Edible evergreens – who knew? This vitamin C and anti-oxidant rich healing conifer tea will sooth a cough and cold, and energize you. You can make all natural tea from pine, fir, spruce, and cedar ~ it smells like a walk in the forest, and tastes lovely, too.
let’s make conifer tea!
OK this is going to be fun — grab some clippers and check out your backyard, or take a stroll around the block and snip a few fresh boughs for this aromatic pine needle tea.
I love nothing better than discovering and sharing new and unusual foods and flavors here in the Great Island kitchen, and edible evergreens definitely fits that bill. Even thought we all know and love the aroma of evergreens, it might be hard to wrap our minds around eating the stuff — but think of it this way, if you like rosemary, (which isn’t related, by the way) I think you’ll be intrigued by the flavor of this healing conifer tea.
conifer tea is high in Vitamin C
This idea fascinated me so I did a little research. Conifer is the broad name for cone bearing trees, and lots of species of conifers are edible, namely pines, spruce, and fir. When it comes to pines, you can eat every part of them, from the pine nuts, to the bark, to the needles. The needles are not only edible, they contain a ton of vitamin C (as much or more than lemons!) and they’re naturally anti-inflammatory.
Pine needles can be made into a soothing tea that helps fight colds and coughs. That vitamin C is through the roof ~ pine tea used to be used during the Civil War to prevent scurvy ~ who knew?
choose pine, fir, or spruce for tea
Pine needles are long and wispy, (above and below) and they come off the branch in little bundles of 2-5 or more needles. Fir and spruce have the more compact bushy branches, like the classic Christmas tree. You can use any of the three species for this tea, but be sure to choose trees that haven’t been sprayed or otherwise polluted.
conifer tea is a natural flu fighter
Conifers have been used for food and medicine for hundreds if not thousands of years by various cultures like the Russians, Scandinavians, and our own Native Americans. From my reading there are almost too many purported health benefits to mention, from pain relief, to anti-aging, to cold and flu relief. One of the more interesting notes is that pine and other conifer needles contain very high amounts of shikimic acid, the key ingredient in Tamiflu! Hopefully this will whet your appetite for more information on conifer infused foods, I’ve left some links at the end of the post if you’re interested.
two methods for making herbal tea
The two methods will yield slightly differing results, I’ll show you how to make both in the recipe.
- a single steeped cuppa will be light in flavor and color, above,
- while a simmered infusion, below, will be darker in color and flavor, below.
More natural healing recipes to try
Healing Conifer Tea
Ingredients
- Pine, Spruce, or Fir needles
Instructions
- You can use the needles on the twigs or off, it's up to you. They can be fresh, or dried. They can be whole, or chopped. Chopping the needles and using method 2, below, will result in the strongest flavor.
- Clean the needles by rinsing well under cold water.
method 1
- Put a handful of whole needles or several tablespoons of chopped needles into a saucepan and add 2 cups water. Bring to a boil, turn down the heat and simmer for 10 minutes. Let sit for 5 minutes, then strain and serve.
method 2
- Put a small amount of whole needles, or 1 tablespoon of chopped, into a cup. Pour in boiling water and let steep for 10 minutes, Strain and drink.
notes and variations
- If this interests you, I recommend getting a guide to edible plants so you can identify plants correctly. While most if not all pines, firs, and spruce are edible, not all evergreens are ok to eat, or drink. Do a little research to find the edible evergreens in your area. Watch out for Yew trees, which look like conifers but are toxic, I've left a link to help identify it in the list at the bottom of the post.
- Select fresh, green needles for use for tea. Ideally spring is the time to collect new growth needles, but you can certainly collect them at any time during the year. You can freeze the needles in freezer bags, or dry them for later use. Just let them air dry at room temperature.
- I think this would make wonderful iced tea or infused water in the summertime!
- There are unresolved questions about the safety of using pine needle tea during pregnancy, so I would err on the side of caution.
further resources:
- The Splendid Table podcast: Branching out: Wildcrafters use pine, firs to spruce up old recipes
- Eat Your Christmas Tree! The kitchn
- How to Prepare Teas from Winter Trees: Inhabit
- Edible Conifers: Kinfolk Magazine
- Foraged Flavor: All About Pine, Serious Eats
- Cooking with Conifers: The Salt
- Which Pines are Poisonous?
