White Pine Needle Tea
As I walk through my neighborhood, I’m often drawn to the beauty of the towering white pines. You can recognize them by their soft needles—unlike the sharp, spiky needles of spruce—and their signature bundles of five. In the warmer months, I love sitting beneath them, soaking in their subtle, refreshing scent.
In winter, it’s not uncommon for heavy snow to weigh down the branches, sometimes causing them to break. When I come across freshly fallen branches—still vibrant and green—I sometimes harvest them to make white pine tea or use them for a soothing bath soak.
On the wilderness adventures I lead along the Superior Hiking Trail, such as I Am Enough and Stronger Together, unwinding with a cup of tea from nature can be a grounding way to end the day. Anything you can forage for in nature has the added benefit that you also don’t have to carry it on your pack!
White pine tea is known for its immune-supporting properties and its ability to bring emotional clarity. There’s something about it that helps shift perspectives, offering a sense of understanding in times of conflict. It’s also commonly used to help prevent or ease colds and flu. However, some sources recommend avoiding it during pregnancy.
For me, consuming something directly from nature in this way deepens my connection to the natural world. I make a point to cultivate gratitude—for the tree, the process, and the experience itself. If you’d like to try making white pine tea, here’s how!
White Pine Needle Tea
Ingredients:
¼–½ cup of finely chopped Eastern White Pine needles
1 liter of water
1 tablespoon of honey (optional)
Instructions:
Heat the water to just below boiling.
Place the pine needles in a pot, cover with a lid, and let them steep just below a boil for 15–30 minutes.
If desired, sweeten with honey just before serving.
Make this a sensory experience—feel the texture of the needles, take in their vibrant color, inhale the fresh scent, and savor each sip. Nature has a way of nourishing us in more ways than one. Enjoy!
Laura Adrian is a Retreat Facilitator, Speaker, and Writer who is a catalyst for transformative experiences that connect thousands globally to the healing power of nature.
Laura has an eclectic background in mindfulness, yoga, spirituality, and herbalism. Her connection with nature has deepened by spending over 365 nights in the wilderness. She is a certified mindfulness teacher through UC Berkeley and she has travelled across the US teaching workshops that bring people closer to the natural world.
Laura Adrian will be sharing workshops two workshops where participants will be guided through practices to deepen their connection to the natural world and open to new wisdom through nature. We’ll explore the healing power of trees through direct connection. Participants will also be explore the wisdom of nature as we attune to changes, seasons, and cycles. From these workshops, participants will learn simple, yet powerful practices that they’ll be able to take home and integrate into their life to cultivate resilience, inner strength, and wisdom for turbulent times.