Have you ever wondered about the benefits of pine needle tea? Pine needle tea is beloved due to its potential health benefits that may surprise you.
Loaded with health benefits and smells like Christmas, pine needles are available during winter when there is no other greenery to be found.
Winter causes more issues with depression in the form of SAD (Seasonal Affective Disorder), and many people can’t eat many fruits and vegetables due to the high cost or lack of access. One cup of pine needle tea a day during this season can lift the mood, in addition to the many nutrients that it provides.
Pine needle tea contains Vitamin C, which is vital for immune health. It can good for warding off fatigue and is good for skin health as well as other ailments.
Pine Needle Tea Benefits
Drinking one cup of this tea can improve your physical and mental wellbeing. Don’t forget to brew with the best teapot!
- May boost the immune system
- Is good for general heart health
- May protect eye sight
- Can stimulate blood circulation
- May reduce chronic disease risk
- May protect against infections of the respiratory system
- Promotes mental alertness
So, if you want to load up these pine needle tea benefits, make sure to switch from your regular tea to pine needle tea.
How To Pick The Best Pine Needles For Tea
There are more than a hundred varieties of pine trees in North America alone, but some types may contain toxins. There are approximately 20 pine needle trees known to be toxic, so make sure to research thoroughly about them. Common poisonous types of pine trees include the Monterey pine, ponderosa pine, lodgepole, and balsam fir.
The pine needle tea is usually made with the fresh leaves of a pine tree. It has a delightful citrusy flavor with a woodsy fragrance. If you’re looking for a quick brew, you can find pre-packed pine tree needles in your local stores.
Pine Needle Tea Potential Health Benefits
Drinking pine needle tea comes with several health benefits, including:
Boosts The Immune System
Pine needle tea may contain lots of Vitamin C, which helps boost your immune system to function at its best in fighting infection and enfeebling diseases.
There is little to no direct research to back-up this claim, but pine needle tea is suspected to contain from four to five times more Vitamin C when compared to common sources such as orange juice. The drink is traditionally used to remedy scurvy due to Vitamin C deficiency.
Improves Eyesight
Pine needle tea may also be a rich source of Vitamin A, which can improve your eyesight. It also helps build your body’s defense system and is essential for bone health.
This vitamin can help treat acne. Having enough Vitamins A and C results in healthier hair growth and stronger nails.
Offers A Sense Of Wellbeing
As mentioned earlier, pine needle tea contains lots of Vitamin C, which supports brain health. Studies show that people who drink pine needle tea feel an elevated mood and reduced stress.
If you don’t have access to fresh pines, aromatherapists suggest placing a few drops of evergreen oil on a tissue or your pillow and start inhaling slowly.
Rich In Antioxidants
Again, Vitamin C comes into play – it helps combat oxidative stress and neutralizes free radicals. Free radicals can change DNA, which leads to diseases like cancer, heart disease, and painful arthritis.
There is also a study showing that pine needle tea can help to slow the aging process. Aging can be accelerated by free radical damage.
Vitamin C is an essential daily nutrient that helps repair damaged tissues in every part of the body. It repairs collagen, ligaments, blood vessels and helps your body absorb iron from plant-based foods. Water extracted from the needles was found to contain high levels of antioxidants and properties protective of DNA.
Strengthens Heart Health
Drinking pine needle tea might benefit health health. Studies show that it can ward against LDL oxidation. This condiiton is bad for cardiovascular health.
Pine needles may be anti-inflammatory too. This might minimize heart damage because of pollution and factors.
Pine Needle Tea Side Effects
Do not gather pine needles for tea without expect help. The USDA Agricultural Research Service revealed that the needles coming from ponderosa pine can cause miscarriage when cattle consumed them.
There are not too many studies or reports about the potential side effects that come from drinking pine needle tea, but some side effects include:
- Diarrhea and vomiting
- Nausea
- Feeling dizzy
- Headaches
The pine needle tea benefits are many. However, it’s always advised to err on the side of caution and avoid pine needle tea during pregnancy or breastfeeding. People with allergies may also have a reaction to pine. Pine oil released during the brewing of pine needle tea cause inflammation on the stomach or skin. Initially, drink small servings and see how you feel.
