Pine Needle Tea

One of our families favorite remedies for any type of cold, lung congestion or viral infection of any kind is Pine Needle Tea.  I found this remedy in an old, old, OLD book on  natural remedies that I picked up at a thrift store.  We have found it incredibly useful.

I would very probably use pine needle tea liberally if I had ANY virus.

So, in a bullet point list, everything I know about Pine Needle Tea:

• It is very cheap (free :)
• It is easy to make
• It is delicious
• Don't drink it if you are pregnant or nursing.  Really.
• It is full of Vitamin A and C (in a natural form so everything surrounding them is there, complete)
• It seems to help your eyes 
• It is an expectorant (if you drink too much it dries your nose out.  Not my favorite)
• Our favorite is sugar pine (the one with the shorter needles)
• You can put pine needles in your bathtub for various ailments.

Here is more detailed information from Dave's Garden.  I found it by a simple google search and his research appears to be solid.  No need for me to reinvent the wheel.  Just go there if you want more concrete info.

Here is how we make it:

1. Pick pine needles
2. cut them into smallish pieces
3. put in container and pour boiling water over them
4. cover and steep about ten minutes
5. strain 
6. add raw, local honey if necessary
7. drink