Did you ever try Pine Needle Tea? I learned about it on YouTube, through Off Grid with Doug & Stacy . I bet you never knew it was delicious!
It is simple and a whole food and so mild. Be careful though, and know what you are harvesting:
A few words of caution: while there are over 100 different varieties of pine, the Ponderosa, Norfolk Island and Yew needles should be avoided, as brewing can prove toxic. You’ll want to collect your needles from trees at a distance from the roadside to be sure they haven’t been
exposed to exhaust or chemicals, and far away from dump sites. Women who are pregnant or may become pregnant should avoid pine needle tea as it has been linked by some sources to miscarriage. -source: http://www.medicinalfoodnews.com/articles/pine-needle-tea
1. Pine needle tea has a pleasant taste and smell (always a good start).
2. 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
3. Vitamin C is also an immune system booster which means that pine needle tea can help to fight illness and infections.
4. Pine needle tea also contains high levels of Vitamin A, which is good for your eyesight, improves hair and skin regeneration and improves red blood cell production.
5. It can be used as an expectorant for coughs and to help relieve chest congestion; it is also good for sore throats.
6. It brings you clarity and mental clearness.
7. It can help with depression, obesity, allergies and high blood pressure.
8. Pine needles contain antioxidants. These reduce free radicals, which are harmful to humans and can cause disease.
9. Taoist priests drank pine needle tea as they believed it made them live longer. There is researched evidence that pine needle tea can help to slow the ageing process.
10. Pick some pine needles and let them soak in boiling water on your stove and it will add a crisp pine smell all over the house. Perfect for Christmas.
source: https://www.forestholidays.co.uk/forestipedia/10-reasons-you-should-be-drinking-pine-needle-tea
