› Forums › HomeGrown Herbalist Student Forum › Medicinal Herbs › Pine Needles (tree leaves)
Tagged: Brigham Tea, pine needles, pinon, pinyon
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December 28, 2022 at 4:30 AM #22493
DebBee
StudentIt seems so weird to think I can go outside and pick the pine needles off the tree and make tea. Any pine will do? White pine? Red pine? Do I have to dry them? Cut them up? Smoosh them? And I hear in an emergency you can eat the bark, but that sounds pretty awful.
Does the same apply to other trees like gingko or red maple?
"I Collect Smiles!" DebBee 🐝
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December 28, 2022 at 11:31 AM #22543
Dr. Patrick Jones
Homestead InstructorYup. Many trees are amazing medicinals. As herbalists, we have a tendency to look down at all the medicinal plants but we need to remember to look up because most tress are quite good too.
I’m writing a book about medicinal trees right now. There are also a number of trees in the Individual Plants lessons. There is a video there on pine.
Red and White pine have had most of the research but folks have used most species over the years. Don’t use them during pregnancy or lactation.
Also, be aware that any needles or branches you remove from a tree will never grow back. So pick them off a spot that won’t be ugly later. I usually just remove a branch and then pick the needles off of it. That’s better than having a permanently bald tree.
Don't use herbs or combine herbs with medications or use them during lactation or pregnancy without talking with your healthcare provider.
Total of 20 users thanked author for this post. Here are last 10 listed.
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January 1, 2023 at 10:18 PM #22930
Lynda Steinke
StudentWhen are you expecting the tree book to be available? When I order your other 2 books would be nice to add this one to the order. To make the best of shipping to Canada as it is far more than the price of one book!
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January 6, 2023 at 2:31 PM #23463
Dr. Patrick Jones
Homestead InstructorProbably this summer.
Don't use herbs or combine herbs with medications or use them during lactation or pregnancy without talking with your healthcare provider.
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January 6, 2023 at 9:10 AM #23410
Lacey Cook
Studentso I have ponderosa pine where I live, is this a safe pine to use?
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January 16, 2023 at 9:03 AM #24117
Teri Anderson
StudentPonderosa and yew are toxic. Don’t use!
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January 19, 2023 at 12:28 PM #24388
Lacey Cook
Studentwhy is the ponderosa pine toxic? almost all the pine trees in this part of the state are ponderosa
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January 19, 2023 at 2:16 PM #24403
Sandra Powell
StudentThe only references on Ponderosa pine being toxic that I can find are about a diterpene called isocupressic acid found in Ponderosa and some other conifers. It is toxic to some livestock and can cause cattle to abort their calves. I found nothing about humans. I have often chewed on the needles while hiking and never had any ill effects (that I know of!) I’ll keep looking.
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January 20, 2023 at 8:40 AM #24465
Lacey Cook
StudentThat is what I was thinking too. I couldn’t find anything about humans use
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January 19, 2023 at 12:31 PM #24390
Lacey Cook
StudentSo I am confused on why the Ponderosa pine is toxic? Almost all the pine trees where I live are Ponderosa. If I can’t use this that is so sad! I was excited to try this
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March 26, 2023 at 10:51 AM #28338
Rebecca Mayes
StudentI am amazed at all the plants around me that have so much nutritive and medicinal values. I had always considered myself to more knowledgeable than average, but I am realizing there is so much to learn.
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April 6, 2023 at 12:35 PM #28910
Dr. Patrick Jones
Homestead Instructor“I do not know what I may appear to the world, but to myself I seem to have been only like a boy playing on the seashore, and diverting myself in now and then finding a smoother pebble or a prettier shell than ordinary, whilst the great ocean of truth lay all undiscovered before me.”
Isaac Newton
Don't use herbs or combine herbs with medications or use them during lactation or pregnancy without talking with your healthcare provider.
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December 30, 2022 at 6:31 PM #22827
Brenda Traill
StudentReally looking forward to your medicinal tree book!
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December 30, 2022 at 6:55 PM #22829
Sharon
StudentDoc, I know that pines and spruces are very beneficial, and likely BEST in the spring – but for a tincture, are they any good now since now is when the cold and flu season is most likely to happen. Obviously I’ll wait if now is just a really bad time to make any… Also, are there any noticeable differences in the pines and spruces? Also anxious for your tree book!
5 users thanked author for this post.
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January 6, 2023 at 2:32 PM #23465
Dr. Patrick Jones
Homestead InstructorSpring is great but if I needed pine January, I’d be out picking it. Most of the research has been done on pine but Native Americans used spruce too.
Don't use herbs or combine herbs with medications or use them during lactation or pregnancy without talking with your healthcare provider.
