White Pine Needle Tea

White Pine one of Michigan's several pine species

White Pine Needle Tea
White Pine needle tea, although not very common with the general public pine needle tea has been used for centuries by Native Americans. 

There are several pine that are considered safe to use as tea, however, white pine is widly considered safe. Be absolute certain of the identy as there are poisions evergreens that should never be consumed (see list below).

Pine needle tea contains an abundant amount of vitamin C, is a good source of vitamin A,  and research shows is an  immunity booster due to the high concentration of antioxidants. Thus, white pine tea has several health benifits!
​                                                                              See Pine Needle Tea Research

Lets Make Some White Pine Needle Tea
First and for most be certain to identify the tree as White Pine. (The first rule in foraging is to always make a positive identification prior to harvesting!)  White pine is identifiable by it's long soft needles that grow in clusters of 5 at the tip of it's branches. 

1. Harvest a handful of young needles
2. Genly rinse in tempid water to remove any dust
3. Strip the brown papery sheath and chop the needles
4. Pour boiling water over needles, cover and seep for 10 minutes
5. Strain, sweeten as desired and enjoy 

​
Below is a list of Poisonous Evergreens 
Australian Pine
Common Yew
Common Juniper
Lodgepole / Shore Pine
Montery Cypress
Norfolk Pine