Herbal windfalls
The recent storms have wreaked havoc with so much of our lives and the trees in the woods have been sorely tested. I regularly walk some woods near my daughter's school and after the storms I noticed, with great sadness that so many trees had fallen. However, with my herbalist hat on, I find I am blessed with a bumper harvest of windfallen pine needles. So, with gratitude, I gathered up my shopping baskets and secateurs and headed into the woods this weekend.
Pinus sylvestris
Herbal windfalls
The gorgeous, Christmassy scent of pine is filling our house as these needles dehydrate ready for storage and use in herbal teas during the winter season.
The Scots pine is a familiar sight with is distinctive top canopy and very liberal with its needles on the woodland floor after the winds. A bumper crop indeed. And, here are some of the herbal actions associated with Pine needles.
Antiseptic with affinity for the respiratory system
Expectorant - tying it together nicely with the above
Antiviral - this brings together the reasons it has been popularly known as a potential treatment for Covid-19.
Alterative - see this post on Alteratives
Antipruritic - making it a great addition to a bath for itchy conditions
But, as you know, I don't work with herbs on their own. I also use foods and eating to manage symptoms and improve resilience.
What would I do with food?
Productive and chesty usually means a removal of dairy products at least until the symptoms have cleared up, lots of crushed raw garlic in meals to support the anti-microbial properties and expectorationof the pine.
And, I work with the emotions. So, Emotionally, I might be asking questions around grief and whether there is a difficulty in feeling the joys in life, a tendency for overwhelm. In children, if it is related to asthma, wondering about the child's feelings of safety, positive regard and love from those around them.
All this from the lungs?
Our bodies are remarkably good at telling us what is wrong if we can just listen.