12/02/2023
It may seem that our chilly landscape offers less in way of food and medicine, but this could not be more untrue. Late autumn and winter provide a bounty of evergreens, barks, roots, and hardy berries.
Meet a common inhabitant of our northeastern forests: White Pine (Pinus strobus). Walk wintery woods and notice the green glow of white pine saplings surrounding you. Young white pine looks a little like Charlie Brown's Christmas tree, however white pine matures to majestic heights with spiraling branches nearly touching the sky. Have you noticed the white, sap-tipped cones littering your woods walks? Look to the treetops and you may still see clusters of cones hanging on boughs.
To better appreciate white pine, pluck a handful of needles (about a finger's width is perfect) and steep in hot water for 10 - 15 minutes. Strain needles and add honey for a delicious medicinal infusion. White pine also pairs nicely with eastern hemlock sprigs or black birch twigs. White pine tea is loaded with vitamin C and is strongly antibacterial, lending support to the immune and respiratory systems. I enjoy a cup of pine needle tea several times a week during our cold weather seasons.
To learn more about how to work safely and confidently with the wild plants that grow around you, join me for the Plant and Place Immersion starting this spring. We'll dive into herbs, wildflowers, trees, and even fungi. Discover the wonder that surrounds you and how to craft wild plants into food and medicine with the School of Plant and Place Connection! Registration is now open with a 10% discount through January 15th. Follow the link or dm me to learn more: https://schoolofplantandplaceconnection.com/immersion
