Excellent @BrambleBearGrrrauwling I make white pine needle tea along the same lines. It contains shikimic acid, one of the ingredients in Tamiflu! One should make absolutely certain they are using white pine, as opposed to other evergreens, some of which are toxic!
From Pine Needle Tea Benefits: Ancient Wisdom for Modern Health
Posted by Noor Ain, BSc, Master Herbalist | Jul 28, 2024
"Toxic Varieties to Avoid
Some species of pine and their relatives are toxic. Yew and Ponderosa Pine are particularly dangerous. Symptoms of toxicity include vomiting, nausea, dizziness, and headaches.
Brewing tea with yew trees can be harmful as they contain toxic compounds. Ponderosa Pine contains isocupressic acid, which is a specific risk to pregnant animals. Cypress and certain other pine species should also be avoided. Always verify that the pine needles come from a safe tree species such as Pinus strobus, also known as Eastern White Pine.
Precautions for Specific Groups
Some groups should be extra cautious when drinking pine needle tea. Pregnant women should avoid it altogether due to risks like miscarriage linked to isocupressic acid found in some pines. People with allergies or a history of allergic reactions should consult a doctor before consuming the tea.
Those prone to nausea or dizziness should start with a small amount to test tolerance. Children and the elderly are also advised to consume pine needle tea only after consulting with healthcare professionals due to their potential sensitivities to toxins.
Historical and Cultural Significance
Pine needle tea has a rich history and is deeply rooted in both ancient traditions and modern practices. This brew has been valued across various cultures for its healing properties and its role in wellness.
Traditional Uses in Indigenous Cultures
Indigenous peoples of North America, such as Native Americans, greatly valued pine needle tea for its health benefits. They used white pine (Pinus strobus) needles to prepare teas and remedies to treat coughs, colds, and other respiratory issues. Jacques Cartier, an early French explorer, documented the use of pine tea by Native Americans to treat scurvy during his travels.
In Korea, pine needle tea is a traditional beverage known for its ability to invigorate the body and mind. It was often used to alleviate fatigue and enhance vitality. The eastern white pine and cedrus deodara were particularly favored for their medicinal properties.
Pine Tea in Modern Alternative Medicine
Today, pine needle tea remains a staple in alternative medicine. It is believed to support immune function due to its high vitamin C content and antioxidant properties. Bioactive compounds in pine needle tea, particularly from species like red pine and Scots pine, may help reduce inflammation and act against free radicals.
Pine needle tea has also gained popularity for its potential anti-cancer effects and its ability to improve respiratory health. Modern practices often highlight its role in detoxifying the lymphatic system and boosting overall well-being. Many herbalists continue to recommend pine needle tea as a natural remedy for various ailments."
Learn more:
https://naturallivingonline.com/tea/pine-needle-tea-benefits/
Boston Globe article: Maine pine needles yield valuable Tamiflu material
By Clarke Canfield
Associated Press Writer / November 7, 2010
PORTLAND, Maine — "A little-known raw material used in the most widely used antiviral flu medicine comes from the fruit of trees native to China. It turns out it also comes from pine trees in Maine's backyard."
http://archive.boston.com/news/local/massachusetts/articles/2010/11/07/maine_pine_needles_yield_valuable_tamiflu_material/
#SolarPunkSunday #WhitePine #TraditionalRemedies #ShikimicAcid #HerbalRemedies
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