- Edible Wild Food Magazine
- Toxic Yew Tree Identification: YouTube
- RECIPE: Pine Syrup
- RECIPE: Balsam Cocktail
- RECIPE: Pine Rosemary Ice Cream
- RECIPE: Cedar Tea, Food.com
- RECIPE: Pine Needle Oil
- RECIPE: Pine Needle Vinegar
69 Comments
Victoria
August 4, 2019 at 8:46 pmWonderful! Might want to include the fact that clipping the growth from the tops of young evergreens will stunt their growth…and that harvesters should clip just a little from a bunch of trees, particularly when harvesting young growth.
Sue
August 4, 2019 at 8:51 pmThank you 🙂 I’m looking forward to formulating more recipes with confiers this winter!
Glenda Barton
June 22, 2019 at 2:45 pmAlso, recently I went on a “Forest Therapy” (“Forest Bathing”) walk in Sugarloaf Ridge State Park, in Sonoma County, California. For those of you who don’t know, Forest Bathing is a healing modality invented in Japan in the 1990’s, based on ancient practices in ancient Japan and elsewhere. They are REALLY serious about it there, they have special forests and test your cortisol level before the walk! A guide must be certified. Our guide provided the perfect finish for our walk: a beautiful spread on a colorful cloth of blackberries, nuts, and a pot of Douglas fir tip tea. It was the first time I had that tea and it is the most delicate flavor imaginable.
Sue
June 22, 2019 at 4:59 pmSounds like an amazing experience!
Glenda Barton
June 22, 2019 at 2:25 pmYou can also make tea from redwood needles. I have done so, and it’s wonderful. Of course, they are only found in the wild in California and Oregon.
Kathleen
June 12, 2018 at 1:40 pmThanks so much, Sue! I first tasted “spruce tip tea” when I bought a package in the Yellowknife (NT) Airport last year, just passing through. Then, I read “Forest Bathing” recently and it brought me back again. So for the last few weeks, we have been drinking grand fir tea from the newest needles just coming out in the Southern Gulf Islands. Amazing.
Sue
June 12, 2018 at 4:54 pmSounds heavenly!
Amanda
February 16, 2018 at 1:48 pmI just happen to have a Christmas Tree Farm and can’t wait to try this when the new buds are out in the spring!
Sue
February 16, 2018 at 2:02 pmOh wow Amanda!
Dal
January 4, 2018 at 7:20 pmI live in langley were we are 50-50 cedars/fir how do I use cedar for teas
Sue
January 5, 2018 at 4:12 amYou can pull the cedar needles/leaves off the branch and either boil them in water for a few minutes, or steep them in very hot water. You’ll get lots of vitamin C. (Pregnant women shouldn’t drink this tea.)
Melissa
January 1, 2018 at 6:58 pmI am amazed to hear about this tea, and while a bit nervous to try it, I’m tempted to cut some pine branches from our live Christmas Tree! Such an interesting post!
Julie
July 25, 2017 at 6:44 pmGreat details as usual
Hester @ Alchemy in the Kitchen
February 1, 2016 at 1:07 pmWhat an interesting recipe. I didn’t know you could use the needles from pine trees – definitely going to give this a go!
Kristen @ The Endless Meal
January 24, 2016 at 2:02 pmI love heading into the forest and coming out with treasures to eat! I’ve never made tea from pine needles, but I’ve put it on my list of must-dos for this year.
Eileen
January 21, 2016 at 7:25 pmI am currently battling a flu which may be pneumonia. This is the perfect. I have pinned this because I need to make this tomorrow. I love this entire idea
Sue
January 21, 2016 at 8:33 pmI hope it soothes you Eileen, and feel better!!
Christine
January 18, 2016 at 6:57 amI love this post! I had no idea you could make tea from evergreens. What a great smell to fill the house too.
