (actually of the pine family) are delicious and safe to drink. Make sure you do your homework to identify the species of pine you are harvesting before you start enjoying your tea!
The type of needles you choose for your tea depends on your drinking intent. Older needles have higher concentrations of vitamin C but taste more bitter. Younger needles result in a sweeter, more pleasant tea for easy drinking. You can tell the age of the needles by their color and placement on the branch. Younger needles are usually light green in color and are located at the very tips of the branches. Older needles are darker and are found at the base of branches.
Gather a nice fresh twig, rinse to remove insects or debris, then pluck the needles clean from the twig. If you’re working with long needles, like those of an eastern white pine, and steeping them in a small saucepan or mug, chop them into smaller pieces. Smaller needles do not need to be crushed.
Bring three cups of water to a simmer, turn it off or remove it from the heat (important), and add about 1/2 cup of fresh needles to the water. Never boil your pine needle tea. Boiling tends to break down vitamin C and release terpenes that make the tea more bitter. If you want a stronger tea, just add more needles instead of increasing the heat.
Steep your pine needle tea for about 20 minutes or until the needles sink to the bottom of your pot or cup. At this point you can strain the needles or leave them in while you drink. If you plan on storing your tea for later, remove the needles to prevent over-stepping.
Another method is to put the pine needles in a tea strainer, place the strainer in a mug and pour hot water over it. Let steep, then remove the strainer and enjoy.
Your finished tea will taste lemony, a little resinous, and quite pleasant. Enjoy neat when out in the wild, or add a squeeze of lemon and/or some honey to enhance the flavor at home.
How much vitamin C is in a cup of pine needle tea?
…
Vitamin C Content.
Element | Vitamin C (mg) |
---|---|
Orange | 0.532 |
New Needles | 0.72 |
1 Year Old Needles | 1.18 |
2 Year Old Needles | 1.87 |
Pine Needle Tea: How To Make It & Benefits
vitamin C content
Pine needles are said to have three to five times more vitamin C than an orange, depending on which source you read, but there’s no hard and fast rule as to how much C is in a pine needle.
Regardless of the exact percentage, we know that pine needles and pine bark make an excellent natural vitamin C supplement.
At least they are powerful enough to cure scurvy, a chronic condition caused by vitamin C deficiency that is fatal if left untreated.
One historical account tells the story of French explorer Jacques Cartier in 1536, whose crew was cured of scurvy by the Iroquois with a tea made from pine needles and bark after the crew had suffered months of starvation at sea.
Although the crew boiled the decoction, which would have destroyed a significant portion of the vitamin C, there was still enough ascorbic acid and various amino acids to fully reverse their scurvy symptoms.
It was such a dramatic change that the tree used for tea became known as the “Tree of Life”.
There is no way to determine exactly what species it was, but we do know that the tree of life was a conifer.
Eastern White Pine is just one of the few candidates that could be used.
The content of ascorbic acid (vitamin C) in pine needles seems to vary widely, mainly depending on the pine species and the age of the needles.
The eastern white pine needles in this USDA Forest Service study contained between 0.72 mg and 1.87 mg of ascorbic acid per gram of pine needles.
New needles had the lower concentration, while 1-year-old needles contained 1.18 mg of vitamin C per gram of needles, and 2-year-old needles contained as much as 1.87 mg.
According to the USDA, 100g of orange contains 53.2 mg of vitamin C, or 0.532 mg/g.
This yields pine needles with slightly more vitamin C for new needles, twice as much for 1-year-old needles, and 3.5 times as much vitamin C for 2-year-old needles.
The gist of the research is that ascorbic acid levels increase as needles age.
Does that mean older needles are best for pine needle tea? Not if you’re looking for flavor. Older needles produce a stronger, more bitter, piney-tasting tea. So if you want a milder, more delicate tea, look for light green young pine needles.
Pine Needles on Etsy
And don’t cook them. Not only does boiling destroy vitamin C, but it also releases more terpenes — the organic compounds that make pinewood smell like pine — making it more of a turpentine-like tea.
Other research shows that balsam pine needles contain significantly more vitamin C than white pine, so species matters, and white pine bark has more than just needles. If you want a stronger vitamin C concoction, add some pine bark.
Does pine needle tea interact with medications?
This product may adversely interact with certain health and medical conditions, other prescription and over-the-counter drugs, foods, or other dietary supplements. This product may be unsafe when used before surgery or other medical procedures.
Pine Needle Tea: How To Make It & Benefits
Scientific Name(s): Cedrus deodara (Roxb. ex D. Don) G. Don, Pinus densiflora Sieb. Et Zucc., Pinus sylvestris L.
Common Name(s): Pine Needle Oil
Medically verified by Drugs.com. Last updated on December 22, 2021.
Clinical overview
Use
Medical literature documents antibacterial, antioxidant, antifungal and wound healing pharmacological activities for pine needle oil. However, clinical studies to support these recommendations are limited.
dosage
Pine needle oil is commercially available in many products. It is marketed for numerous health conditions and for use in aromatherapy. Pine needle tea is also marketed as a cure-all.
contraindications
Avoid use if you are hypersensitive to any component of pine needle oil.
pregnancy/breastfeeding
Avoid use due to documented side effects.
interactions
None well documented.
side effects
Limited clinical data are available. Tolerability of a topical preparation containing pine needle oil was excellent. Hypersensitivity reactions of the skin and mucous membranes as well as coughing occurred as side effects. Allergic contact dermatitis from various pine needle oil fragrance components has also been documented.
toxicology
information is missing.
