There is very little long-term or clinical research on the health benefits of pine needle tea. Some of the best benefits of pine needles include maximising the immune system, huge vitamin C content, improving vision, preventing respiratory infections, stimulating circulation, avoiding chronic disease, increasing cognitive performance, strengthening heart health, and speeding healing. Aside from being packed with vitamin C, pine needles are a good source of vitamin A. Pine needles also contain vast amounts of antioxidants. Pine needles also have an antidepressant effect. Pine needle has been used historically for relief of coughs as an expectorant, as well as for relieving respiratory congestion. [1] [2] [3] [4]
Let’s look at these amazing benefits a bit closer.
May Be Rich in Vitamin C: Although there is no research to support it, pine needle tea is believed to contain 4-5 times more vitamin C than orange juice. It was the traditional remedy for scurvy, which is 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 the antioxidant activity of pine needle tea may have been indeed similar to that of vitamin C. [5] [6]
May Augment Vision health: Pine needle tea is also believed to contain vitamin A. Together with vitamin C, it may help improve our vision. Vitamin C is good for aging eyes, giving it antioxidant protection against normal pollutants. Vitamin A is essential for our cornea and in improving vision. [7] [8]
May Help Cure/Manage Respiratory Conditions: Pine needle tea was often used by indigenous cultures for treating respiratory problems. The Encyclopedia of American Indian Contributions to the World records how the Native Americans used white pine for its expectorant and decongestant qualities. [9]
May Aid In Weight Loss: Pine needle tea may demonstrate some of the same potentials as green and black tea. Research shows that it may help in weight loss. A Korean study on 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 diseases. According to research published in the journal Food and Chemical Toxicology, a water extract from pine needles showed a high level of antioxidants and DNA-protective properties. [11]
May Improve Heart Health: Pine needle tea may be good for your heart. Research has shown that it may protect against LDL oxidation, a condition that can threaten your cardiovascular health. It might also have strong anti-inflammatory properties which further help in minimising any damage to your heart due to pollutants or other factors. [12]
May Help Improve Cognitive Function: Early studies on the effect of this potent tea on neurodegenerative diseases have shown promising results. An animal study showed that it can be very effective against memory impairment or amnesia. The antioxidants in this tea may help repair neural connections and improve memory. [13]
May be a potential antidote to the current spike protein contagion resulting from the chimeric SARS-CoV-2 coronavirus, and the potential pathogenic transmission of the spike protein from the experimental mRNA vaccines, through a compound found in pine needles, called suramin. [14]
Enjoying the tea
Dosage: 3 cups per day or more of any desired strength (based on the quantity of needles added to a french press or teapot) with an approximate 1-3 tablespoons of needles per cup of near boiling water, covered for 15’.
This is a maintenance health-building dose.
Stronger amounts of needles to water can be used therapeutically.
If it feels too acidic (due to the vitamin C) for your system, moderate the quantity and complement the tea with alkalising food and dark green herbs or sea vegetables.
Side Effects
There are a wide variety of pine trees. Some of these are potentially toxic or harmful when used for food. If you are foraging for pine needles, it is advisable to do so with an expert. With very little research available, most of the side effects of pine-needle tea are also anecdotal. Some of these are, irritation in the throat and mouth, inflamed patches on the skin, vomiting, nausea, dizziness, headaches, diarrhea. [14]
Allergy: You should also be aware of any potential allergies to pine trees. Pine oil that is released when brewing the tea, may have inflammatory effects on the skin and stomach, resulting in stomach upset in some people. Given these possible side-effects, it is recommended that you only try about half a cup in the beginning.
NOTE:
Pine Needle and any conifer tree tincture or tea is NOT suited during pregnancy or while breastfeeding as it reduces lactation production in nursing mothers & IT is to be avoided during pregnancy as it may cause miscarriage - there are studies indicating this - hence the caution.
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