Claudia | Gourmet Project
January 18, 2016 at 1:10 amwho knew?! what a wonderful healthy-foodie find, thank you!
the food hunter
January 17, 2016 at 6:33 pmI’ve never heard of this but we have tons of pine trees so I’ll need to try it
Amy
January 15, 2016 at 3:55 pmI have always wanted to try this, but I was a little leary. I think it’s time.
Susan
January 15, 2016 at 12:24 pmMy pine trees had better beware! I’d love to give this a try, Sue. I didn’t know about their healing properties!
Cheyanne @ No Spoon Necessary
January 14, 2016 at 8:13 amI just started feeling under the weather a few days ago, so THANK YOU for posting this tea! I would have never thought to make a tea from pine needles! My back yard is COVERED with them, so this tea will be a cinch to throw together! Can’t wait to give this a try! Cheers, Sue!
Sue
January 14, 2016 at 10:07 amJust be sure to pick the fresh green ones from the trees, Cheyanne 😉
John/Kitchen Riffs
January 13, 2016 at 9:03 amFun post! I don’t use conifers — need to source some! Wonderful idea for tea — thanks.
Sue
January 13, 2016 at 7:28 pmThey grow all over the US so you shouldn’t have any trouble, John.
Meghan | Fox and Briar
January 12, 2016 at 8:32 pmWow! I had no idea that conifers were so healthy! I love the smell, so a tea actually sounds really good. Love this idea Sue, and your photos are lovely.
Sue
January 13, 2016 at 7:30 pmI agree, tea really makes the most of the pine-y aroma.
Louis sanchez
October 8, 2017 at 11:29 amAre spruce tea safe for pregnant women yes or no
Sue
October 8, 2017 at 11:36 amWhen it comes to what to eat and drink in pregnancy I leave that to the experts, Louis, and so I can’t say either way. I would avoid until checking with a doctor.
Dawn @ Words Of Deliciousness
January 12, 2016 at 7:39 pmWow! This post was so interesting. I would have never thought that the evergreen trees were edible. Thank you for sharing.
Sue
January 13, 2016 at 7:30 pmApparently it’s a survivalist secret 🙂
Jennifer @ Seasons and Suppers
January 12, 2016 at 5:24 pmI am definitely intrigued by this. And considering I am literally surrounded by conifers of just about every variety, I’m going to try this next time I’m feeling the need 🙂
Sue
January 12, 2016 at 5:35 pmYou are so lucky! I must say I did have to search for my specimens…there are a lot of pines here in LA, but they don’t tend to have low branches. I can just imagine the teas you’re going to be able to brew up 🙂
Jennifer @ Seasons and Suppers
January 13, 2016 at 9:55 amJust let me know if you need to me to send you some anytime! 🙂
Jennifer Farley
January 12, 2016 at 7:47 amBeautiful photos!
Sue
January 12, 2016 at 7:57 amThanks Jennifer – I’m loving steamy photos these days, it’s so cooooold!!
Tessa | Salted Plains
January 12, 2016 at 5:57 amThis is so interesting! I love it. I will take natural remedies over store bought stuff any day. Thank you for sharing!
Sue
January 12, 2016 at 7:46 amThanks for stopping by Tessa, I avoid store bought meds whenever I can, and nature has so many tricks up her sleeve 😉
Diane
January 16, 2016 at 9:49 amYou made a reference in your blog about Rosemary. Can you do the same with fresh Rosemary and what benefits would that give you? This sounds great and I can’t wait to try!
audrey @ unconventional baker
January 11, 2016 at 11:42 pmI’m a massive fan of all things wild & edible. I’ve heard that pine needles have some wonderful healing properties. My friend used to make a tea, but I’ve never tried it and quite forgot about it — so thank you for the reminder. Have you tried pine pollen yet? I’ve collected some for the first time last year and that stuff is extremely potent in healing properties as well. ?
Sue
January 12, 2016 at 7:36 amNo I haven’t Audrey, but I did read about it.
Lorraine @Not Quite Nigella
January 11, 2016 at 8:03 pmWhat an intriguing tea! I’ve had pine soda and it’s delicious so I don’t see why I wouldn’t enjoy this too. Lovely pics too Sue 😀
Sue
January 11, 2016 at 8:11 pmPine soda? You learn something new every day 😉
Bonnie in Seattle
January 11, 2016 at 4:42 pmGood timing as I’ve been suffering from a terrible raspy cough and congestion in my sinuses for a week. I’m drinking your tea boiled with Douglas Fir needles on the twigs. Can’t taste a thing (literally, haven’t been able to taste anything for several days). I’ll let you know how it works. Question: Are the boiled needles reusable for boiling again (like bones are for broths), or should I compost them?
