Pine is one of the well-known trees in our area. Its long and thin needles are characteristic, which clearly distinguish it from other conifers. Pine is not only beautiful, but also contains some ingredients that we can use for our health. This is why it has long been one of the best-known medicinal plants. We would like to give you educational information about pine and explain how you can easily prepare pine needle tea yourself and what positive benefits such a tea can have.
Important information about the pines in our forest
The pine (Pinus) belongs to the conifer family (Pinophyta), more precisely to the pine family. There are around 80 different types of pine trees. When we talk colloquially about pine, we usually mean Scots pine, also known as Scots pine. Different types of pine are assumed to have similar effects and ingredients. Swamp pine turpentine oil is also known here.
What does pine look like?
The pine can reach 40-50 meters in height. The bark of the pine is coarse and divided into plates. The needles are long, about 5-15 cm and narrow and usually grow together in two or up to eight. If the tree loses its needles, they fall in bundles, but they can remain on the tree for up to 30 years. The size and shape of the needles and cones may vary slightly depending on the type of jaw. Pine trees grow mainly in the Northern Hemisphere, in regions with a cool, humid climate. Depending on the species they can also grow in tropical areas. In Asian countries the pine is a symbol of strength, longevity and stability.
How is pine used?
Because of its fast and straight growth, pine is widely used for its wood. The structural properties of pine are considered very good and durable. Particularly characteristic is the resistant pine resin, which in the past was used as pine chips (a kind of torch). Here we also talk about pine tar, which in the Middle Ages was also used as a synonym for pitch (substance). Depending on the type of pine, the tree’s seeds are used as food; Most people are probably familiar with pine nuts, which come from the pine tree. But due to its properties, pine is highly appreciated and also used in natural medicine.
Pine ingredients
Thanks to its ingredients such as vitamin C, resins (turpentine), essential oils such as limonene, carene and camphene, flavonoids such as kaempferol and quercitin and bitter substances, pine has a wide range of uses. It also contains tannins and seed oils, such as linolenic acid and oleic acid.
Application in naturopathy
Pine has already been an important component in natural medicine. Thanks to its ingredients, such as resins, essential oils, limonene, keel, camphene, flavonoids and bitter substances, pine has a wide range of uses. Pine is said to have antioxidant, antiseptic, astringent, pain-relieving and expectorant properties. Traditionally it was used mainly for respiratory diseases, catarrhs, pneumonia, coughs and mucous membranes of the respiratory tract. Even today, pine needle tea is mainly used in this area. Due to its pain-relieving and warming properties, pine is also used for rheumatic and neurological diseases. But jawbone can also be used to help with skin problems.
Collect pine needles
Once you find a good place to collect pine needles, it is best to do so between March and May. For this purpose, the tips or whole shoots are harvested. Make sure there is no bird or other animal droppings on the needles. The needles must not appear contaminated, as pine needles can also be attacked by various parasites. You can then use the needles directly fresh or dry them.
Uses of pine needles
As diverse as its ingredients are, the ways in which pine can be used are equally varied. Particularly popular and well-known is pine needle tea, prepared from fresh and dried pine needles. Here you should pay attention to where and how the pine grows without pollutants. Or you can purchase ready-made tea from a supplier you trust.
If you don’t dare to collect pine needles yourself or don’t have the opportunity, you can order high-quality wild pine needle tea from Lebenskraftpur. Here we can offer pure organic pine needle tea (available here) from Lebenskraftpur. This is available here in the online shop. Advertising.
Pine needle tea recipe
To prepare a liter of tea, boil water in a pot and then add about 3 tablespoons (about 15 grams) of washed and cut pine needles. It is then left to infuse covered with a lid for about 15 minutes. You can then drink tea throughout the day. If the needles are not cooked you can use the vitamin C they contain, since vitamin C is not heat resistant. There is also the option of boiling the needles covered in water for about 10-15 minutes to make a strong tea. Through tea, essential oils should promote bronchial secretion and stimulate the fine cilia in our respiratory tract, promoting the removal of mucus.
Pine needle baths
You can also add this strong tea to your bath water and also add some washed pine needles in a bag to your bath water. However, you can also purchase high-quality toiletries. Alternatively, you can add 3-5 drops of pine needle essential oil to the bath water with a drizzle of olive oil and milk. Instead of bathing, pine needle oil can also be used externally for mild muscle and joint problems.
Scented lamp
You can also vaporize pine needle essential oil in a burner or diffuser. The relaxing scent can have a cleansing, warming and invigorating effect. Young, clean shoots can also be chewed in the mouth.
Contraindications
Essential oils should not be used in concentrated amounts on children. When used externally, the oil can irritate the skin and mucous membranes. There is also evidence that pine tea should not be used too often. However, further studies on this are needed. Also, the tea should not be used during pregnancy. In principle, you should consult your doctor beforehand. Sources:
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