I’ve been reading about Eastern white pine (Pinus strobus) and how its needles (with Vitamin C) can be used to make pine tea. Today I also found a recipe for pine oil, pine oxymel and pine salve (reportedly useful with muscle aches). I decided it was time to make one or more of these healthful creations so I went for a walk in the woods.
I’ve always appreciated the white pine tree. I love its overall growth habit, the hint of blue in its green needles, how it moves in a breeze, and how calm I feel when I sit beneath it. After asking permission of a number of different white pines, I gathered some pine needles. Then I found a few trees with small bits of pine resin on their bark.
I was able to gather some of the resin — including the small protruding bit of white visible on the right in this image. There was less than one teaspoon’s worth which I was able to harvest. I proceeded to make the smallest batch of pine salve imaginable. And yet, it was enough to fill this small container.
Now I have even more reasons to love the white pine and be thankful for its blessings.