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December 31, 2022 at 11:16 AM #22864
JENNIFER COATS
StudentYup. Many trees are amazing medicinals. As herbalists, we have a tendency to look down at all the medicinal plants but we need to remember to look up because most tress are quite good too.
I’m writing a book about medicinal trees right now. There are also a number of trees in the Individual Plants lessons. There is a video there on pine.
Red and White pine have had most of the research but folks have used most species over the years. Don’t use them during pregnancy or lactation.
Also, be aware that any needles or branches you remove from a tree will never grow back. So pick them off a spot that won’t be ugly later. I usually just remove a branch and then pick the needles off of it. That’s better than having a permanently bald tree.
Ponderosa pine… I *think* that’s what we have in my area. My Mama has one over 2 stories high that was once our Christmas tree. Will that one work be ause I saw something about ponderosa being high in some toxin?
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January 1, 2023 at 3:27 PM #22918
Mark Carrel
StudentGreat, looking forward to the medicinal tree book. I did not realize the the needles would not grow back after being picked. I have a ‘big’ pine tree in my yard that looks tastier by the moment. A limb (or several) off of it would not be noticeable. I’ll try that.
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January 15, 2023 at 8:49 PM #24082
Dianne Taylor
StudentI loved this, “we have a tendency to look down at all the medicinal plants but we need to remember to look up because most tress are quite good too.” I think one of the biggest takeaways I’ve learned from my studies is that ALL parts of a plant can be useful. Who knew???? Ok, you did. Thanks for teaching us!!! 😀
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January 4, 2023 at 9:09 PM #23259
Sharon
StudentI know that pines and spruces are very beneficial, and likely BEST in the spring – but for a tincture, are they any good now since now is when the cold and flu season is most likely to happen. Obviously I’ll wait if now is just a really bad time to make any… Also, are there any noticeable differences in the pines and spruces? Also anxious for your tree book!
1 user thanked author for this post.
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January 5, 2023 at 12:36 PM #23324
Hannah Bison
StudentHow closely related are pine and fir? My property is loaded with doug fir, there’s not many pine trees in my area.
I am looking forward to your medicinal tree book as well.
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January 6, 2023 at 2:34 PM #23467
Dr. Patrick Jones
Homestead InstructorDouglas fir was used historically for respiratory things and for arthritis. I haven’t used it and their isn’t much research.
Don't use herbs or combine herbs with medications or use them during lactation or pregnancy without talking with your healthcare provider.
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January 5, 2023 at 1:36 PM #23329
Gwen Wilson
StudentLooking forward to your new tree book as well. The more I learn, the more I want to learn. Thanks
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January 6, 2023 at 7:18 PM #23486
Sharon
StudentWhat about Pinyon Pines (slowest growing pine in the world I think!). I’ve been told it has the most “mellow” taste of all the conifers and you remember how my stupid taste buds are!
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January 8, 2023 at 6:26 AM #23550
Laura Scott
StudentIs it OK to post a recipe for Pine Needle Tea? I have one!
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January 9, 2023 at 6:57 PM #23639
Dr. Patrick Jones
Homestead InstructorAbsolutely. :0)
Don't use herbs or combine herbs with medications or use them during lactation or pregnancy without talking with your healthcare provider.
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January 9, 2023 at 7:46 PM #23652
Sharon
StudentAre Pinyon Pines as good as the other pines (or spruce) and is there a noticeable taste difference?
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January 10, 2023 at 5:12 PM #23716
Laura Scott
StudentPine Needle Tea (I would like to credit this recipe but honestly cannot remember where I found it)
3 TBS chopped fresh pine needles (new growth preferred; I used White Pine); 2 tsp cardamom pods crushed; 1.5 tsp grated ginger; 2 cinnamon sticks – or 1, I prefer 1 – 2 star Anise pods; 1 tsp whole allspice; 6 cups water; honey/cream
Add everything to H2O in a pan and bring to a boil, reduce heat and simmer at least 20 minutes. Strain. Add honey and/or cream to taste.
Kind of like a ‘piney’ chai!
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January 11, 2023 at 10:23 AM #23739
Lacey Cook
Studentexcited to try this!!
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January 12, 2023 at 9:30 AM #23884
Dr. Patrick Jones
Homestead Instructorlooks tasty. :0)
Don't use herbs or combine herbs with medications or use them during lactation or pregnancy without talking with your healthcare provider.
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January 12, 2023 at 10:42 AM #23889
Dr. Patrick Jones
Homestead InstructorPinyon and all of its other pine cousins in the Pinus genus (as well as spruce and fir) have been used historically for respiratory applications and other effects. I’ve only ever tasted red pine and white pine. Both of those incidentally, are the ones with most of the research.
Don't use herbs or combine herbs with medications or use them during lactation or pregnancy without talking with your healthcare provider.