scientific family
pine family
botany
The Pinaceae family includes more than 250 species distributed mainly in the northern hemisphere and in the subtropical and tropical parts of Central America and Asia. The evergreen, up to 12 cm long needles contain resin, the pollen cones are cone-shaped and elongated and usually appear in spring. Soft jaws have 1 fibrovascular bundle for structural support with 5 needles per bundle. However, hard jaws have 2 fibrovascular bundles with 2 to 5 needles per bundle. Ioannou 2014
story
In China and Korea, pine needles are used to promote health and are consumed as food and dietary supplements. Kim 2010, Kurose 2007, Yu 2004 A 2004 economic study documents the consumption of pine needles in Korea at 1,000 tons per year. Pine-based commercial products are found in beverages, candies, tea, and wine. Yu 2004 In China and Korea, pine needles are used in herbal medicine and in tea for their nutritional and pharmaceutical properties. Ka 2005, Zeng 2012 In China, Japan, India, Russia, Kazakhstan, and Lapland, pine needle extract is used to treat various skin conditions, including burns. Clark 2014 Pine needle oils are used commercially as ingredients in various types of soaps, perfumes, and deodorants. Ka 2005, Kurose 2007
Chemistry
Chemical analysis of pine needles from 46 species of pine revealed more than 190 components. Almost every sample contained monoterpenes, sesquiterpenes and diterpenes. The monoterpene hydrocarbons alpha and beta pinene and the sesquiterpene germacrene D are the dominant components. Ioannou 2014, Kurose 2007 A mixture of piperidine alkaloids from spruce needles (Picea abies) has confirmed teratogenic activity. Tawara 1993
Applications and Pharmacology
Limited clinical studies are available. However, the literature documents antibacterial, Feng 2010, Kamin 2007, Krauze-Baranowska 2002, Zeng 2011, Zeng 2012 antioxidant, Ka 2005, Park 2011 antifungal, Feng 2010, Kamin 2007, Krauze-Baranowska 2002, Zeng 2011, Zeng 2012 and wound – healingClark 2014 activities for pine needle oil.
Antibacterial and antifungal activity
in vitro data
Although gentamicin was more potent, pine needle oil showed inhibitory activity against the bacteria Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, Bacillus subtilis, and Bacillus cereus, and the fungi Aspergillus niger, Penicillium citrinum, Rhizopus oryzae, and Aspergillus flavus.Zeng 2012 Another study documented similar antibacterial activity for Food spoilage and pathogenic bacteria as well as for Micrococcus luteus and Proteus vulgaris. Feng 2010 Antifungal activity has also been documented against Fusarium culmorum, Fursarium solani and Fusarium poae. Krauze-Baranowska 2002 Pine needle oil in combination with ascorbic acid inhibited tissue browning and reduced microbial growth on freshly cut apple slices. Zeng 2011
clinical data
Pinimenthol Ointment contains eucalyptus, pine needle oil and menthol. A post-marketing observational study in 3,060 patients suffering from upper respiratory tract infections concluded that treatment with pinimenthol ointment was well tolerated. Two other main findings were the occurrence of adverse drug reactions and adverse events, with 10 patients reporting skin hypersensitivity reactions and 6 coughing. Fireplace 2007
Other uses
Antioxidant Activity
In vitro data studies revealed antioxidant activity of pine needle oil against H 2 O 2 -treated brain neuroblastoma cells Ka 2005 and 1,1-dihenyl-1-picryhydrazl scavenger activity. Park 2011
Cancer
In vitro studies showed that alpha-pinene in pine needle oil inhibited BEL-7402 cells by blocking cell growth in the G2/M phase of the cell cycle, downregulating Cdc25C mRNA and protein expression, and reducing the cycle dependence of kinase 1 ( CDK1 ) activity.Chen 2014
obesity
Pine needle oil supplementation reduced body weight gain and visceral fat mass in rats treated with a high-fat diet. Plasma total cholesterol, triglycerides and leptin levels were also reduced. Histological findings also documented reduced fatty liver tissue or steatosis.Jeon 2006, Jeon 2013
wound healing
Pine needle oil reduced skin ear inflammation and a second-degree paw burn in a mouse. The oil counteracted the tactile pain (by blocking pain transmission or activating calcium channels through adenosine triphosphate) and soft tissue injury caused by the burn. Clark 2014
dosage
Pine needle oil is commercially available in many products and is marketed for numerous health conditions and for use in aromatherapy.
Pine needle tea is also marketed as a cure-all. More than 29 flavoring compounds have been identified in pine needle tea, including alpha-pinene, isoamyl alcohol, trans-caryophyllene, terpinen-4-ol, alpha-terpineol, and delta-cadiene.
pregnancy / lactation
Avoid use due to documented side effects.
interactions
There is a lack of data on specific drug interactions.
side effects
Limited clinical data are available. Tolerability of a topical preparation containing pine needle oil was excellent. Hypersensitivity reactions of the skin and mucous membranes as well as coughing occurred as side effects. Kamin 2007 Allergic contact dermatitis from various pine needle oil fragrance components has also been documented. Nardelli 2009
toxicology
Avoid use if you are hypersensitive to any component of pine needle oil.
Alkaloids from pine and spruce needles have been confirmed to have teratogenic activity in pregnant grazing cows. Tawara 1993, Virjamo 2014
references
Chen WQ, Xu B, Mao JW, et al. Inhibitory effects of α-pinene on proliferation of hepatoma carcinoma cells. Asia Pacific J Cancer Before. 2014;15(7):3293-3297.24815485 Clark SP, Bollag WB, Westlund KN, et al. Effects of pine oil on chemical and thermal injury in mice and cultured mouse dorsal ganglion neurons. Phytother Res. 2014;28(2):252-60.23595692 S Feng, W Zeng, F Luo, J Zhao, Z Yang, Q Sun. Antibacterial activity of organic acids in aqueous extracts of pine needles (Pinus massoniana Lamb.). Food Science Biotechnology. 2010;19(1):35-41. Ioannou E, Koutsaviti A, Tzakou O, Roussis V. The genus Pinus: a comparative study of the composition of coniferous essential oils of 46 pine species [published online February 5, 2014]. Phytochem Rev. Jeon JR, Choi JH. Pine needle extract suppresses obesity via mediating white adipose tissue adipogenic gene expression in rats fed a high-fat diet. Food Science Biotechnology. 2013;22(2):465-470. Jeon JR, Kim JY. Effects of pine needle extract on 3T3-L1 preadipocyte differentiation and obesity in high-fat diet-fed rats. Biol PharmBull. 