How to Make Pine Needle Tea

This is a simple herbal recipe from the 19th century that is said to remedy many common illnesses. The needles of the white pine are very high in Vitamin C (more than 6 lemons!) and also contain Vitamin A.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• 1/2 cup fresh green white pine needles, finely chopped
• 1.5 pints water
• small pot for boiling
• honey or some other sweetner (optional)

1. 

   Select your pine needles by picking the newest green ones from the tree. These would be the ones nearest the end of each branch, and slightly lighter green than the rest of the needles.

2. Finely chop them until you have about 1/2 cup.

3. Add your needles to the boiling water and simmer for about 20 minutes, or until the volume of water has reduced by about 1/3.

4. Allow it to steep for anywhere from 20 minutes to overnight, depending on how strong you like your tea. The result will be a reddish colored tea with a mild taste. Store in the refrigerator.

Tips & Warnings

• The longer the tea boils, the less Vitamin C will be available.
• Add honey or some other sweetener that you like to help improve the taste, or just drink it as it is!
• DO NOT consume this tea if you are pregnant or think you might be pregnant. It has been known to cause the death of an unborn child within 24 hours! (though no one is sure why as of yet--always consult your physician first.)

[shaylacrawford]

on 3/14/2009 Is this tea safe for children to drink?

[pisancantos]

on 2/12/2009 always make sure you know what type of pine you're using. The Yew is the only poisonous pine to my knowledge and grows green tips at the ends of it's branches (no other pines do this)
safe drinking!

[mookoo14]

on 12/21/2008 I tried this today and it was actually pretty good. I steeped it for only 20 minutes and would recommend this for the first timer because it's not too strong

[maxinatlanta]

on 12/16/2008 Here is more on pine needles. They prevent cancer. Have 5 times more vitamin C then Lemon plus they are free of charge. Also pine needles prevent cold and flu and relieves dry cough as well. Good remedy from heartburn.

http://www.awakeningblog.com/pine-needles.html

[2besure]

on 5/13/2008 I love natural teas. This is another I never heard of this. Is it good for colds?