Submitted by Jaron Beck, Outdoor Skill Specialist
Pine needles and tea made from them are high in antioxidants, vitamin A, and vitamin C. This tea is mild and aromatic with notes of citrus and pine. White pine is the most common tree species that pine needles are collected from for tea, and they are easily identified by their needle bundles of five (the only tree species in Ohio to have such needle bundles).
Learn to identify white pine. Note that there are some evergreens to avoid for making tea from, as they are toxic. Examples include yew and Norfolk pine. If trimming white pine branches with plans to collect the needles at home, be aware that the cut ends of twigs will drip sticky sap.
Warning: Avoid consuming if pregnant or planning to become pregnant.
Makes 1 serving
Ingredients
- 2-3 tablespoons fresh white pine needles, cut into 1-inch pieces (frozen may be substituted, see identification information above and preparation instructions below)
- 8 ounces of water, boiling
- Honey or sugar, to taste (optional)
- Lemon slices (optional)
Directions
- Wash the white pine needles in cold water. Remove any brown or discolored needles.
- Cut the woody end off where the needles come together, and then cut the needles into 1-inch lengths. This makes it easier to measure the white pine needles (note that cutting pieces smaller than an inch may make it difficult to strain out of the tea later).
- Steep 2 tablespoons of pine needles in the water for 10-15 minutes. For a larger batch, steep ½-¾ cup pine needles in 4 cups of water.
- The tea will become a pale-yellow color after steeping. Adjust the amount of needles, amount of water, and steep time to taste.
- If desired, strain the pine needles out of the tea. The needles will sink to the bottom of the steeping container and the tea can be sipped or gently poured otherwise, leaving the needles in the bottom.
- Add sugar or honey to sweeten the tea if you prefer, or try a squeeze of lemon.
FAQs
It is rich in vitamin C (5 times the concentration of vitamin C found in lemons) and can bring relief to conditions such as heart disease, varicose veins, skin complaints and fatigue. Vitamin C is also an immune system booster which means that pine needle tea can help to fight illness and infections.
How often should I drink pine needle tea? ›
While pine needle tea is a nutritious beverage, like anything else, it should be consumed in moderation. Drinking it every day in large quantities may cause certain side effects due to its high vitamin C content.
How many pine needles for a cup of tea? ›
Steep 2 tablespoons of pine needles in the water for 10-15 minutes. For a larger batch, steep ½-¾ cup pine needles in 4 cups of water. The tea will become a pale-yellow color after steeping. Adjust the amount of needles, amount of water, and steep time to taste.
Do boiling pine needles destroy vitamin C? ›
Every minute. above 184F destroys 10% of the vitamin C and 20% per minute if boiling.
Who shouldn't drink pine needle tea? ›
Several trees are toxic – including ponderosa pine (such a shame considering its local abundance), common yew, and Norfolk Island pine. These plants contain toxins that can cause anything from cramps to liver damage. Additionally, women who are pregnant should NOT drink pine needle tea.
Is pine needle tea good for kidneys? ›
They also help to flush out your kidneys, encouraging any built-up toxins to exit as well. Pine needles have diuretic properties and can be made into a tea to support urinary health. Like other herbal diuretics, pine needles contain nutrients that keep your body from getting depleted with the exit of fluid.
How long to boil pine needle tea? ›
Chop 1/2 a cup of pine needles finely. Add them to the boiling water in the saucepan. Reduce the heat and simmer the tea for 20 minutes. Don't heat any longer as the vitamin C is heat sensitive.
What kind of pine needles are safe to eat? ›
Learn how to identify and safely forage for Eastern White Pine needles (Pinus strobus) and Virginia Pine needles (Pinus virginiana) - two of my favorite edible pine trees! These are a sustainable food source that you can wildcraft year-round.
How do you prepare pine needles to eat? ›
Here's how you can make it:
- Gather a small handful of fresh, green pine needles. ...
- Chop the needles into small pieces and put them into a teapot or a heatproof container.
- Bring water to a boil and let it cool down for a few minutes. ...
- Strain the tea to remove the needles, and sweeten with honey or sugar, if desired.
For several millennia, the Native Americans living in the region that became North Carolina fashioned utilitarian and decorative objects from the trees and plants surrounding them. The abundance of pine trees in the region led to the use of pine needles to make baskets and other objects.
Pine needles will block air and sunlight, preventing both from reaching the soil and stunting the growth of your grass. In addition, the pine needles will steal moisture from the soil, starving the grass. Acidity in the pine needles themselves can seep into the soil, which kills grass and invites weeds.
Which pine needles are toxic? ›
Ponderosa pine needles cause abortion and a poorly described toxicosis when eaten by cattle.
Does pine needle tea raise blood pressure? ›
The product can effectively reduce blood pressure and blood lipid, also can treat some complications, and has good effect for prevention and treatment of high blood pressure.
What are the benefits of burning pine needles? ›
Celtic and German ancestors believed the pine tree to be a source of protection from negative energies. Pine was burned in sick rooms to strengthen the healing process. According to older herb books, pine strengthens the nerves and gives energy, courage, and emotional strength.
Are pine needles good for anything? ›
There are a number of plants that benefit from the acidic properties of pine needles. Pine needles do not become compacted, so soil can easily breathe. Blueberry bushes, Rhododendrons, Holly and Azaleas thrive in a pine needle mulch. Simply use a garden fork to mix the needles into the soil, and watch your plants grow!
What does pine pollen tea do to the body? ›
A review found similar results: pine pollen helps regulate the immune system, protects the liver, reduces the risk of tumors, improves intestinal functioning, and diminishes signs of aging, fatigue, blood cholesterol, blood glucose, and prostate enlargement.