2006;29(10):2111-2115.17015960 Ka MH, Choi EH, Chun HS, Lee KG. Antioxidant activity of volatile extracts isolated from Angelica tenuissimae root, peppermint leaf, pine needle and sweet flag leaf. J Agric Food Chem. 2005;53(10):4124-4129.15884849 Kamin W, Kieser M. Pinimenthol ointment in patients with upper respiratory tract infections–a post-marketing observational study. phytomedicine. 2007;14(12):787-791.17980566 Kim KY, Chung HJ. Flavorings of pine sprout tea and pine needle tea. J Agric Food Chem. 2000;48(4):1269-1272.10775384 Kim NY, Jang MK, Lee DG, et al. Comparison of methods for extraction of proanthocyanidin from pine needles (Pinus densiflora) and biological activities of the extracts. Nutr Res Pract. 2010;4(1):16-22.20198204 Krauze-Baranowska M, Mardarowicz M, Wiwart M, Pobłocka L, Dynowska M. Antifungal activity of essential oils of some species of Pinus genus. Z Naturforsch C. 2002;57(5-6):478-482.12132688 Kurose K, Okamura D, Yatagai M. Composition of essential oils from the leaves of nine Pinus species and the cones of three Pinus species. Flavor Fragr J. 2007;22:10-20. Nardelli A, D’Hooghe E, Drieghe J, Dooms M, Goossens A. Allergic contact dermatitis due to fragrance components in certain topical pharmaceutical products in Belgium. contact dermatitis. 2009;60(6):303-313.19489964 Park JS, Lee GH. Volatile compounds and antimicrobial and antioxidant activities of the essential oils of Pinus densiflora and Pinus thunbergii needles. J Sci Food Agric. 2011;91(4):703-709.21213230 Tawara JN, Blokhin A, Foderaro TA, Stermitz FR. Toxic piperidine alkaloids from pine (Pinus) and spruce (Picea) trees. New structures and a biosynthetic hypothesis. J. Org. Chem. 1993;58:4813-4818. Virjamo V, Julkunen-Tiitto R. Shoot development of Norway spruce (Picea abies) involves changes in piperidine alkaloids and condensed tannins. trees. 2014;28:427-437. EJ Yu, TH Kim, KH Kim, HJ Lee. Aromatic active compounds from Pinus densiflora (red pine) needles. Flavor Fragr J. 2004;19:532-537. Zeng WC, Jia LR, Zhang Y, et al. Anti-tanning and anti-microbial activities of the water-soluble extract of Cedrus deodara pine needles. J FoodSci. 2011;76(2):C318-C323.21535752 Zeng WC, Zhang Z, Gao H, Jia LR, He Q. Chemical composition, antioxidant and antimicrobial activities of pine needle (Cedrus deodara) essential oil. J FoodSci. 2012;77(7):C824-C829.22757704 Chen WQ, Xu B, Mao JW, et al. Inhibitory effects of α-pinene on hepatoma carcinoma cell proliferation. 2014;15(7):3293-3297.24815485 Clark SP, Bollag WB, Westlund KN, et al. Effects of pine oil on chemical and thermal injury in mice and cultured mouse dorsal root ganglion neurons. 2014;28(2):252-60.23595692 Feng S, Zeng W, Luo F, Zhao J, Yang Z, Sun Q Organic acids in aqueous extracts of pine needles (Lamb.). 2010;19(1):35-41. Ioannou E, Koutsaviti A, Tzakou O, Roussis V 46 pine species [Published online 5 February 2014]. Jeon JR, Choi JH. Pine needle extract suppresses obesity via mediating adipogenic gene expression of white adipose tissue in rats fed a high-fat diet. 2013;22(2):465-470. Jeon JR, Kim JY. Effects of pine needle extract on 3T3-L1 preadipocyte differentiation and obesity in high-fat diet-fed rats. 2006;29(10):2111-2115.17015960 Ka MH, Choi EH, Chun HS, Lee KG. Antioxidant activity of volatile extracts of root, peppermint leaf, pine needle and sweet flag leaf. 2005;53(10):4124-4129.15884849Kamin W, Kieser M. Marketing observational study.. 2007;14(12):787-791.17980566Kim KY, Chung HJ. Flavorings of pine sprout tea and pine needle tea.. 2000;48(4):1269-1272.10775384 Kim NY, Jang MK, Lee DG, et al. Method comparison for proanthocyanidin extraction from pine needles and biological activities of extracts of essential oils of some species of the genus. 2002;57(5-6):478-482.12132688Kurose K, Okamura D, Yatagai M. Composition of essential oils from the leaves of nine species and the cones of three Pinus species.. 2007;22:10-20.Nardelli A, D’Hooghe E, Drieghe J, Dooms M, Goossens A. Allergic contact dermatitis due to fragrance components in certain topical pharmaceutical products in Belgium. 2009;60(6):303-313.19489964 Park JS, Lee GH. Volatile Compounds and Antimicrobial and Antioxidant Activities of Needles Essential Oils by And. 2011;91(4):703-709.21213230 Tawara JN, Blokhin A, Foderaro TA, Stermitz FR. Toxic piperidine alkaloids from pine () and spruce () trees. New Structures and a Biosynthetic Hypothesis EJ, Kim TH, Kim KH, Lee HJ. Aromatic active compounds of (red pine) needles.. 2004;19:532-537. Zeng WC, Jia LR, Zhang Y, et al. Antibrowning and antimicrobial activities of the water-soluble extract of pine needles. 2011;76(2):C318-C323.21535752 Zeng WC, Zhang Z, Gao H, Jia LR, He Q. Chemical composition, antioxidant and antimicrobial activities of pine needle essential oil ().. 2012;77(7):C824 -C829.22757704
Disclaimer
This information relates to an herbal, vitamin, mineral, or other dietary supplement. This product has not been evaluated by the FDA to determine whether it is safe or effective and is not subject to the quality and safety information collection standards that apply to most prescription drugs. This information should not be used to decide whether or not to take this product. This information does not endorse this product as safe, effective, or approved for the treatment of any patient or health condition. This is just a brief summary of general information about this product. It does NOT contain all information about the possible uses, instructions, warnings, precautions, interactions, side effects or risks that may apply to this product. This information does not constitute specific medical advice and is not a substitute for information you may receive from your healthcare provider. You should speak to your doctor for complete information on the risks and benefits of using this product.
This product may adversely interact with certain health and medical conditions, other prescription and over-the-counter medications, foods, or other dietary supplements. This product may be unsafe when used prior to surgery or other medical procedures. It is important that you fully inform your doctor about the herbal, vitamin, mineral, or other dietary supplements you are taking before undergoing any type of surgery or medical procedure. With the exception of certain products that are generally recognized as safe in normal amounts, including the use of folic acid and prenatal vitamins during pregnancy, this product has not been adequately studied to determine whether it is safe for use during pregnancy or breastfeeding, or by younger individuals can be than 2 years old.
