Nutrition

Important Health Benefits of Pine Needle Tea

This article will teach you all about the benefits of pine needle tea, and why you should include it in your nutrition.

Pine needles are the leaves of pine trees and have been used for thousands of years as a medicine. They have a rich history in traditional Chinese medicine, where they are often used to fight infections and reduce inflammation.

Today, pine needle tea is enjoying an increased popularity as people seek alternative ways to treat their ailments and improve their overall health.

the benefits of pine needle tea on a table
©Gaelle Marcel

There is strong evidence that suggests drinking pine needle tea may benefit your immune system, liver and even testosterone levels.

What is Pine Needle Tea?

Pine needle tea is a traditional drink made from the needles of pine trees, most commonly the Eastern White Pine.

The only ingredients required are boiling water and whole pine needles. Boil the needles in water for 5 to 15 minutes until you achieve your desired colour and strength.

Why Drink It?

The health benefits of drinking this tea are nearly endless. It’s antioxidant-rich, which means it will help protect you from free radicals that cause cell damage and aging.

It also contains vitamins A, B1 (thiamine), B2 (riboflavin)and C as well as calcium, iron, magnesium and potassium—all essential nutrients for good health.

How is Pine Needle Tea Made?

Pine needles can be steeped in boiling or cold water for a variety of lengths of time. Boiling pine needle tea is best when made from young green needles and steeped for five minutes.

tea cup and pot on wooden bench
©Oriento

For an expanded flavour profile, try adding an ash tree leaf or two to the mix (oak trees will do in a pinch).

To create a more mellow cup of pine needle tea, you can cold-steep your brew for up to twenty minutes.

You’ll still get all the benefits without having to stand over your teapot like a mad scientist on fire watch duty!

Helps Prevent Cancer

The anti-inflammatory and anti-tumour properties in pine needle tea make it a great natural supplement for people who want to prevent cancer.

Herbs on spoons showing benefits of pine needle tea.
©Alice Pasqual

In addition, pine needle tea is sometimes used as an additional treatment for many types of cancer. The leaves of the pine tree have been shown to have strong anti-bacterial, anti-fungal, and antiviral properties.

Pine needle tea also contains flavonoids that are responsible for protecting your body against disease.

Benefits of Pine Needle Tea – Fights Infections

Pine needle tea is anti-inflammatory, which can be helpful in reducing pain and swelling.

Additionally, pine needle tea has antibacterial and antiviral properties that may help fight infections like colds and flu.

If you’re looking to keep your immune system strong during the winter months or if you’re just trying to stay healthy overall, pine needle tea could be a great solution for you.

Benefits of Pine Needle Tea – Supports a Healthy Liver

The liver plays an important role in filtering toxins from your body.

Pine forest and road.
©Filip Zrnzevic

It also breaks down proteins, makes bile and cholesterol, synthesizes Vitamin D and maintains blood glucose levels.

The liver is responsible for making proteins that help to keep the body strong and healthy.

The liver can also break down fats so that they can be used as fuel by other parts of your body.

Some of the most common reasons that people develop liver disease include:

  • Excessive alcohol consumption
  • Hepatitis viruses or infections
  • Fatty liver disease from poor diet
  • Autoimmune diseases like lupus or scleroderma
  • Metabolic disorders like type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM)
  • Alcohol-induced fatty infiltration (nonalcoholic steatohepatitis)

Benefits of Pine Needle Tea – Improves Circulation

Pine needles contain compounds that improve circulation.

Researchers at the University of Vermont have found that drinking pine needle tea can help prevent blood clots and reduce high blood pressure, which is especially important for people with heart disease or diabetes.

It may also help treat cholesterol problems by reducing triglycerides (fats in the blood).

Reduces Inflammation

Pine needle tea is a natural anti-inflammatory and has been used for centuries to relieve pain.

Research shows that pine needle tea can help with arthritis, gout, and other joint pain.

Benefits of pine needle tea on black and white background.
©Makul Wadhwa

It also contains catechin polyphenols (flavonoids) that are found in many teas. These substances have antioxidant properties that may reduce the risk of heart disease and stroke by helping with blood clotting, lowering cholesterol levels, and improving circulation.

Strengthens the Immune System

Pine needle tea contains antioxidants that help your body fight off infections, and also has anti-inflammatory properties.

Because of these properties, pine needle tea can help relieve pain, swelling and other symptoms associated with inflammation (such as redness or soreness).

Pine needle tea may also help you sleep better, lower stress levels and increase energy levels.

Can You Drink Pine Needle Tea Every Day?

It is safe to drink pine needle tea every day.

It is a good source of vitamin C, which should be consumed daily as part of your diet. It also has a decent amount of vitamin A, so you can drink it every day as well.

Pine Needles Close Up
©Zoe

However, it’s important to note that pine needle tea is not meant to replace more traditional sources of nutrients like fruit and vegetables—these foods provide additional benefits that pine needles do not have.

Can I Make My Own Pine Needle Tea?

Yes, you can make your own pine needle tea!

Pine needle tea is a good source of vitamin C and can also help with your immune system, liver health, and circulation. Here’s how to prepare this delicious drink:

  • Collect pine needles from a live tree (don’t use dead branches or pine trees that have been treated with chemicals).
  • Place several pinches of fresh pine needles in the basket-shaped infuser or tea bag—a clean cotton sock works well too.
  • Pour boiling water over the green teaspoon-sized bundle until it’s filled about ¾ full; don’t let the leaves float out of your vessel when you add them. They should remain submerged throughout their steeping time.
  • Let steep for 5 minutes before drinking; enjoy!

Pine Needle Tea Dangers

As with any herbal tea, it’s important to keep in mind that pine needle tea is not a substitute for modern medicine and should never be used as one.

If you have any of the following conditions or illnesses, you should not use pine needle tea:

  • Bleeding disorder (e.g., hemophilia)
  • Thyroid disorder

Pine Needle Tea and Pregnancy

Pine needle tea has been shown to be safe during pregnancy, though it is not recommended for women who are pregnant with low blood pressure or those with high blood pressure.

If you have any heart problems or if you are taking medication such as aspirin that might interfere with the effects of pine needle tea, it’s best to speak to your doctor before drinking this tea.

Pine Needle Tea and Testosterone

Pine needle tea is also a fantastic way to increase your testosterone.

The sap that runs throughout pine trees contains phytonutrients called phenols, which are known for their health benefits. One of these phenols is alpha-pinene, which has been shown to increase testosterone levels in men by up to 20 percent.

Testosterone is important for more than just sex drive—it’s also essential for strong bones and muscles, as well as fertility and energy levels.

Cup of tea
©Carli Jeen

A study published in the Journal of Medicine showed that alpha-pinene can help with erectile dysfunction and other sexual dysfunctions related to low testosterone levels.

Pine Needle Tea is Good for your Health

Although the tea is simply made, it has many health benefits.

Pine needle tea is rich in vitamins A, B1, B2 and C. It also contains minerals such as calcium, iron, magnesium and zinc.

Conclusion

In short, pine needle tea is a simple way to get all of the benefits of pine needles.

The tea has been used in China and Japan for centuries as a health tonic, and there is good scientific evidence to back up its use.

Pine needle tea has been shown to help prevent cancer, fight infections, improve circulation, reduce inflammation and strengthen immunity.

It also seems safe for most people (including pregnant women) when taken in moderation.

So, if you’re looking for an easy way to boost your health with natural remedies like this one then give it a try!

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