White pines (Pinus strobus) are native trees well known for their distinctive needle-like leaves. They can grow as high as 70 to 90 ft and are common in temperate and broadleaf forests of North and Northeast America. These coniferous trees are popular ornamental trees, especially during the Christmas seasons. In fact, they are the best-selling live Christmas trees in America for the season. White pines are valuable with their fluffy leaves and evergreen foliage. They also bear decorative pine cones that never miss the tree for the holiday decorations.

But aside from their aesthetic appeal, white pine is also a source of food and medicine. It is esteemed in the Native American tradition with its usefulness during winter starvation. The young staminate cones are edible and are marketed today as pine nuts. Its inner bark also produces starch for flour-making. Presently, white pines are mostly cultivated for their decorative purpose and their timber. They have a soft and even grain of white wood that is valued for frame and furniture-making.

The History Of White Pine

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White pine has such a deep root and prominence in history. In the last Ice Age, they thrived in the forests of Southern Canada and North Carolina. Sometime in the late 1700s, European explorers discovered the species in Minnesota. During the onslaught of winter starvation, the Native Americans settle on eating their inner bark because of food scarcity. It also became a traditional remedy for wounds and respiratory problems like a cough and colds.

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The European settlers soon used the tree for shipbuilding. These dominant trees provide an endless supply of lumber for shipbuilding. As the story goes, the white pine tree became the venue of the Five Nation for peace talk amidst the brewing war. They considered the five clusters of needles a symbol of unity as they stood under the shade of the towering pine tree. Thus, the white pine is valued as the Peace Tree.

White pine also plays a symbolic role in some of today’s countries. In Ontario, Canada, the Eastern white pine is revered as the provincial tree. It is also the State Tree of Michigan and Maine, and its pine cone is the State Flower of the latter. The white pine also holds a symbolic significance in the badges in Vermont.

Where This Plant Is Found

White pine trees come from the genus Pinus, which means pine; and strobus refers to its resinous cones. These conifers are native to the forests of North America and are abundant in Manitoba, Newfoundland, and Georgia. They are also widespread in Iowa, particularly in the extreme northeast.

White pine can also survive anywhere where the climate is humid and cool. Thus, it is often cultivated for ornamental purposes, becoming live Christmas trees when the season rolls in. It also becomes a common tree for residential and public area landscaping because of its lovely evergreen foliage.

Related: The Complete Map of Edible Plants: Find Out What You Have in Your Area! (Video)

How To Identify White Pine

White pine is easily identifiable by its needle-like leaves and pine cones. These leaves range from green to a bluish-green color that occurs in bundles of five by the branch. The tree will grow at about 50 to 90 ft depending on its location. It tends to grow straight upward with light gray bark that grows darker as the tree matures./thelostherbs.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/White-Pine-Identification-195x300.png" target="_blank">https://thelostherbs.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/0...ine-Identification-195x300.png 195w" width="350" />

• Leaf. The stiff and pointed needle leaves of white pine grow at around 3 to 5 inches long. They grow in bundles of five called fascicles. They start from the base with a whitish appearance that increases into a green to bluish-green hue at the tip. White pine leaves can turn brown and fall off after two years.
• Flower. White pine flowers or cones bloom every autumn. It is monoecious, meaning it can grow both male and female flowers, distinguished by their colors. Male flowers are yellow in color and cylindrical in shape. They appear near the end of the branches where new leaves are growing. The female flowers are light green with a red tinge and are usually situated at the top part of the tree.
• Roots. White pines have a big and sturdy root system that spreads out on the surface like many other trees. They have a taproot system that grows vertically. Its thick, coarse root grows deep into the soil while the finer ones thrive on the surface. The length of the root is dependent on the water and oxygen availability. Some white pine roots can reach down to 75 feet deep into the ground./thelostherbs.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/White-Pine-Trunk-300x231.jpg" target="_blank">https://thelostherbs.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/White-Pine-Trunk-300x231.jpg 300w" width="350" />
• Trunk. The roundish stem of young white pine will develop into a tree trunk that can measure up to 4 ft in diameter. The bark that covers it is often light gray to reddish-brown. These barks are fissured with deep indents and ridges that flake off over time. Young white pine trees are rapidly growing when young and slow down as they mature.
• Seeds. The cylindrical pine coneflowers will turn brown once they mature. Each cone will produce two reddish-brown seeds. These seeds are small and winged and are easily carried off by the wind when the cone sheds them off.