More on topical pine needle oil Related treatment guides Minor skin problems
Further information
Always check with your doctor to ensure that the information presented on this page is appropriate for your personal circumstances.
Medical Disclaimer
How often should you drink pine needle tea?
You can drink pine needle tea every day but you should avoid drinking too much. It is recommended to only try about half a cup for the first time. If you are sure that your body has been used to it and you feel no side effects, you can consume it once or twice a day.
Pine Needle Tea: How To Make It & Benefits
What is pine needle tea? Pine needle tea is an herbal tea made from the leaves of pine trees, or you commonly call it pine needle. You can use fresh pine needles or dried pine needles to make it. Pine trees are found all over the world, from cold to subtropical regions, and each country has its own history and folklore associated with pine trees. Because of its benefits, pine needle tea is consumed in the United States and many Asian cultures. In Japan, there are two of the main native species of pine needles; Pinus thunbergii (kuro matsu, translated as “Japanese black pine”) and Pinus densiflora (aka matsu, translated as “Japanese red pine”). Pine needles grow naturally in various areas of Japan and have been popular since ancient times. It can be evidenced by the appearance of the pine needle in ukiyo-e prints, kimono patterns and family crests. In addition to consuming pine needles as a tea, they are also used for bathing in Japan. What does pine needle tea taste like? Pine needle tea has a pleasant herbaceous taste and a refreshing scent. Flavor may depend on the type of pine needle used. It may have a hint of citrus flavor. Some people also said that the taste reminds them of basil or mint tea. Are Pine Needles Safe to Consume? Most pine needles are safe for making tea. However, there are some varieties that contain harmful toxins. There are at least about 20 known poisonous pine species such as yew (Taxus), Norfolk pine (Araucana heterophylla), and ponderosa pine (Pinus ponderosa). Instead of risking yourself, it is better to buy pine needle tea that has been safely made. Recommended products for pine needle tea
Pine Needle Tea Nutritional Information Pine needles have long been used as herbal medicine and contain rich nutritional components leading to potential benefits. The nutritional components of pine needle tea include: Chlorophyll One of the benefits of chlorophyll is to relieve constipation as it cleanses your intestines. It can also help transport nutrients and oxygen to the body’s cells. Quercetin Quercetin is a type of flavonoid and polyphenol, it is a component mainly found in vegetables such as onions. One of the benefits of quercetin is improving blood flow and preventing atherosclerosis. Terpene Essential Oil (Alpha Pinene) Terpenes are components that give essential oils a strong fragrance. Terpenes are said to promote various health benefits, such as helping you sleep and boosting energy levels. It is also effective for relaxing, refreshing and relieving fatigue. Vitamins and minerals Pine needle tea is rich in vitamins, especially vitamin A, vitamin C and vitamin K.
Pine Needle Tea Benefits It is said that the medicinal benefits of pine needle have long been recognized in China and the records have been found in Chinese medicine books dating back 500 years. There is also a legend that hermits ate them as an elixir of longevity. Below you can see the benefits of pine needle tea not only for your body but also for your mind. #1 Rich in Vitamins (Vitamins A, C, and K) The most well-known reason for the popularity of pine needle tea is its vitamin C concentration. Vitamin C helps boost your immune system and is also known as an antioxidant. They also contain vitamin A, which is good for your eyesight and skin, and vitamin K, which helps your body make various proteins needed for blood clotting and bone formation. #2 The Power of Antioxidants Pine needle tea could be a very rich source of antioxidants, which can be essential for fighting free radicals, cancer, chronic conditions, and disease prevention. A published study shows that pine needles have potent antioxidant, antimutagenic and antiproliferative effects on cancer cells and also antitumor effects in vivo, pointing to its potential utility in cancer prevention.
Antioxidant, Antimutagenic and Antitumor Effects of Pine Needles (Pinus densiflora) #3 Antiviral Properties Pinene, one of the components in pine needle tea, inhibits the growth of microorganisms. Terpinene, camphene and limonene are antiviral. A scientific paper says that beta-pinene and limonene (pinene variety) can help reduce viral infectivity significantly by 100%. Relation:
Antiviral activity of monoterpenes beta-pinene and limonene against herpes simplex virus in vitro #4 Keep your heart and respiratory system healthy Pine needle tea is said to be good for your heart as it can improve your cardiovascular health. It can also have powerful anti-inflammatory properties that can help minimize damage to your heart or respiratory system from pollutants or other factors. Results of a study indicate that pine needle ethyl acetate extract (EAE-PN) may provide potential protective effects against low-density lipoprotein (LDL) oxidation and attenuate excess nitric oxide production at sites of inflammation; consequently, this may contribute to the anti-atherosclerotic and anti-inflammatory effects of EAE-PN. Relation:
Protective effect of pine needle (Pinus morrisonicola Hay.) on LDL oxidation and its anti-inflammatory effects by modulating iNOS and COX-2 expression in LPS-stimulated RAW 264.7 macrophages #5 Weight Management Pine needle tea calories are minimal, which is excellent is news for those who want to reduce their intake. The average serving contains no more than two calories. It is also said that pine needle tea can boost the metabolism of fat cells. Metabolism is a process by which the body converts fuels, such as fat and muscle, into energy. Consuming pine needle tea can cause your body to burn fat faster and more efficiently. However, remember that drinking for weight loss only works if you’re burning more calories than you’re expending through your diet and physical activity. #6 Essential Oils To Improve The Body’s Circulatory System, Relieve Fatigue And Relaxation Terpenes, which are an essential oil component in pine needle tea, are said to help you sleep better or boost your energy levels. It is also effective for relaxing, refreshing and relieving fatigue. One way to feel these benefits is by using pine needle tea as a bath tea.
How to Make Pine Needle Tea There are two ways to make pine needle tea: brewing in a pot or kettle, and brewing in a kyūsu, or traditional Japanese teapot. How to Make Pine Needle Tea Using a Pot or Kettle If you’re using a pot or kettle, you need to boil the pine needle. We recommend this method for those who like a strong taste. 5 out of 4 votes Print Recipe Pin Recipe Cooking time 10 minutes Servings 4 teacups Ingredients 1x 2x 3x 10 grams Dried pine needle approx. 2.5 tablespoons
1L water Instructions Put 10g of pine needle tea and about 1 liter of water in a saucepan and bring to the boil.
