Plant of the Month – January

Pine – Pinus spp. 

Pines and other evergreen trees have long been symbols of eternal life. During the cold winter months, when all other plant life is still, pine shines green.

As such, it has long held a sacred place in cultures around the world. In North America, among the Rio Grande Pueblos, pine trees were taken from the forest in early winter and brought into the dancing area, one placed in each of the four directions. The Pine Tree Dance was then celebrated as an offering of thanksgiving and prayers for the winter. Once the ceremony was completed the trees were brought back to the forest or set adrift on a river.  During the winter solstice, the Arikara would bring a coniferous tree, usually pine or cedar, to the center of their village. Presents were offered to the tree spirit. It was decorated with paint and feathers and moved to stand upon a sacred stone pillar where it would stay until the spring.

Similarly, in the Celtic tradition in Europe the pine, spruce and fir represent eternal life. During the winter solstice, gifts of fruit, cloth, and other offerings were placed at and on the trees. During this dark time of year, people would ask for blessings of renewal of life, fertility, and abundance while making the offerings. Christianity later adopted this tradition, which has evolved into our present tradition of the Christmas tree.

Pine is also amazingly useful. Beyond the obvious use of its beautiful wood, the resin of some species is a valuable source of turpentine. It is also food and medicine. Pine is one of the highest sources of vitamin C and was historically used to treat scurvy. It’s a wonderful expectorant and is still widely used as a cough remedy. While the needles and resin of all species can be used for this, White Pine is most commonly used as it is lowest in harsh phytochemicals*. Externally it is used for eczema and psoriasis and the resin is antiseptic and can be used to heal wounds. It is anti-inflammatory and has also been shown to reduce cholesterol. Pine can be taken as a syrup or tea. A tea of the needles is wonderfully refreshing and high in vitamin C, and excellent for colds and flu.

All of the approximately 115 species of pine produce edible seeds or “nuts”, although only about 20 species produce seeds large enough to be worth the effort.  Pine nuts are an excellent source of protein and high in magnesium, potassium, iron and vitamin K. The trick is getting to them before the squirrels do. Harvest the unopened cones and store in a paper bag until they release their seeds.

Shell and enjoy.

Pine Syrup

4 cups of water

1 cup Pine ( can also use Spruce) needles

2 cups sugar or honey (if using honey, start with 1 cup)

¼ to ½  cup brandy

1 tablespoon Elderberries (optional)

Bring the water to boil in a stainless steel saucepan. Add the needles (chopped), cover, reduce heat and let simmer for thirty minutes.  Add the elderberries if desired. Let stand for two to three hours. Strain and return to heat and simmer until the liquid is reduced by half. Remove from heat. Measure the liquid.  You should have about 2 cups. Add equal amount of sugar and stir until dissolved.  If using honey, it is sweeter so you will want to use less. Start with half the amount of liquid (about 1 cup) and then slow add until you reach the desired taste and consistency. Once cool, add brandy.

Bottle and store in the refrigerator.  Take one tablespoon as needed for coughs or get creative and use in winter desserts.

*Some conifers are toxic so make sure you are working with pine. The resin of some species can be hard on the liver and kidneys.  Never ingest internally unless under the guidance of a qualified herbalist or other health professional. The needles and inner bark tend to be milder and are best for internal use.