Savoring Winter Warmth
Pine needles from the long needle pine make the most delicious healing tea I’ve ever had! I enjoy stirring a little Stevia in my tea. Others enjoy the addition of honey. This soothing tea is the perfect winter beverage.
Please gather the needles that have fallen from the tree rather than taking them from the branches themselves on your next hike!
Clean the needles from the branches and then give them a thorough rinse. Now you are ready to chop them up add hot water!
I put the needles in a thermos and am able to get three or four refills reusing the same needles! (The water will have a slightly pink color to it.)
According to WebMD, pine needles exhibit
Antioxidant properties. Laboratory-based experiments have demonstrated that some of the chemicals in pine needles may protect your body from free radicals that can damage your cells.
Anticancer properties. Research with cell lines and animals has found positive effects on cancer cells, but these have not been verified in human subjects.
Antimicrobial effects. One study that focused on Cedrus deodara found antimicrobial activity in laboratory-based experiments on water-soluble extracts.
Anti-aging effects. A study found that some of the molecules in pine needles can bind to a particular receptor that affects your metabolism. This receptor is also known to have anti-aging effects.
Heart protection. This is associated with the presence of proanthocyanidins, which have been found at least in Pinus densiflora.
Immune system modulation. This is also associated with proanthocyanidins, which have been found in Pinus densiflora.