When the water boils, simmer on low heat for about 10 minutes.
Turn off the heat and strain the leaves with a tea strainer.
The pine needle tea is ready. You can adjust the cooking time to your liking. Notes The use of a tea bag is recommended for easier cleaning.
Preparing Pine Needle Tea with Teapot (Kyūsu) When brewing with kyūsu, you can adjust the flavor to your liking. 4 votes out of 7 Print Recipe Pin Recipe Cooking time 10 minutes Servings 4 teacups Ingredients 1x 2x 3x 15 grams Dried pine needle about 3 tablespoons
1L of water Instructions Place about 15g of dried pine needles in a kyūsu and pour boiling water over it.
Leave it for 3 to 4 minutes. You can adjust the time and enjoy the tea once the taste is to your liking. Notes The use of a tea bag is recommended for easier cleaning.
Effective way of drinking pine needle tea Pine needle tea is high in essential oil and fat-soluble vitamins. We recommend drinking pine needle tea after meals as it breaks down and absorbs oil well. It’s a good idea to have it as a drink after breakfast or dinner. Aside from dried leaves, there are also pine needle powder type products that you can drink simply by pulverizing the leaves and pouring hot water over them. This way is recommended for easier manufacture. Please remember to use a moderate fixed amount over an extended period of time rather than drinking a lot at once. You can drink pine needle tea every day, but you should avoid drinking too much of it. It is recommended to only try about half a cup the first time. If you are sure that your body has adjusted to it and you do not feel any side effects, you can take it once or twice a day. Pine needle tea for bath tea In Japan, dried pine needles are also often used as bath tea. The essential oils in the pine needle improve your body’s circulatory system. And the gentle scent of pine needles is said to have the beneficial effects of relieving fatigue and relaxing. To use the dried pine needles as part of your bath routine: 1. Place 30g of dried pine needles (about 7.5 tablespoons) in a large tea packet.
2. Let it simmer for a while.
3. Then put it in your bathtub.
Pine Needle Tea Possible Side Effects Basically, there are no side effects when using non-toxic pine needles. But it is important to consume pine needle tea according to your physical condition. Please avoid drinking pine needle tea if you are taking warfarin, a drug used to treat people with blood clotting problems. If you have a weak gastrointestinal tract, use with caution as it can cause gastrointestinal problems. Pine allergies can cause throat damage, nausea, and diarrhea. In rare cases, pine needle essential oil can also cause symptoms such as abdominal pain and skin rash. Pregnant and breastfeeding women should avoid consuming pine needle tea as it contains a small amount of caffeine.
Pine Needle Tea FAQ Is Pine Needle Tea Good For You? Yes, pine needle tea contains rich nutritional components that result in potential benefits such as: See the Pine Needle Tea Benefits section for more details on each benefit. Is pine needle poisonous? Most pine needles are safe for making tea. However, there are some varieties that contain harmful toxins. There are at least about 20 known poisonous pine species such as yew (Taxus), Norfolk pine (Araucana heterophylla), and ponderosa pine (Pinus ponderosa). What are the side effects of pine needle tea? Basically, there are no side effects when you use non-toxic pine needles. Avoid drinking pine needle tea if you are taking warfarin or have allergies to pine. Those who have a weak gastrointestinal tract should also use it with caution as it can cause gastrointestinal problems. Pine needle essential oil can also cause symptoms such as abdominal pain and skin rashes in rare cases. Is It Okay To Drink Pine Needle Tea While Pregnant And Breastfeeding? Pine needle tea contains a small amount of caffeine. Pregnant women should refrain from taking caffeine, i.e. it is better to avoid pine needle tea during pregnancy and breastfeeding. How much pine needle tea can you drink? You can drink pine needle tea every day, but you should avoid drinking too much of it. It is recommended to only try about half a cup the first time. If you are sure that your body has adjusted to it and you do not feel any side effects, you can take it once or twice a day. When is the best time to drink pine needle tea? We recommend drinking pine needle tea after meals, especially after breakfast and/or dinner, as it breaks down well and absorbs oil. Where to buy pine needle tea? If you live far away from pine forests or don’t want to risk yourself mistakenly choosing poisonous pine needles for tea, there are some quality pine needle teas available online. You can also check our product recommendation below, which uses Japanese household and high quality dried pine needles.
Can you boil pine needles and drink it?
The ideal ratio seems to be about 1/2 cup of pine needles per 3 cups of water, but this may vary according to preference. The longer you steep, the more intense the flavor will be. Boiling the pine needles will cause the tea to turn murky and bitter, and isn’t recommended.
Pine Needle Tea: How To Make It & Benefits
Fast Facts Origin: Korea, North America
Korea, North America Alternative names: White Pine Tea, Pine Tea
White Pine Tea, Pine Tea Caffeine: None
What is pine needle tea?
Pine needle tea is made by brewing the needles of pine trees to create an aromatic hot beverage. Its taste is variously described as piney, resinous, astringent and citrusy with undertones of mint. Older pine needles tend to taste more bitter and tannic than young ones. The tea can be sweetened with honey or sugar. It is transparent in color or maybe slightly green in color.
Commercial pine needle tea is made by harvesting white pine needles and then steeping them for about 24 hours. After this time they are then rinsed, cleaned and trimmed to remove any sharp points before being dried in a shaded area.
Commercial pine needle teas in North America are made from the eastern white pine. In Korea, this tea is made from Korean red pine or Manchurian red pine. Another version of pine needle tea known as “sollip-cha” is made in Korea by fermenting the pine needles in a solution of sugar and water for a week or more. The liquid is then filtered and drunk cold.
Used
Pine needle tea is usually freshly brewed and consumed hot, although it can also be chilled and enjoyed as a cold drink. If you’re super confident in your knowledge of trees, you can enjoy it on a camping trip made from pine needles from nearby trees (but see the note below on foraging).
How to drink pine needle tea
If you’re buying commercial pine needle tea, it will come in the form of dried pine needles, while if you’re sourcing your own, use fresh.
Foraging Note: You should not collect your own pine needles to make tea unless you are 100 percent sure what species of tree you are getting the needles from. Not all pines make good tea, and some conifers are poisonous. For example, ponderosa pine, lodgepole or maritime pine, common juniper, Monterey cypress, common yew, Norfolk Island pine, and Australian pine are all known to be toxic to humans.
