White pine trees, Pinus strobus, are considered by some admirers to be one of the most magnificent of forest trees. The rapid growing pine, one of Americ's most valued timbered trees, is also grown as a shade or ornamental tree. Native Americans used white pine needles medicinally as a remedy for many illnesses; a tea made from needles was found particularly useful. Today, we know pine needle tea is especially beneficial for such respiratory problems as colds and congestion. Pine needle tea is an excellent remedy for acute bronchitis, especially when it is accompanied by stubborn and thick mucus production and expectoration. The components in pine have wound healing, decongestive and disinfectant effects and disinfectant effects on the respiratory passages. Painful throat irratation is reduced and inflamed bronchi are soothed. Even inhaling the vapors of this tea can bring relief. Drink 3 cups daily with a little honey, if desired.


When it's it's used in a bath, the tea is considered quite effective in treating chronic gout pain, nerve pain and arthritis, as well as sprains and muscle strains. To prepare a bath, place a large hanful offresh needles in a muslin bag and bring it to a boil and simer for 30 minutes. For best effect, add both the liquid and the bag of needles to the bath.


Pine needle tea has a mildly diuretic effect and will help remove small deposits that often accumulate in the kidneys and the bladder. This "gravel" may lead to painful kidney stones. The germicidal effect in the pine's essential oil alleviates inflammations associated with the urinary tract.


To Flush Urinary Tract
1 ounce white pine needles
3/4 ounce dandelion leaves
3/4 oince goldenrod herb
Prepare this medicinal tea in 1 quart of water and boil for about 2 minutes. Cover and let steep for 30 minutes. This tea is to stimulate urination and to flush crystalline deposits from the body, preventing a build up that can lead to kidney gravel and stones.


The needles from the white pine tree are used more commonly as a remedy than the familar Scots pine, Pinus sylvestris, which has similar components and is used as an ornament or christmas tree. While pine needles aren't available commercially, they may be gathered in the wild. The White Pine tree is distinguishable by its flexible, blue-gree needles, arranged in bundles of five. Caution: People may experience contact dermatitus from the resinous sap of the tree.


A tea made with white pine needles is most effective when using the young needles. Boil 3 Tablesthingys of fresh or dried pine needles in 1 quart of water for about 2 minutes. Cover and let steep for 30 minutes. Drink 3-4 large cups of tea, sweetened with honey to taste, between meals.


For circulation
1 ounce White pine needles
3/4 ounce Hawthorn Blossoms
1/2 ounce Peppermint leaves
1/2 ounce Rosemary leaves
Prepare this blend for an invigorating tea in 1 quart of water and boil for about 2 minutes. Cover and let steep for 30 minutes. Because it is a mild stimulant, anyone with highblood pressure should only drink small amounts of the tea.


For Neuralgic Pain
1 ounce Pine needles
1 ounce Calendula Flowers
1 ounce St. John's Wort
Prepare this tea in 1 quart of water and boil for about 2 minutes. Cover and let steep for 30 minutes. With this medicinal plant mixture to help calm nerves and to alleviate headache from neuralgic pain. Drink as a tea or use it in a compress to relieve headache pain.


Disclaimer: Do not self-medicate. The advice about herbal medications and remedies given here is for informational purposes only. Always consult your doctor or other health-care professional before using any herbal remedies or medicines of any kind.