Pine Needle
Pine needle tea is a traditional wildcrafted drink used for seasonal comfort and as a simple ‘woods vitamin’ beverage. The big safety issue is species: some evergreens are not safe to consume. If the species isn’t confidently identified as a safe pine, don’t drink it. For HerbMate: emphasize identification, sourcing, and moderation.
Key Benefits
- Traditional seasonal tea for comfort (supportive)
- Aromatic steam/tea support for stuffiness (supportive)
- Provides phytonutrients; vitamin C content varies by species and preparation
- A simple “forest tea” when properly identified and sourced
Common Issues It May Help With
- Seasonal stuffiness (supportive)
- Sore throat comfort (supportive)
- General wellness support (traditional)
How To Use (Simple)
- Only use needles from correctly identified, safe pine species from clean areas (not roadside/sprayed). Rinse, chop, and steep in hot (not boiling) water 10–15 minutes. Avoid very strong or daily long-term use.
Taste / Notes
Resinous, citrusy-pine, woodsy.
Evidence Level
Traditional use is common; nutrient content varies widely. Best framed as supportive comfort, not a medical intervention.
Cautions
SPECIES MATTERS: Do not use if you cannot confidently identify the plant as a safe pine. Avoid during pregnancy due to historical cautions with certain species and essential oils. Avoid if you have kidney disease unless clinician-guided. Use clean sourcing only.
Interactions
No major drug interactions known at occasional tea levels when properly identified If on kidney-impacting medications, use caution and keep intake minimal If allergic to pine/resins, avoid
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