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January 18, 2023 at 8:34 AM #24299
Sandra Powell
StudentPinyon needles don’t have a strong taste and make a nice tea. I like to add Brigham Tea also, especially when the juniper are pollenating (yellow dust on EVERYTHING). And the pinyon nuts are incredible in oatmeal, cookies, bread, and stuffing!
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January 18, 2023 at 9:23 AM #24307
KingdomKeeper
StudentGetting ready to do a basic plant class for a group of kids in our co-op. We are going to start with pine so I really appreciate this thread. Though we don’t have a whole lot of pine in our area here in Washington state. We have lots and lots of fir trees, but even more cedar.
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February 9, 2023 at 7:45 AM #25834
Dr. Patrick Jones
Homestead InstructorCedar is medicinal but not related to pine (it’s Juniper’s cousin) so has very different properties.
Don't use herbs or combine herbs with medications or use them during lactation or pregnancy without talking with your healthcare provider.
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January 19, 2023 at 4:59 PM #24416
Cindy Roberts
StudentWhen are you expecting the tree book to be available? When I order your other 2 books would be nice to add this one to the order. To make the best of shipping to Canada as it is far more than the price of one book!
I have really found that rubbing pine needle tincture on my knees is helping the arthritis in my knees as is taking Dr. Jone’s Chaga tincture!
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February 3, 2023 at 2:13 PM #25495
Sharon
StudentSo is it ONLY the needles, or the piece of a branch and/or the little baby pinecone at the end of the branch. Just harvested some today, and really anxious to get going, but don’t know what to include/exclude. And I think I remember Doc saying that vodka will work fine. Thanks in advance!
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February 9, 2023 at 7:36 AM #25830
JC Stevenson
Student..
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February 3, 2023 at 8:40 PM #25506
Sharon
StudentHubby and I think that the little things that look like a baby pinecone on the end of the tip are actually FUTURE needles – so in theory, they should be good medicine, right!?
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February 6, 2023 at 5:44 PM #25690
Michelle Koch
StudentThe things that look like “baby pine cones” are literally called “pine tips” and are wonderful. Use them like you would regular pine needles, or you can make syrup with them. You can also make a wonderful fermented syrup out of green pine cones! (Look up “mugolio”) Traditionally made with cones from the mugo pine, the same method can be used with cones from any pine, and has many medicinal and culinary qualities. I have ambitious plans to make a batch as soon as I possibly can!
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February 9, 2023 at 7:40 AM #25832
JC Stevenson
Student..
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February 9, 2023 at 7:48 AM #25836
Dr. Patrick Jones
Homestead InstructorYup, that’s right. If they’re pine tips. They’ll be needles someday. If they’re pollen cones (the boy parts) they’re also medicinal …but completely different uses) and if they’re pine cones (girl parts) they’re not what you want.
Don't use herbs or combine herbs with medications or use them during lactation or pregnancy without talking with your healthcare provider.
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June 11, 2023 at 5:55 PM #39538
Sharon
StudentDoc, you mentioned the pollen cones have different medicinal properties, but would you mind elaborating on what the difference medicinally between the needles and the pollen cones? I was planning on using them together both for tea as well as tincture, but if they have different properties, should I just use them separately? Thanks in advance.
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June 12, 2023 at 10:59 AM #39555
Dr. Patrick Jones
Homestead InstructorHere ya go:
Don't use herbs or combine herbs with medications or use them during lactation or pregnancy without talking with your healthcare provider.
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June 12, 2023 at 9:05 PM #39589
Sharon
StudentSo another couple of questions on pine parts.
- Since we are senior citizens now and the “benefits” from the pollen cone that you mentioned in the video is not of importance here – would we be better off to just tincture the pollen cones with the needles and use it more or less as a nutritional tonic daily for general health? For both of us, our blood sugar levels are well in the normal range, so that seems like a good thing here.
- But since it has androgenic properties, is it ok for us ladies to use internally on a regular basis?
- Also, since the resin is mentioned as being medicinal, but also used to make turpentine – would it be beneficial (since I already have some) to use pure gum turpentine made by locals in GA with trees on their property as part of the tincturing process?
- Is a pine tincture the most “bang for the buck” medicinally over other things like tea, powdered needles, fresh needles in a smoothie, etc?
- This one might be kind of a lame question, but is there a “better way” to harvest the needles from the tree so it DOESN’T end up with ugly places later? There must be a good technique for it…
Thanks in advance for your time and answers!
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June 13, 2023 at 4:28 PM #39613
Dr. Patrick Jones
Homestead InstructorMine in Bold
- Since we are senior citizens now and the “benefits” from the pollen cone that you mentioned in the video is not of importance here – would we be better off to just tincture the pollen cones with the needles and use it more or less as a nutritional tonic daily for general health? For both of us, our blood sugar levels are well in the normal range, so that seems like a good thing here.
