A long list of pine needle benefits

Pine needle is a real superfood! It's been used for centuries in Chinese medicine to treat many ailments. In this article, we'll take a look at some of the health benefits pine needles have to offer.

Pine needles are one of the most widely used herbs in the world. They have been used in Chinese medicine for thousands of years, and are a great source of vitamin C and can be used to treat many ailments, including headaches, stomachaches, arthritis pain, inflammation (including swelling) and much more.

Let's look at all the benefits associated with incorporating pine needle tea or pine needle oil into your daily routine.

Anti inflammatory

Pine needles are often used to treat inflammation because of the presence of antioxidants and flavonoids. Pine needle benefits also include:

• Antioxidants, which help reduce free radicals in your body that can cause damage to cells and tissues. Free radicals are highly reactive oxygen molecules that can damage cells and tissues if not neutralised by antioxidants.
• Flavonoids, which act as powerful antioxidants that protect the body from free radicals. Flavonoids also help prevent blood clots, lower cholesterol levels and fight off cancer cells.
• Phenols, which are found in many plants but particularly high in pine needles. These phytonutrients play a key role in helping the human body maintain good health by activating enzymes (including those involved with detoxification), boosting immune function, increasing circulation and reducing inflammation among other things!

Anti fungal

Pine needle tea is also a great natural remedy for fungal infections. If you are suffering from athlete's foot or any kind of fungal infection, pine needle tea can help to stop it from spreading. Pine needle tea can also be used as an internal treatment for ringworm and other fungal infections that affect the skin.

The tea can also be used as an external treatment for skin conditions such as psoriasis and eczema. You can use pine needle tea to soothe the itching and inflammation associated with these conditions, helping your skin to heal faster.

Pine needle tea can also be used to treat fungal infections in the mouth. If you are suffering from thrush or another kind of yeast infection, you can use pine needle tea as an internal treatment. The astringent properties of pine needles will help to reduce inflammation and soothe your sore mouth.

Anti bacterial

Pine needles are anti bacterial and help fight infections.

• Pine needle tea can be used to treat urinary tract infections, or UTIs.
• Red pine needle oil is a powerful antibacterial agent that has been used in Chinese medicine for centuries. It’s also said to have anti inflammatory properties, making it useful in easing pain and swelling associated with arthritis, tendonitis, and other inflammatory conditions. The essential oil is extracted from the needles by steam distillation or cold expression - a gentle way of extracting the essential oils without harming them through heat exposure.
• Pine needle extract is a natural antimicrobial that helps keep wounds clean while they heal.

It also has an anti inflammatory effect on the skin, which can help reduce swelling and redness after a cut or scrape. Pine needle tea is said to have anti inflammatory properties that help ease pain associated with arthritis and other inflammatory conditions.

Antioxidant

• Antioxidants are molecules that can neutralize free radicals.
• Free radicals are unstable atoms or molecules that can damage cells.
• Antioxidants help prevent this damage by absorbing free radicals and preventing them from doing further harm to your body's cells.
• Pine needles are high in antioxidants, which is why they taste so good if you eat them!

Pine needles are also rich in vitamin C, which helps boost your immune system and reduce inflammation. Pine needles contain the fat soluble vitamins A, D, E and K. These vitamins help support healthy eye function, blood clotting and bone development.

Diuretic

Pine needles are a diuretic, meaning they help to remove excess fluid from the body. They do this by stimulating the production of urine, which can be especially beneficial if you’re suffering from edema or water retention. Pine needle tea is also a good remedy for colds, flu and fever because it helps to break up mucus in your lungs and remove toxins from your body.

It’s important to note that pine needle tea shouldn’t be consumed on an empty stomach or within 24 hours of taking any medication as it may increase its potency (and therefore side effects).

Increases energy

Pine needle tea is a great natural energy booster.

• It helps improve mental fatigue
• It helps improve physical fatigue
• It helps increase energy levels, including energy balance and flow

It’s a great way to get the body moving and increase circulation. It helps improve mood, including reducing anxiety and stress. It helps improve sleep quality, including reducing insomnia and improving the quality of sleep. It’s a great way to relieve muscle tension, including lower back pain and headaches.

Teelixir Wildcrafted Red Pine Needles are sustainably harvested from high elevation trees growing in South Korea. It has a zero additives, preservatives or fillers.  This high quality pine needle oil is vegan, gluten free, paleo, made non GMO and contains zero sugar.

Gently detoxifies

Pine needles are a natural diuretic. Drinking pine needle tea or applying pine needle oil to the skin is a gentle way to detoxify and cleanse the lymphatic system. A tincture of pine needles or pine needle oil can also be used for this purpose. 

Use 1-10 drops of Teelixir Wildcrafted Red Pine Needle Oil daily, either on its own or diluted in water or juice. 

Enhances immune system

Pine needle tea is a natural remedy for colds and flu. The vitamin C in pine needles helps enhance your immune system, which can help prevent or shorten the length of your illness. Pine needle tea can also be used to treat infections, such as urinary tract infections. It’s important to use fresh pine needles when making this tea.

You can harvest the needles from your own tree or buy them at a local grocery store.

Supports brain health

Pine needle is a great source of vitamin C, which is an antioxidant that helps protect your brain from cell damage and aging. It also helps to produce neurotransmitters such as serotonin and dopamine, both of which are important for mental health.

Studies have shown that vitamin C can reduce the risk of developing Alzheimer's disease by up to 50%.

Increases alkalinity

Pine needles are rich in alkaloids, which help to increase the alkalinity of your blood and tissues. This helps to maintain the body's pH levels and prevents acidosis, a condition where there is too much acid in your body. It also helps prevent acid reflux, which is caused when stomach acids travel into your esophagus and cause discomfort or pain.

