s) Although used for centuries by Native Americans, pine needle tea is not well known by the general public today. But it's certainly worth becoming acquainted with this unconventional brew if you would like to increase mental clarity, defeat infectious disease and knock out cancer. Interestingly, pine needles sport several times more vitamin C than fresh orange juice and were used by the early settlers of North America to avoid scurvy -- a disease associated with vitamin C deficiency. Due to their high concentration of antioxidants, pine needles are also recognized as a potent immunity booster by researchers.
Healing merits
The oil in pine needles, like that found in eucalyptus, protects against a number of health issues and harmful organisms. Dr. Edward F. Group III, founder of the Global Healing Center, lists the following benefits:
- Strengthens immunity
- Relieves bronchial and sinus infections
- Disinfects mildew, yeast spores and Escherichia coli
- Protects against the common cold and flu
- Neutralizes free radicals
- Guards against muscle degeneration, eye diseases and nervous system disorders
- Useful for treating eczema, Athlete's foot, psoriasis, dandruff, acne and boils
Moreover, Rural Survival adds that pine is a good source of vitamin A and helps improve mental clarity, whereas Doug Wallace notes in the article "Another Cancer Killer? Pine Needles" that the plant addresses sclerosis, allergies, kidney stones, hypertension, obesity, depression and tumors.
In fact, research published in Nutrition and Cancer discovered that pine needles exhibit "strong antioxidant, antimutagenic, and antiproliferative effects on cancer cells and also antitumor effects in vivo and point to their potential usefulness in cancer prevention."
And this study found that pine needles are an exceptional source of proanthocyanidin, a compound that demonstrates strong antioxidant characteristics.
How to (safely) make pine needle tea
The first -- and most important -- step in brewing a health-enhancing pine needle tea is to identify a safe species. White pine is widely considered the best choice. Next, harvest a handful of young needles with a bright green color. Make sure to only source from trees that haven't been sprayed and are situated well away from roadways. Strip the brown papery sheath from the ends and roughly chop. Place in a heat-proof container and pour boiling water over the needles. Cover and let steep for 10 minutes. Strain, sweeten to taste and drink immediately.
For further information about the wonders of pine, Eat The Weeds offers a compelling and educational video here.
Poisonous evergreens
DO NOT harvest from the following trees since the needles are toxic:
- Ponderosa Pine (also known as Blackjack, Western Yellow, Yellow and Bull Pine),
- Lodgepole or Shore Pine,
- Common Juniper,
- Monterey Cypress,
- Common Yew,
- Norfolk Pine and
- Australian Pine.
A final word of caution: Women who are pregnant, or plan to become pregnant, should NOT ingest pine needle tea due to the risk of abortion.
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