I’d just use the pollen as a daily tonic and save the needles as needed for illness.
- But since it has androgenic properties, is it ok for us ladies to use internally on a regular basis?
The dose for nutritional tonic is markedly less than the dose for androgenic effects.
- Also, since the resin is mentioned as being medicinal, but also used to make turpentine – would it be beneficial (since I already have some) to use pure gum turpentine made by locals in GA with trees on their property as part of the tincturing process?
I wouldn’t.
- Is a pine tincture the most “bang for the buck” medicinally over other things like tea, powdered needles, fresh needles in a smoothie, etc?
Doesn’t matter how you get it into your body.
- This one might be kind of a lame question, but is there a “better way” to harvest the needles from the tree so it DOESN’T end up with ugly places later? There must be a good technique for it…
Lop off branches you don’t like and take the needles. That’s how I do it.
Don't use herbs or combine herbs with medications or use them during lactation or pregnancy without talking with your healthcare provider.
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June 14, 2023 at 8:51 PM #39638
Sharon
StudentThanks so much for a speedy reply! We were out harvesting our state tree (blue spruce) today, and got lots of the pollen cones on the tips, so I’ll tincture them separately. I assume that both of the tinctures should be in 60% alcohol since the parts are all fresh (though I’ve heard of others using 40% – but for a much longer time in the alcohol). So is there a lot of the vitamin and mineral content in the pollen cone tincture compared to the needle tincture? I love the idea of enhancing our vitamins thru the winter! Curious though (not questioning your advice at all), when I see mention of spruce tips, most of the time it’s mentioned as a tonic – perhaps you could educate me on where these folks are going wrong with using it as a tonic? And Never, Ever, be offended when I question something please – I am by nature a VERY, very inquisitive person – with no end in sight even at my advanced age! I know that much information on the internet is just flat out wrong, so that’s why I try to filter everything I read or hear on the web with your actual, factual presentation of the herbs. I love your real life experiences and your teaching style for all the wonderful herbs and plants we have been given for our benefit. Thank you for such a wonderful course and for making yourself available to answer the questions from your students – something many “teachers” won’t do! I know I likely don’t have enough years left to learn as much as I want to, but your course is making a sizable contribution to my knowledge bank – thanks again!
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February 8, 2023 at 8:29 AM #25786
Dee.MW
StudentWe love the pine/spruce tips. I’ve used spruce tips to make ice cream. It tasted incredibly similar to mint chocolate chip, but I got to call it Tips and Chips ; )
Also great for tea or flavor syrup.
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February 9, 2023 at 7:57 AM #25838
Dr. Patrick Jones
Homestead InstructorPonderosa pine needles are very similar to other pine needles. Its bad reputation as a toxic, dangerous plant comes from case studies of cattle eating it and aborting.
News Flash: Any pine needle will cause miscarriage and none of them should be used during pregnancy.
So, it’s really not fair that Pinus ponderosa is the only pine species people are wrinkling their noses at. This is a classic example of internet “cut and paste” herbalism where someone reads something and repeats it and it becomes dogma and doctrine in the trade even though it’s completely out of context.
Don't use herbs or combine herbs with medications or use them during lactation or pregnancy without talking with your healthcare provider.
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February 11, 2023 at 8:47 AM #26073
Lacey Cook
Studentthanks Doc !!! I thought it sounded so off to say that Ponderosa was off limits!!
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February 12, 2023 at 9:32 PM #26158
Rae Cousineau
StudentGlad to hear that about ponderosa pine. It is by far the most prolific in my area!
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February 25, 2023 at 10:35 AM #26862
Dr. Patrick Jones
Homestead InstructorYew (Taxus spp.) is not a pine or related to pine. It’s deadly poison.
Don't use herbs or combine herbs with medications or use them during lactation or pregnancy without talking with your healthcare provider.
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February 27, 2023 at 3:55 PM #26958
DebBee
StudentTopic AuthorWhy do pine trees have such a hard time sewing?
Because they always drop their needles.
"I Collect Smiles!" DebBee 🐝
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March 23, 2023 at 11:37 PM #28236
heavenlyherbs
StudentI recently read that women who are expecting should not use Ponderosa pine or lodgepole pine because they could cause a miscarriage. Although I do not know why. The good species of pine to use are supposed to be white fir, noble fir and balsam fir. I made a tea this last Christmas from our noble fir that was freshly cut. I liked it, first time making pine needle tea.
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June 15, 2023 at 9:01 PM #39652
Sharon
StudentDoc stated back on Feb 9th:
News Flash: Any pine needle will cause miscarriage and none of them should be used during pregnancy.
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