Alkaloids are also known to have anti inflammatory and antibacterial properties, which can help fight infections in your body. They may also help to reduce muscle pain by relaxing tense muscles and reducing inflammation.

Improves collagen production

In addition to its antioxidant properties and the vitamin C it packs, pine needle tea is also high in vitamin K. Vitamin K is important for helping your body produce collagen, which helps keep skin smooth and elastic. Pine needle tea can help improve the appearance of blemishes and scars on your face, as well as reduce wrinkles!

The tea is also very high in vitamin A and B1, both of which are essential for cell growth. It’s also a great source of magnesium, iron and calcium - minerals that can help fight acne and prevent premature aging. J

ust add a few drops of Korean red pine needle oil to your daily routine, for maximum beauty benefits.

Nourishes the heart, lymph, liver and thyroid

Pine needle tea is a great way to get the benefits of pine needles. Pine needles are rich in vitamins A, B, C and D. They also have high amounts of calcium, iron and magnesium. These nutrients can nourish the heart, lymphatic system and thyroid gland.

Pine needle tea can be an effective treatment for heart disease as well as strengthening bones due to its high amounts of calcium.

The best way to make pine needle tea is by making an infusion with fresh or dried pine needles (1 teaspoon per cup of boiling water). Steep for 10 minutes before straining out any solids that may be floating around in your cup!

Needle mulch

Needle mulch is a great way to keep your garden and yard looking beautiful without the use of chemical fertilisers and pesticides. Groundcover, grasses, shrubs and trees will all benefit from the natural beauty of pine needles.

Needle mulch is also safe for children and pets to play on because it doesn't contain any harmful chemicals that might harm them if they come into contact with it.

In addition to being a safe and natural way to fertilize your garden, pine needle mulch is also an excellent deterrent for pests. The scent of the pine needles repels insects such as ants, beetles and even termites.

Tea made from pine needles is a great natural remedy!

Pine needle tea is a great natural remedy for many conditions and is easy to prepare. It's also a good way to get all of the benefits of pine needles without having to spend hours picking them!

To make pine needle tea, you'll need:

• Fresh or dried needles from any type of pine tree (e.g., fir, spruce, larch)
• Green or black tea (you can use any kind that you prefer)
• A saucepan to boil water A tea strainer or cheesecloth A cup or mug

My own experience

My experience with Korean red pine needle oil has been nothing short of transformative, especially when it comes to bolstering my daily energy levels. Each morning, incorporating just a few drops into my routine gives me an invigorating boost that carries me through the day with vitality.

The real magic happens, however, at the first hint of feeling under the weather. By doubling my usual dose, I remarkably find that my body responds with increased resilience, warding off impending sickness before it can take hold.

This natural remedy has not only become a cornerstone of my daily health regimen, but it has also empowered me with a proactive approach to maintaining my well-being, making it an indispensable ally in my pursuit of a vibrant and energetic life.

FAQ about pine needles

What is pine needle good for?

Pine needles have several uses, including making tea, which is rich in Vitamin C and antioxidants. They're also used in essential oil extraction, which can aid in respiratory health, reduce inflammation, and alleviate muscle pain.

Are pine needles safe for humans?

Generally, pine needles are safe for most humans, especially if used externally or as a tea from non-toxic species. However, ensure the species is safe, as some can be toxic.

Is pine needle safe to eat?

While pine needles can be used to make tea, directly eating large amounts is not recommended due to their tough and fibrous nature, which can be difficult to digest.

Who should not drink pine needle tea?

Pregnant and breastfeeding women should avoid pine needle tea due to the potential risk of harm to the fetus or baby. Individuals with allergies to pine or related species should also avoid it.

How do you use pine needles as a medicine?

Pine needles have been traditionally used to make tea to treat conditions like colds, coughs, and scurvy, due to their high vitamin C content. Pine needle oil is also applied topically as an antiseptic or to relieve muscle pain.

What are the disadvantages of pine needles?

Disadvantages include potential toxicity from certain species, allergic reactions, and the possibility of digestive issues if ingested in large amounts due to their fibrous nature.

Can you use any pine needles for tea?

Not all pine needles are safe for consumption; some, like the yew and ponderosa pine, are toxic. It's essential to correctly identify the pine species before using them for tea.

Is pine needle good for skin?

Pine needle oil can be beneficial for the skin due to its antiseptic and anti-inflammatory properties, helping to treat minor cuts, burns, and skin conditions when diluted and applied topically.

Is boiling pine needles safe?

Boiling pine needles to make tea or extract their essences is safe, provided you use non-toxic species and properly identify them.

Are pine needles poisonous to dogs?

Some pine needles can be toxic to dogs if ingested in large quantities, leading to gastrointestinal irritation and potential complications.

Can you put pine needles in a drink?

Pine needles can be used to infuse drinks, especially hot beverages like tea, by steeping them in boiling water to extract their flavors and beneficial properties.

What does pine needle extract do to the body?

Pine needle extract can boost the immune system, provide antioxidants, improve respiratory health, and offer anti-inflammatory benefits, amongst other health effects.

Are pine needles antibacterial?

Yes, pine needles possess antibacterial properties, making them useful in treating or preventing infections when used in teas, as an essential oil, or in other forms.

Final thoughts

As you can see, pine needle tea is a great natural remedy that nourishes the heart, lymph, liver and thyroid. It's also a gentle detoxifier that supports your immune system. So why not try it? The easiest way to enjoy the benefits of pine needles is through a tea or pine needle oil, which is available here at Sassy Organics! 

Before purchasing, read a red pine needle oil review to ensure it was worth the investment.