Whether you use fresh or dried pine needles, the process for brewing pine needle tea is the same. You can boil water in a saucepan and then remove from heat, put the pine needles in the hot water and let steep for 5 to 20 minutes. Or you could use a tea infuser or filter or French press and pour your hot water over the pine needles and then steep. Depending on whether you bought or collected your pine needles, you may need to trim them as they can be 3 to 4 inches long.
The ideal ratio seems to be about 1/2 cup pine needles for every 3 cups of water, but this can vary based on preference. The longer you steep, the more intense the flavor will be. Boiling the pine needles will cause the tea to become cloudy and bitter and is not recommended.
Sweeten with sugar or honey and season with fresh lemon if you like.
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Caffeine content in pine needle tea
Pine needle tea does not contain caffeine.
Buy and store
Pine needle tea may be available at specialty tea shops or health food stores, and it’s definitely available online where it’s most likely to be purchased. It is available in loose leaf and also as tea bags.
For storage, keep tightly closed in a cool, dry place away from light.
recipes
Many recipes use brewed tea as an ingredient, including cocktails and iced teas. You can substitute pine needle tea in any of these recipes. Or you could try blending pine needle tea with other teas like lemon or mint teas.
What does pine tea taste like?
While you’d expect pine needle tea to taste bitter or intense, it’s actually quite subtle. It’s aromatic, like a pine tree, but it has really subtle citrus notes, like a floral hoppy beer (rather than a sour citrus).
Pine Needle Tea: How To Make It & Benefits
I know what you’re thinking, pine needle tea must be some kind of survival food for despair… and it is… but it’s also really tasty. As luck would have it, not only is it packed with vitamin C, but it tastes damn good too. Citrusy and woody, it smells absolutely wonderful in your wintry teacup and is perfect for sipping by the fire.
A while ago I curled up by the fire reading a birthday present from my husband, a book called The Indifferent Stars Above that chronicles the journey of the Donner Party. I love historical novels and survival books, and it happens to be both. The book is compelling and well done, but it really brings out the “armchair survivor” in me.
As they trudge through waist-deep snow trying to get out of the pass, I almost audibly scream at the pages of the book, “NO… stop. Snowshoe before you’re too tired to continue!” Later, as they give up and head back, they hole up in the cabin to slowly starve and die from surveying, boiling pine bark, and shoe leather trying to extract nutrients .
Hunger is difficult to solve given the circumstances, but scurvy isn’t…especially when you’re huddled in a pine forest.
Vitamin C content of pine needles
Pine needles, especially fresh pine needles harvested in winter, contain a good dose of vitamin C. That’s not a lot compared to modern supplements or fresh fruit, but it’s enough to keep you healthy in an emergency.
A study by the US Forest Service found that pine needles contained between 0.72 and 1.87 mg/g of ascorbic acid (vitamin C) when sampled in midsummer. Other studies find that vitamin C levels are 4-7 times higher during the winter months, steadily increasing during the colder months, and peaking in February and March.
While the recommended daily intake of vitamin C for adults is 60 mg/day, rather unethical studies of prison inmates in the 1960s showed that as little as 10 mg/day could ward off scurvy. Building on this, a study concluded that it might have been possible to ward off scurvy during the Leningrad sieve with pine needle tea (source).
Nutrients in pine trees
Aside from the needles, every part of a pine tree is edible, and while it doesn’t contain many calories, each part is rich in various nutrients.
The outer rind is packed with antioxidants and tannins and is actually being sold as a New Age health supplement these days. The inner rind has some calories and is surprisingly sweet (although you’ll burn more calories from harvesting/processing than you gain from eating). Pine bark flour (made from the outer and inner bark) is a traditional food in Scandinavia and is still used today.
We’ve made a fair bit with pine bark, and it’s surprisingly tasty (for bark), but pine tea is downright pleasant. Nutrients or not, I would still harvest pine needles to make cups in the winter.
identify conifers
Of course, if you are looking for ingredients for pine needle tea, make sure that you have actually harvested pine trees. Other conifers, such as spruce and hemlock trees, are also edible and make a delicious tree. (Note: poison hemlock is a flowering plant and has nothing to do with hemlock trees.)
Pay particular attention to yew species that are poisonous. They have flat needles with a white color underneath. They look a bit like hemlock trees, which also have flat needles but are green underneath.
In any case, yew doesn’t look much like pine, except that it has needles. Pine needles are not flat, you can roll them in your fingers and they are much longer than the short (about 1 cm) yew needles.
Ponderosa pine in the West is potentially toxic, at least to cows, but it’s unclear if it has any impact on humans. Best to avoid, just to be safe.
If you are confused I would suggest reading this guide to identifying conifers.
How to make pine needle tea
To make pine needle tea, all you need is a few handfuls of fresh pine needles. Fresh needles are much spicier and more aromatic and have higher concentrations of vitamins. Pine sprouts (sometimes called pine candles) can also be used and have a much more resinous taste.
How much you need depends on your tastes, but I’d say between 2 and 4 tablespoons of chopped pine needles makes a good cup of pine needle tea. While you can leave them whole, breaking them up a bit will increase the surface area and help extract more flavor.
I like my tea a little stronger, so I opt for about 4 tablespoons of chopped pine needles (1/4 cup) per cup of tea. Experiment a little and see what you like.
Learning Herbs has a winter foraging activity book for pine trees that recommends using pine needles to make a winter chai by mixing the following into 6 cups of boiling water:
3 TBSP. pine needles, chopped
2 cardamom pods
1 1/2 tsp. Grated Ginger
2 cinnamon sticks
2 star anise pods (or 1/2 tsp fennel seeds)
1 teaspoon. Whole Allspice
They make quite a few cups of tea with lots of different aromatic spices, but only 3 tbsp of pine needles. While it’s probably good, you probably won’t taste the pine needles in this mix at all.
I personally like plain pine needle tea. Only 2-4 tbsp. Add chopped pine needles to a cup of water and let steep for 10-15 minutes.
What does pine needle tea taste like?
While you would expect pine needle tea to taste bitter or intense, it’s actually quite subtle. It’s aromatic like a pine, but it has really subtle citrus notes, like a floral hoppy beer (rather than a sour citrus).
It has a slightly resinous flavor that tastes of wood in a warm way that’s not bitter at all.
