Yes, even in the dead of winter here in the U.P., it’s possible to go foraging and harvest a wonderful plant to help you stay healthy and happy through the cold winter months. I have a favorite winter herb for just that. Can you guess what it is? It’s PINE!
Here in the U.P. it’s hard to go 500 feet without running into a pine tree, so you may not even think of them as medicinal. But God in His wisdom knew that here in the frozen north, we would need something that would provide Vitamin C and help our bodies cope with the cold and flu which always accompanies the season.
I adore all the conifers. And the Pines have many wonderful medicinal and health uses. Did you know the needles contain way more Vitamin C than oranges and most plants we associate with Vitamin C? It’s true! And some sort of pine grows almost everywhere. Even in Arizona and Nevada! Think Ponderosa and Pinyon. Pine also has mild diaphoretic action, which can help stimulate the fever response and potentially kill off the bacterial infection faster.
Before we move on, I have a safety tip - There are some plants that can be confused with pine that are NOT true pines and are toxic. Yew and Norfolk pines are two of these. Be 100% sure you're working with a true pine. Also, every year people ask if it’s OK to use their Christmas trees for food and/or medicine. My answer is, maybe. If you got your tree from a lot, it has probably been sprayed, so the answer would be no.
Did you know the needles contain way more Vitamin C than oranges and most plants we associate with Vitamin C?
However, if your Christmas tree came from the wild, then it’s probably just fine to use. Also, don’t make the common mistake of confusing pine with fir or spruce trees. They are all conifers, but in pine trees, the needles come in groups of two to five or more with a small papery wrapping, or sheath, at the base of the needles that holds the little bundle together. The needles are the “leaves” of the tree.
The needles of pine trees are also longer, in general, than other conifers. The cones of pine trees are more woody and quite stiff compared with those of spruce or fir trees. Also in contrast, the cones of fir trees stand upright, while other conifers including pine, are not necessarily upright.
Since you can gather the fresh pine needles all year long, there’s no need to store them. And, as you’ve heard me say many times before, fresh is best, so if you need a pine fix, go outside with your clippers and gather some!
As far as the resin goes, I like to gather this in the winter or the colder months, when it’s hard. Then I store it in glass jar until I need it. Usually, I’ll infuse it, and since infused oils take at least 6 weeks, start this right away. You can also tincture the resin in a high proof vodka.
There are a myriad of ways to use Pine. Here are a couple of ideas:
Herbal Tea:
As a hot or cold infusion, use approximately 1 tbsp. Fresh chopped needles and twigs or the pollen (which you can buy at certain times) to a cup of water. Drink 1-2 cups 2 or 3 times a day, to help with respiratory complaints. Personally, I recommend a short decoction for the needles for around 15 minutes, due to the fact that the needles (and twigs) are harder than typical plant leaves.
Tincture:
Pine needles and resins can be tinctured. This tincture is useful as an external liniment (although very drying). It’s also a good medicinal for helping relieve coughs and stuck mucous in the lungs, as well as being potentially useful for supporting the reproductive system of older men.
You can easily make a throat spray using Pine tincture or tea and a little honey.
Hydrosol:
Because of the volatile oils found in pine needles, you can absolutely make a hydrosol with this amazing herb.
Herbal Syrup:
You can also make an herbal syrup using pine needles. Use about a half cup of the chopped needles and stems and infuse in water for 20 minutes. Then add some raw honey and cook until it reduces down and gets thick. Strain off the material, let it cool and store in the fridge in a mason jar. Take 2 Tbls 3 times a day during cold and flu season.
Herbal Steam:
Pine needles, resin, and the twiggy pieces can be wonderful additions to an herbal steam meant to open the sinuses and help clear congestion in the respiratory system.
When you’re feeling congested, with a lot of stuck mucus or an unproductive cough, an herbal steam can really do the trick! And pine is especially effective for that thick, sticky mucous.
And there you have it! Your winter vitamin C source as well as a great remedy for those respiratory conditions with a sticky cough. So get outside, enjoy the winter, go foraging and LET’S GET BETTER!
This is my last month for the Cold and Flu Survival Paks, so get yours now! We still have 3 months of winter left! Also, my Elderberry Syrup in a Bag is still available, so stock up!
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