FAQs
Pine needle tincture is made from the needles of pine trees. It's a powerful antioxidant and anti-inflammatory, which means it can help the body fight free radicals and prevent cell damage. Pine needle tincture has been used for thousands of years in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM).
Why are pine needles important? ›
It may not seem like it, but needles are leaves. They do the same job that broad leaves do—capture sunlight, “inhale” carbon dioxide, and “exhale” oxygen—providing the tree with food and air for us to breath. Instead of shedding every fall, though, needles can last three or four years!
Is white pine the only pine with 5 needles? ›
They are also major contributors to the unique high-elevation aesthetic of the Pacific Crest Trail. A pine tree is a kind of conifer, and five-needle pines along the trail include the sugar pine, limber pine, foxtail pine, whitebark pine and western white pine.
What happens if you don't rake pine needles? ›
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.
Who should not drink pine needle tea? ›
These plants contain toxins that can cause anything from cramps to liver damage. Additionally, women who are pregnant should NOT drink pine needle tea. Photo: This tree could be a lifesaver when you're lost in the wilderness and needing Vitamin C…which happens all the time.
How do you use pine needles as medicine? ›
Pine Needles
The fresh needles and buds, picked in the springtime, are called “pine tops.” These are boiled in water, and the tea is consumed for fevers, coughs, and colds. The needles are also diuretic, helping to increase urination.
What did Native Americans use pine needles for? ›
American Indians have used pine needle tea for its healing properties. Pioneers reportedly drank pine needle tea after a long boat ride to replenish their vitamin C.
How to use pine needle tincture? ›
Here are some ways to enjoy the magical benefits of this forest elixir: As a daily tonic: Take a dropperful (about 30 drops) of pine needle tincture under your tongue or mixed with water, once or twice daily.
How to make a pine needle tincture? ›
Cover the pine sprigs with grain alcohol or 100 proof vodka (the vodka will take longer, however). Shake it up and place it in a cool, dark cupboard. Shake it at least once a day and start checking it after a couple of weeks. You'll know it's ready when the smell of pine replaces the smell of alcohol.
Is pine needle tea good for you? ›
Pine needle tea has a pleasant taste and smell (always a good start). 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.
Pine needles are edible and have been consumed for centuries as a source of nutrition and medicinal benefits. However, they should be prepared properly and not consumed in large quantities as they can be tough and difficult to digest.
How to make pine needle 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 dead pine needles burn? ›
Burn dry, dead material only such as leaves, pine needles, and tree trimmings. Keep a water source and shovel on hand. Tend to your pile always. Check weather conditions before burning; never burn on a windy day.
What to do with dead pine needles? ›
If pine and fir needles fall on bare soil and decompose there, they provide valuable mulch and a source of organic matter, which improves the soil and helps prevent erosion.
Are pine needles a fire hazard? ›
Shredded Rubber, Pine Needles and Shredded Cedar Bark have among the highest hazardous combustion characteristics and are recommended for use only in areas more than 30 feet from the house.
How do you use pine needle tincture? ›
Eastern White Pine Needle Extract is an easy to use friendly format - For adults simply add dropperfuls to a little water daily for as long as desired. A tincture is an extract - a food - with therapeutic values as all organic earth grown food is.
How much pine needle tincture should I take? ›
As a daily tonic: Take a dropperful (about 30 drops) of pine needle tincture under your tongue or mixed with water, once or twice daily. This can help support your immune system, reduce inflammation, and promote overall health.
What tincture does to your body? ›
Because tinctures contain concentrated plant extracts, they are used as convenient vehicles for getting the right nutrients to where they are needed in the body. Tinctures are prescribed for a wide range of issues, including indigestion, stress, PMS, pain and insomnia.
How to take pine needle tincture? ›
A few drops of a tincture in a glass of water or fruit juice, or just on the tongue, that's all it takes! Potency. Tinctures are easily assimilated by the body and provide a stronger concentration of medicinal properties than dried herbs.