I like pine tea straight with no additives, but I’ve read that a little honey or milk is a common addition. I think honey would be nice, but I’m skeptical about the milk.
Warm chai spice is the perfect complement to pine tea on a snowy winter day, but I’d keep it subtle so you still taste the mild, resinous pine flavor.
Edible pine recipes
Almost every part of pine is edible, including the needles, bark, resin, and even pine pollen.
Yield: 1 cup of tea Pine Needle Tea Brew Time: 5 minutes Brew Time: 15 minutes Total Time: 20 minutes Pine Needle Tea is a warming winter tea full of pleasant resinous aromas and mild citrus notes. Print ingredients 2 to 4 tbsp. pine needles, chopped
1 cup of water
Honey to taste (Optional) Instructions Bring water to a boil in a tea kettle or saucepan. While the water is heating, finely chop the pine needles to help them soak into the tea. When cooked, remove from heat and add pine needles (or pour over prepared needles in a teapot). Leave the pine needles for 15-20 minutes. Strain and enjoy, adding honey, lemon or milk as desired. (I prefer it pure, as is.) Notes Be sure to clearly identify any wild-collected species before consumption. There are poisonous look-likes, namely poisonous yew species. Other conifer species such as spruce and hemlock also have edible needles and could make good substitutes. Take care of your identification and check if the conifer species is edible.
Wild Foraged Recipes
Looking for more delicious food straight from the forest?
Foraging Tutorials
Hoping to meet some new wild plants this year?
Pine Needle Tea. How to and a WARNING!
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Pine Needle Tea To Buy Australia
Pine Needle Tea. Freshly harvested in Australia. Botanical : Eastern White Pine ( Pinus Strobus ). Delivery: Express Post. Dried Pine Needle.
Source: www.herbalteatonics.com
Date Published: 5/22/2022
View: 8329
Buy Pine Needle Tea Online
LIMITED STOCK + Please read the brewing instructions below!
Rather a rarity in Australia, pine needle tea (Pinus koraiensis Sieb. et Zucc) is used primarily as a Chinese medicine – but has its own unique uses that make it a worthy addition to the Tea Life family. This is classified as White Pine.
According to studies, Pinus koraiensis Sieb is a good antiviral.
These special pine conifers have been growing in the mountainous areas of northeast China away from industrial areas for over 50 years and will be wild-bred in the month of May-June 2021.
Grown Small Khingan Mountains on the border between Russia and China.
Other compounds found in Pine Needle are below:
Alpha-Pinene Beta-Pinene Beta-Phellandrene D-Limonene Germacrene D 3-Carene Caryophyllene Vitamin A Vitamin C
Traditional medicinal uses for pine needle tea include treating flu, hormonal imbalances, and complications with vision problems. For further reading and study on Pine Needle and Pinus koraiensis Sieb. et Zucc can be found in this article here.
Complete extensive databases on this particular strand can be found here.
This pine needle is wildcrafted and pesticide free. Our pesticide report can be downloaded here.
Health Benefits
Pine Needle Tea was used for
Treatment of hormonal imbalances
Protection/treatment of the flu
Brewing & Grooming
Pine Needle is best crushed/ground or blended to properly release due to its slightly resilient protective coating.
For best results, place 2-3g in a blender filled with hot water, chop and leave for 10 minutes. Subsequent soaking/filtering is recommended. Soaking Pine Needle overnight is also a good option to ensure everything is released.
For more information on brewing Pine Needle, check out our article here.
Brewing instructions in video form here (best method)
caution
More research is needed, but to be on the safe side, avoid it during pregnancy.
In very rare cases, allergic reactions may occur in some people.
https://acaai.org/allergies/types-allergies/pine-tree-allergy
How to Brew Pine Needle Tea
Native to the eastern North American region, pine needle tea is made from the eastern white pine tree and has been introduced and grown in popularity worldwide in recent years. As an ingredient that isn’t typically common in tea-making, we believe pine needle tea has its charm in the preparation for drinking and its added benefits.
Brewing pine needle tea is generally a simple matter, but there are a few key points that need to be understood. Unfortunately, to get the best results, you can’t just put the needles in hot water, let them steep for a few minutes, and you’re done.
Pine needles are hardy plants that have natural protection against a range of elements, the most important of which being water! To get around this, it is best to crush the leaves by any means necessary. A few household items that might be available to you are:
mortar and pestle
Not really the most common item in the kitchen (although it once was), but a good mortar and pestle will definitely get the job done if you happen to have one on hand. You don’t have to grind the pine needles into dust, but the idea is to break the outer coating of the pine needles as much as possible to allow for better water diffusion once they’re in your mug.
mixer
Tea in the blender
As above, but a little less controlled. It also takes away the fun of manually grinding with a mortar and pestle, but maybe that’s just me. Be careful not to mix too vigorously, just a few seconds will suffice in most cases.
Coffee machine with grinding function
Grinder for coffee maker
I’ve been told that this can be one of the best methods for pine needle tea, not so much because of the grinding function of the machine, but more because of the pressure that is put on the tea during the process. This extraction method can be stronger than regular soaking, but is not 100% necessary.
Why do we need to grind pine needle tea?
As briefly mentioned above, pine needles have evolved with a natural protective coating on the outer layers to avoid over-water absorption. Although our pine needle is cut, it’s still best to disrupt the coating even more by crushing or grinding, similar to coffee beans. Although water can diffuse into coffee beans, the strength of the coffee flavor and its impact is much less than if you ground it first.
How is it supposed to taste when done right?
There’s a bit of a misconception about what pine needles should taste like, with ideas built around essential oils, artificial pine scents from window cleaners, and candles. Almost all other pine smells are artificial or enhanced in some way. True pine needle does not have a very strong flavor as a tea, but if crushed and steeped long enough, the contents of the pine needle will be infused with the water to be beneficial. The water is slightly yellow, similar to white tea.
How long and how often to drink?
The infusion should take around 10 minutes, but if you want it to be as strong as possible, it’s also okay to infuse overnight, starting with hot water. There is currently no general consensus on the temperature. To my knowledge, there are no compounds in it that are affected by boiling temperatures, but many are playing it safe and doing 80 degrees Celsius instead.
Pine needle tea has a fairly simple history and a less thorough history than other teas. There are many rumors about its medicinal properties and health benefits, but what is supported is that pine needle contains some great vitamins and minerals that can improve your health. However, what is most appreciated is its vitamin C concentration, which is great for the immune system and can support the onset of some mild illnesses like your typical cold and flu.