Sue
January 11, 2016 at 5:07 pmNo, they’re not reususable, all the vitamins, etc, leach into the water, so you’ll need to start with fresh needles each time. Hope you feel better soon Bonnie <3
Katherine B.
January 11, 2016 at 4:29 pmWe made pine needle tea when I was in Girl Scouts! I didn’t know about the health benefits. Thank you!
Sue
January 11, 2016 at 5:06 pmThat’s so great – I was a Girl Scout but I don’t think we ever did that, it makes sense, though!
Tricia @ Saving room for dessert
January 11, 2016 at 4:23 pmI bet this would open up my sinuses! TMI? Haha – this sounds so cool – and delicious. What a terrific idea.
Sue
January 11, 2016 at 5:15 pmJust breathing in the steam from this tea is lovely Tricia – I did read that some people use it that way.
Laura (Tutti Dolci)
January 11, 2016 at 3:56 pmI have a feeling this tea must smell like Christmas! And the fact that it is a healing tea is even better!
Gerlinde in Washington
January 11, 2016 at 1:54 pmLast summer I took a local foraging class and one of the highlights had been a tea we made from red cedar. I was pleasantly surprised by how good it was. It had a wonderful unexpected natural sweetness to it.
I will definitely “branch” out and try a few different varieties of conifers, thanks to your post!
Sue
January 11, 2016 at 3:02 pmI read about cedar tea, I’ll have to try it!
cheri
January 11, 2016 at 1:47 pmHi cool Sue, foraging is something I am very interested in, especially if it can help you feel better.
Monica
January 11, 2016 at 12:40 pmThis is so interesting, Sue! Love learning something new!
annie
January 11, 2016 at 12:15 pmWhat the what! I need to try this. I love a good piney smell, what a wonderful winter treat.
Sue
January 11, 2016 at 12:32 pmThe smell is what sent me off in the direction in the first place!
Bita
January 11, 2016 at 11:47 amInteresting! I had no idea you could eat pine, not to mention that it is loaded with Vit C! too bad we put up the artificial tree this year 😉 thanks for sharing, your posts are always so unique and interesting! ? Bita
Sue
January 11, 2016 at 12:10 pmHaha, you’re right, this is a good excuse to go for a living tree next year! Thanks for the kind words, Bita.
Gerlinde @Sunnycovechef
January 11, 2016 at 11:46 amI love herbals Tea’s, fennel being my favorite . I will try your conifer tea.
Sue
January 11, 2016 at 12:10 pmI’ve never tried fennel tea, do you steep the fronds?
[email protected]'s Recipes
January 11, 2016 at 10:42 amDidn’t even know they are edible…live and learn!
Sue
January 11, 2016 at 11:13 amI’ve heard about this for a while, but only now got around to trying it out, I’m so glad I did, I’ve always loved the scent of pine.
Chris Scheuer
January 11, 2016 at 10:08 amSo interesting! I had no idea. Love to learn new stuff like this!
Sue
January 11, 2016 at 11:15 amIt is really interesting, especially the stuff about the tamiflu…nature has so many secrets to share!
sippitysup
January 11, 2016 at 8:22 amTea sounds fun. I use conifer to make a spruce-scented simple syrup every Christmas to give my cocktails a whiff of the holiday. GREG
Sue
January 11, 2016 at 8:24 amI’m dying to experiment further, and a syrup is high on my list. Do you have a recipe on your blog? I’ll link to it!
Melanie @ Melanie Cooks
January 11, 2016 at 8:20 amA tea from pine needles? I’ve never heard of such thing, what an interesting idea! I bet it smells delicious, I love the smell of fresh pine!
Sue
January 11, 2016 at 8:22 amI know, it’s actually a ‘thing’ — so if you’re ever stuck in the woods, you know what to do 🙂