Pine tea is a great addition to your seasonal hot drinks, but when the weather begins to change, a refreshing glass of Scots pine needles soda goes down a treat as a cooling, immune-enriching tipple. Whenever anyone tastes it for the first time, their eyes widen in surprise.
The quality of the honey you choose here will make a difference, of course, so choose a good, local honey if you can!
Scots pine – native to the UK – has a long list of health benefits, but do tread carefully if you have kidney problems:
- Rich in Antioxidants: Help fight oxidative stress and reduce inflammation.
- Immune System Support: High in vitamin C (up to 5x more than lemons!), boosting immunity and helping fight infections.
- Respiratory Health: Traditionally used to relieve congestion, coughs, and soothe sore throats. The compounds in pine needles may help loosen mucus and open airways. 1)1. https://www.webmd.com/diet/what-to-know-pine-needle-tea?
- Anti-inflammatory Properties: Can reduce chronic inflammation, potentially easing joint pain and arthritis symptoms. 2)1. https://www.webmd.com/diet/what-to-know-pine-needle-tea?
- Circulation & Heart Health: Contain compounds like shikimic acid and flavonoids that promote blood circulation and may help lower blood pressure. 3)1. https://www.webmd.com/diet/what-to-know-pine-needle-tea?
Mental Clarity & Stress Relief: The aroma of pine needles is uplifting and can help reduce stress, while tea made from the needles may improve mental clarity. 4)2.Experimental evaluation of hypnotic and antidepressant effect of pine needles of Cedrusdeodara – PMC- Detoxification: Support the body in flushing out toxins and may promote kidney and liver health. 5)1. https://www.webmd.com/diet/what-to-know-pine-needle-tea?
- Antimicrobial & Antiviral Effects: Certain compounds may inhibit harmful pathogens and boost the body’s ability to fend off viruses. 6)1. https://www.webmd.com/diet/what-to-know-pine-needle-tea?
- Skin Health: When used in baths or infusions, pine needles can soothe skin irritations, rashes, and even aid in wound healing. 7)1. https://www.webmd.com/diet/what-to-know-pine-needle-tea?
Always be 110% sure that you’re using the correct plant in foraged recipes. Using Yew, Ponderosa or Norfolk Island Pine could prove deadly.
Pine Needle Soda
Prep time
Cook time
Total time
Author: Keeper of the Kitchen
Serves: 4
Ingredients
- Loosely pack a 750ml to 1litre flip-top bottle with Scots pine needles
- 2 tbs honey
- 3-4 cups filtered water (or boiled, slightly cooled water)
Instructions
- Place the pine needles in a flip-top bottle.
- Fill with warm water to about two inches from the top.
- Add two tablespoons of honey.
- Store in a warm, but not hot, space for three to five days to ferment. In colder weather it'll take longer.
- Keep an eye on it and ‘burp’ the bottle if necessary.
- It lasts well in the fridge.
References
| 1, 2, 3, 5, 6, 7. | ↑ | 1. https://www.webmd.com/diet/what-to-know-pine-needle-tea? |
| 4. | ↑ | 2.Experimental evaluation of hypnotic and antidepressant effect of pine needles of Cedrusdeodara – PMC |