As always, if you’re not feeling well we recommend consulting a professional first, but if you’re looking for a new tea that can have a therapeutic effect in its preparation, look no further than quality pine needle tea online in Australia that you can purchase from Tea Life.
If you are interested in discovering other herbal tea varieties, be sure to check out the full range of herbal tea options at Tea Life
Pine Needle Tea: How To Make It & Benefits
by John Staughton (BASc, BFA) last updated – ✓ Evidence-based
The best pine needle tea benefits may include maximizing the immune system, improving eyesight, preventing respiratory infections, stimulating circulation, preventing chronic disease, increasing cognitive performance, strengthening heart health, and accelerating healing. With more than a hundred pine species in North America alone, you need to use the right pine needles as some varieties can contain toxins or have negative side effects.
What is pine needle tea?
Pine needle tea has been considered an important medicinal tool by indigenous cultures for thousands of years. While formal research on the subject is somewhat limited, the anecdotal evidence of its benefits is undeniable. Pine trees are native to the northern hemisphere but can now be found all over the world, from cold to subtropical regions. Pine needle tea is consumed in the United States and many Asian cultures.
How to choose pine needles for tea?
It is usually made from the fresh leaves of the pine tree. You can also buy pre-packaged pine needles for a quick brew. The tea has a woody scent with a pleasant citrus flavor.
Preparing pine needle tea is easy and requires only fresh, young pine needles and hot water! However, as mentioned earlier, choosing the right pine needles is imperative. There are about 20 known poisonous species of pine, so do your research or purchase pine needles from a trained herbalist or naturopath. Some of the most well known poisonous cultivars are the ponderosa pine, balsam fir, turnstile and Monterey pines. Avoid using these — and other varieties — when brewing your tea. [1] [2]
There are also some trees that are commonly referred to as “pines” but are actually poisonous mimics, such as the English yew, Norfolk pine, and yew pine. These should never be used to brew pine needle tea. Experts recommend the use of white pine and silver fir as harmless.
How do you make pine needle tea?
Let’s look at the step-by-step method of making pine needle tea.
Pine Needle Tea Recipe For Wellness A vitamin C rich tea with a scent that reminds you of the wild! 4.43 out of 7 votes Print Pin Prep Time: 10 minutes Cook Time: 10 minutes Steep Time: 5 minutes Total Time: 20 minutes Servings: 1 cup Author: Raksha Hegde [3] [4] Pin Ingredients 1 cup filtered water
1 handful of fresh pine needles Instructions First, collect or buy fresh pine needles. A small handful should be enough for a strong cup of tea.
If necessary, cut off the brown ends or sheaths of the needles – they can also be easily pulled off. Chop the needles into 1/4 inch pieces
Bring a pot of water to a boil, then add the freshly cut pine needles.
Cover the pot with a lid and let the needles steep for 3-4 minutes.
Remove the pot from the stove, but keep it covered and let it simmer.
When all the needles have dropped to the bottom and the tea has cooled, strain into a mug and enjoy! Notes Make sure the pine needles are bright green in color. Avoid yellow or brown ones. Fresh pine needles are more pliable than older ones and are preferable for tea.
Health benefits of pine needle tea
There is very little long-term or clinical research on the health benefits of pine needle tea. But there is a long tradition of its use in Native American and Asian cultures. We can find its mention in memoirs, encyclopedias and folklore. Here are some of the key health benefits:
May be rich in vitamin C: Although there is no research to support this, pine needle tea is believed to contain 4-5 times more vitamin C than orange juice. It was the traditional remedy for scurvy caused by vitamin C deficiency. The Encyclopedia of Folk Medicine describes how Native Americans used pine needle tea to treat scurvy among the colonists. A Korean study found that pine needle tea’s antioxidant activity may actually have been similar to that of vitamin C. [5] [6]
May Augment Vision Health: Pine needle tea is also believed to contain vitamin A. Along with vitamin C, it can help improve our eyesight. Vitamin C is good for aging eyes, giving them antioxidant protection from common pollutants. Vitamin A is important for our cornea and to improve vision. [7] [8]
May Help Heal/Cope with Respiratory Disorders: Pine needle tea was often used by indigenous cultures to treat respiratory problems. The Encyclopedia of American Indian Contributions to the World reports how Native Americans used white pine for its expectorant and decongestant properties. [9]
May Help With Weight Loss: Pine needle tea may exhibit some of the same potentials as green and black tea. Research shows that it can help with weight loss. A Korean study of rats and overweight humans found that pine needle extract, along with green and black tea, slowed weight gain and reduced visceral fat mass. [10]
May be Rich in Antioxidants: Pine needle tea could be a very rich source of antioxidants, which may be essential for fighting free radicals, chronic conditions, and preventing disease. According to a study published in the journal Food and Chemical Toxicology, a water extract from pine needles showed high levels of antioxidant and DNA-protecting properties. [11]
May Improve Heart Health: Pine needle tea may be good for your heart. Research has shown that it can protect against LDL oxidation, a condition that can threaten your cardiovascular health. It could also have powerful anti-inflammatory properties that further help minimize damage to your heart from pollutants or other factors. [12]
May Help Improve Cognitive Function: Early studies of this potent tea’s effects on neurodegenerative diseases have shown promising results. An animal study showed that it can be very effective against memory problems or amnesia. The antioxidants in this tea can help repair neural connections and improve memory. [13]
side effects
There is a variety of pine trees. Some of these are potentially toxic or harmful when used on food. If you are looking for pine needles, it is advisable to do it with an expert. According to the USDA Agricultural Research Service, the needles of the ponderosa pine can cause abortions when grazed by cattle. With very little research available, most pine needle tea side effects are also anecdotal. Some of these are: [14]
Irritation in throat and mouth
Inflamed spots on the skin
Vomit
nausea
dizziness
headache
Diarrhea
For pregnant women: The USDA warned against ingesting ponderosa pine needles. Given the toxicity of some species of pine, it’s best not to drink this tea if you’re pregnant. [15] [16]
Allergy: You should also be aware of possible allergies to pine. Pine oil released when the tea is brewed can have inflammatory effects on the skin and stomach, which can cause an upset stomach in some people. Given these potential side effects, it’s best to try just about half a cup to start with.
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