The Herbal Corner
More About…White Pine!
Judith Millar, Herbalist
Sacred Ground Herbals
sacredgroundherbals@comcast.net
As an evergreen, Pine’s leaves are called needles. Although Pine trees shed their needles, they
always have green needles growing and are never bare. Pine needles are antiviral and high in
vitamin C, so high in fact that one cup of Pine needle tea has as much vitamin C as 5-6 lemons!
During the long, cold winters, early ‘settlers’ in North America often succumbed to scurvy, a
disease which is caused from a lack of vitamin C while the Natives thrived. Eventually, the Natives
taught the settlers about Pine needle tea which helped them to endure the long, hard winters and
lack of fresh fruits and vegetables. White pine is plentiful in the northeast and makes a delicate tea
or vinegar. Look for thin needles, in bundles of 5.
Homemade “Balsamic Vinegar”
Pine needle vinegar is an exquisite treat that is easy to make.
• Fill a jar with pine needles. (I prefer white pine, and pinyon pine is even better, but the needles
of any pine are fine.) Sometimes Nature “gifts” us a branch in a storm…
• Cover needles completely with pasteurized apple cider vinegar, filling the jar to the top and
capping with a plastic lid or a piece of plastic wrap held in place with a rubber band. (Vinegar
will corrode the metal cap)
• Place the jar in a dark cabinet for 6 weeks. Shake it once in a while. This vinegar is ready to use
in six weeks. Strain and enjoy.
Pine vinegar is rich in flavonoids, vitamins, and minerals. It helps keep the immune system strong,
and strengthens the lungs as well. Apple cider vinegar helps to restore the body’s alkaline balance.
For a tonic that boosts immune function and restores acid/alkaline balance, stir 1 tablespoon raw
honey and 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar into a cup of warm water and drink. (You can use your
“balsamic vinegar” which will also aid in strengthening the respiratory system)
This vinegar is great on salads, or in marinades.
More About…White Pine!
Judith Millar, Herbalist
Sacred Ground Herbals
sacredgroundherbals@comcast.net
As an evergreen, Pine’s leaves are called needles. Although Pine trees shed their needles, they
always have green needles growing and are never bare. Pine needles are antiviral and high in
vitamin C, so high in fact that one cup of Pine needle tea has as much vitamin C as 5-6 lemons!
During the long, cold winters, early ‘settlers’ in North America often succumbed to scurvy, a
disease which is caused from a lack of vitamin C while the Natives thrived. Eventually, the Natives
taught the settlers about Pine needle tea which helped them to endure the long, hard winters and
lack of fresh fruits and vegetables. White pine is plentiful in the northeast and makes a delicate tea
or vinegar. Look for thin needles, in bundles of 5.
Homemade “Balsamic Vinegar”
Pine needle vinegar is an exquisite treat that is easy to make.
• Fill a jar with pine needles. (I prefer white pine, and pinyon pine is even better, but the needles
of any pine are fine.) Sometimes Nature “gifts” us a branch in a storm…
• Cover needles completely with pasteurized apple cider vinegar, filling the jar to the top and
capping with a plastic lid or a piece of plastic wrap held in place with a rubber band. (Vinegar
will corrode the metal cap)
• Place the jar in a dark cabinet for 6 weeks. Shake it once in a while. This vinegar is ready to use
in six weeks. Strain and enjoy.
Pine vinegar is rich in flavonoids, vitamins, and minerals. It helps keep the immune system strong,
and strengthens the lungs as well. Apple cider vinegar helps to restore the body’s alkaline balance.
For a tonic that boosts immune function and restores acid/alkaline balance, stir 1 tablespoon raw
honey and 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar into a cup of warm water and drink. (You can use your
“balsamic vinegar” which will also aid in strengthening the respiratory system)
This vinegar is great on salads, or in marinades.
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| Christmas Day 2009 Halcottsville, NY |
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