The Amazing Health Benefits of Pine Needle Tea in “Long covid”

When it comes to natural remedies, pine needles and pine bark are one of nature’s underrated treasures. Their healing properties have been recognised for centuries, used traditionally to support the immune system, ease lung conditions, and restore vitality. Today, pine needle tea is experiencing a revival as people search for gentle yet powerful ways to strengthen their health—especially in the context of” long covid”, spike protein detoxification, and immune resilience.

Why Individualised Care Matters

There are many protocols available for long covid and spike protein protection. However, it’s important to remember that no single treatment fits everyone. With more than 58 recognised symptoms of “long covid”, every case is different. Some may present with fatigue or a lingering dry cough, while others face organ damage or even autoimmune complications. For this reason, I recommend consulting a qualified naturopathic practitioner for personalised treatment.

A Brief History of Pine Bark & Needle Medicine

The medicinal use of pine goes back centuries. Maritime pine bark and resin were traditionally used to ease expectoration, support immunity, and treat lung infections. Interestingly, pine needles contain more vitamin C per gram than oranges, making them a powerful ally during colds, flu, and respiratory infections.

The history of pine as medicine also stretches into Europe and North America. In the harsh winter of 1536, French explorer Jacques Cartier’s crew was saved from scurvy thanks to the knowledge of the Iroquois people, who prepared a decoction of pine bark and needles rich in vitamin C. This simple remedy revived a dying crew and remains one of the earliest recorded examples of indigenous medicine in North America.

Pine Needle Tea: A Daily Health Boost

Even if you’re not struggling with “long covid”, pine needle tea is a simple practice you can adopt to support your health. When blended thoughtfully, it becomes both therapeutic and enjoyable.

I like to combine:

• Pine needles & shoots – rich in vitamin C, antioxidant, antiseptic, analgesic, and soothing for nervous exhaustion.
• Fennel & star anise – excellent digestive aids that also contain shikimic acid, a compound with remarkable health benefits.
• Green tea – for its polyphenols, antioxidants, and uplifting energy.

Together, these ingredients create a tea that is healing, cleansing, and strengthening which taste amazing.

The Power of Shikimic Acid

One of the key active compounds in pine needles, fennel, and star anise is shikimic acid. This compound is famous as the starting material for the production of certain antiviral medicines, but it also has its own wide-ranging therapeutic effects:

1. Immune Support – strengthens the body’s defences and reduces the severity of viral illnesses.
2. Antispasmodic – calms a dry, persistent cough, a common long covid symptom.
3. Anti-Cancer Potential – preliminary studies suggest possible protective effects, especially in liver health.
4. Weight Management – supports healthy lipid metabolism.
5. Anti-Inflammatory – helps reduce inflammation linked to arthritis, diabetes, and heart disease.
6. Skin Health – regulates sebum, reduces acne, soothes eczema, and promotes healing.
7. Anti-Aging – as an antioxidant, it protects skin cells and reduces signs of premature aging.

Traditional Remedies for dry cough

In Polish folk medicine, pine needle tea has long been recommended for dry coughs and chest congestion. Herbalist Magdalena Gorzkowska also suggests a pine bath infusion for soothing relief:

• 4 teaspoons of pine shoots
• 1 litre of boiling water
• Infuse, strain, and add to the bath

This simple remedy calms both body and mind.

How to Make Pine Needle Tea

When preparing herbal tea, always use organic ingredients. Commercial tea bags release millions of nanoplastics into your cup, which is why I recommend loose-leaf blends.

My Pine Needle Tea Formula:

• 1 part organic loose green tea
• ½ part dried pine shoots (collected young, no longer than 5 cm)
• 1 star anise
• A few fennel seeds

Preparation:

1. Collect pine shoots responsibly: only 3–4 from one tree, cut into 1 cm pieces, and dry them on a paper towel in a basket.
2. Once dry, store them in a clean glass jar.
3. Use one heaped teaspoon of the dried tea blend per 2 cups.
4. Infuse in boiling water for 20 minutes.
5. Enjoy the refreshing, medicinal taste.

Final Thoughts

Pine needle tea is more than a beverage—it’s a natural remedy with centuries of traditional use and growing modern recognition. Whether you’re seeking immune support, lung health, skin healing, or simply a calming daily ritual, this tea offers profound benefits.

If you’re dealing with complex health issues like long covid or autoimmune concerns, remember: self-care is powerful, but professional naturopathic guidance ensures your treatment is safe, balanced, and tailored to you.

If you would like to know more about how the DH-Natural Medicine Clinic can help you, please call us now on

(02) 4854 0205 

References:

1.Gorzkowska Magdalena,  2013, ” Ziola, jak zbierac, przetwarzac, stosowac” , Bosz

2. extract_maritimepine_monograph.pdf