Pine needles are known for its medicinal value since the ancient era. While the research has actually proven that pine needle tea offers many health benefits, you can never deny the anecdotal evidence. Most of the pine trees are cultivated in regions across North America. But, if you wish to enjoy tea day after day, then you need to buy pine needles from the market.
In case you are preparing tea from leaves of a Korean pine, then it is known as jannip-cha. On the other hand, in North America, the pine tea is made from leaves of the Eastern white pine. Sollip-cha is yet another tea prepared from the leaves of Manchurian red pine or Korean red pine.
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Pine Needle Tea Benefits
There are many benefits if you are thinking about relishing pine needle tea regularly. It always a good start because the tea has a pleasant smell and taste. Now, let’s take a look at how the tea can keep you healthy and energetic.
Reduces Stress
Since pine needle is a rich source of Vitamin C, it can actually help to reduce fatigue and the risks of cardiovascular diseases. Moreover, it also offers instant relief from varicose veins and any issues related to the skin.
To your surprise, Vitamin C concentration is five times more than what’s found in lemons.
Boosts the Immune System
If you are falling ill and your body is prone to infections, then you should drink pine needle tea. The Vitamin C that’s present in the refreshing drink can boost the immune system substantially. This, in turn, improves the role of white blood cells which is a part of the defense mechanism.
Improves Eyesight
Since pine needle tea contains Vitamin A, the drink is good for the eyes. While the tea enhances the production of red blood cells, it also helps to reduce hair loss and regenerate the skin cells. The individual would no longer have to think about a remedy to restore the skin texture.
Acts as an Expectorant
Owing to its expectorant qualities, people from diverse cultures prefer drinking pine needle tea. While the refreshing drink helps in flushing out mucus and phlegm, it can be used to reduce bacterial growth. The decongestant nature also helps to give instant relief from headaches and sinuses.
Reduces Blood Pressure
Oxidative stress can really be dreadful and increase the risk of heart attacks and blocking the arteries due to arteriosclerosis. A number of antioxidants along with carotenoids, sterols, and polyphenolic compounds help to reduce blood pressure. This in turn aids to prevent the person to suffer from unhealthy conditions.
Expedites Healing
As the tea is rich in Vitamin C, it is responsible for the production of collagen. Without collagen, the person may not recover if he has to bear with an injury. Besides, lack of collagen would not be able to regenerate the skin, bone, tendons, tissues, and fibers around the muscles.
Enhances Blood Circulation
Since pine needle tea contains volatile compounds, it plays a vital role in the production of red blood cells. This increases the blood circulation and furnishes the body with the essential nutrients.
Prevents Chronic Diseases
According to a research, pine needle tea helps to reduce the risk of cancer, autoimmune diseases and heart ailments. The antioxidant nature combats the activity of free radicals and protects the entire body from fatal health conditions.
Good for the Brain
Pine needle tea has the potential to mitigate the risk of Alzheimer’s diseases and numerous neurodegenerative diseases. The various antioxidants present in the tea lowers down beta-amyloid deposition which affects the brain. The cognitive functions are also improved with regular intake of pine needle tea.
How to Make Pine Needle Tea?
As you think about the pine needle tea recipe, here’s the list of ingredients and the procedure.
Ingredients
- Young and tender pine needles
- Hot water
- A few spoons of lemon juice
NOTE: There are around 20 varieties of pine needles you may come across. However, to select the right kind of pine needles, you should research online and check what a natural medicine practitioner suggests. When you are brewing tea, you should avoid using ponderosa pine, lodgepole, balsam fir, and Monterey pines. Moreover, there are some trees that mimic the appearance of a pine tree. Among the trees, you shouldn’t use pine needles of Yew pine, Norfolk island pine, and English Yew.
Preparation Time
The preparation time for pine needle tea can vary depending on the time for which you brew the tea. But, usually, the needles take around 3 to 4 minutes to steep.
Steps
Step 1: Firstly, you need to source or purchase fresh pine needles. A handful of needles are quite sufficient to make the tea strong.
Step 2: Now, you need to cut the brown ends of the needles. You also need to pull off the sheaths of the needles.
Step 3: Afterwards, you need to chop the needles into small chunks measuring a quarter inch.
Step 4: As soon as you boil the water, you need to add fresh pine needles.
Step 5: Later, you need to cover the bowl with a lid and allow the needles to boil for some time.
Step 6: Now, you need to take off the pot from the gas burner and keep it aside till it cools down slightly.
Step 7: Once the needles sink towards the bottom, the tea would be cold. It is at that instance, you can strain the concoction and enjoy the tea to your heart’s content. For enhancing the taste, you can add a few drops of lemon juice apart from the leaves.
Servings
Usually, you can serve up to two cups of pine needle tea. In case there are many people who wish to relish the tea, then that would depend on the quantity of water. However, you should take sufficient pine needles along with adequate amount of water.
Finally, as an alternative, pine needle tea can be prepared after fermenting the leaves. You have to take 50 grams of fresh pine needles and wash them thoroughly. Later, you need to add them to 300 milliliters of water and brew the tea on the stove.
Now you have the pine needle tea recipe, go and try it to relish the immense health benefits of it.
