Benefits of Pine Needle Tea

Native Americans have been drinking pine needle tea for centuries and can account for the health and vitality that they had long before modern medicine was available. Studies show that Pine Needle Tea is packed with VITAMIN C, with 4 to 5 times more per serving than a glass of orange juice! Did you know that VITAMIN C from supplements (synthetic) does not have the complete health benefits offered by natural sources such as pine needles? Natural VITAMIN C is a strong antioxidant that can boost blood antioxidant levels.

Pine Needle Tea also has virtually no calories and is naturally caffeine free.

Other potential health benefits are associated with the compounds in pine needle tea, but none have been verified in human subjects. These possible benefits include:

• Antioxidant properties. Laboratory-based experiments have demonstrated that some of the chemicals in pine needles may protect your body from free radicals that can damage your cells.
• Anticancer properties. Research with cell lines and animals has found positive effects on cancer cells, but these have not been verified in human subjects.
• Antimicrobial effects. One study that focused on Cedrus deodara found antimicrobial activity in laboratory-based experiments on water-soluble extracts.
• Anti-aging effects. A study found that some of the molecules in pine needles can bind to a particular receptor that affects your metabolism. This receptor is also known to have anti-aging effects.
• Heart protection. This is associated with the presence of proanthocyanidins, which have been found at least in Pinus densiflora.
• Immune system modulation. This is also associated with proanthocyanidins, which have been found in Pinus densiflora.

Expedition Joe Pine Needle Tea is the first tea in our Classic Tea series.  This tea is available in a convenient Coffee, or should we say, Tea Pod.

Pine Needle Tea has a refreshing taste with an herbaceous flavor and undertones of mint.  If you are a fan of Japanese Green Tea you will notice some similarities in the flavor profile.

Warning:  Do not use if allergic to Pine Tree elements including bark, needles or oils.

Also in How to...