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Here are the common varieties of white pine:

• Pinus strobus Nana group: These are the dwarf and mounded varieties of the white pine and the best for garden landscape. Pruning and shearing can control its growth, making them the best hedges for the garden.
• Pinus strobus Macopin: They are the species native to Maine and Michigan, which are also best considered for the garden. They have silvery blue-green leaves and can grow up to 80 ft in cultivation which you can control through pruning.
• Paul Waxman: It is a dwarf evergreen that is best for foundation planting and rock gardens. It has slow growth and unusually shorter leaves.

How To Grow White Pine

Growing white pine is quite tricky and the climate and temperature play a big role. The tree thrives better in rich, moist, but slightly acidic soil. It tolerates the full sun in cool climates but also needs some shade in warmer regions. But once the tree has established itself, it is fairly easy for it to grow to its appropriate size in its conducive environment. White pine is ideal for wide and open spaces granting its lofty height as it grows. But, there are also dwarf cultivars that can be trained as hedges or bonsai that are ideal for small gardens.

Related: How to Make A Self-Sufficient Backyard on 1/4 of an Acre (Video)

White pine needs a cool and humid environment to survive. It is also ideally planted in a wide garden. You can easily grow it from seeds that are harvested from mature cones.

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The young saplings can be planted in rows for an excellent garden hedge and edging. However, germination time may take some time before the sprout can come out, sometimes up to six weeks.

You can choose the best seed by allowing it to float in a bucket of water overnight. Those that sank are the ideal seeds for propagation. Put these seeds in the freezer bag, keeping them moist for two to three months. You may use perlite to keep them moistened.

After the cold stratification process, you can sow them at only one seed per container. Make a 3/4-inch hole in the potting mix and cover it loosely, preferably with sphagnum moss and cover the layer with sand. Allow the seeds to germinate and transplant them when the growth reaches 2 inches.

The basic requirements of white pines are:

• At least 4 hours of sunlight; you can provide shade in a hot climate.
• A rich, well-drained, cool, and slightly acidic soil.
• About 1-inch of water weekly. Young saplings need to be well-watered, but established ones need dry yet cool soil.
• High-acid fertilizer specifically formulated for evergreens during spring.

How To Harvest White Pine

Pine cones are not the only useful part of the white pine that you can harvest. You can also gather the leaves for various medicinal uses. But, gathering the leaves also depends on the purpose of use. Fresh leaves are ideal for making tea and decoctions. Dry leaves will do, but they are more useful for mulching and fire-starting.

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For teas and infusions, you can snip fresh leaves off the branches and cut them into smaller pieces. However, you may also leave them in a cluster if you wish. While fresh leaves are more potent, you may also preserve and use dry leaves for your infusion. Before storing white pine leaves, wash them in warm, soapy water and rinse thoroughly. Sundry them in a towel and store them in a cool place for future uses.

If harvesting for white pine seeds, you don’t need to go as far as foraging fallen cones. White pine seeds are available usually in late summer when the cones have dried out and the scales are already lifting. You can store the cones in a dry paper bag until they burst open and drop their seeds.

Related: American Beech Nuts – A Staple At The Grocery Store 100 Years Ago (Video)

What White Pine Is Good For And Natural Remedies Made From It

White pine comes with a lot of benefits not just as ornamental trees. Back when people experienced winter starvation, the natives would eat their barks to fend off hunger. And you still can today by cutting off a piece of the bark and munch on the white soft part./thelostherbs.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/White-Pine-Natural-Remedies-300x201.jpg" target="_blank">https://thelostherbs.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/0...e-Natural-Remedies-300x201.jpg 300w" width="350" />

Pine trees are a good source of vitamins and nutrients such as vitamin C and fiber. It makes an excellent tea and infusion for sore throat and headache. It can also heal cough, bronchitis, and other chest congestions. You may also extract the sap from the inner bark for treatment of diarrhea, scurvy, and wound cleaning.

A decoction from white pine tar helps treat tapeworm infestation and also for treating dandruff.

What Parts Of Plants Are Used For Remedies?

As a natural home remedy, the most popular part of the tree is its leaves and sprigs. It is boiled and steeped into a tonic for curing various respiratory illnesses. The bark and resin are also valuable for stomach and digestive problems. The pounded inner barks are useful for treating wounds and it is also used as a poultice for treating cough and colds.

White Pine Tea

Ingredients:

• 2 tbsp fresh white pine needles
• 1 cup water
• Lemon or honey (optional)

Steps:

1. Gather fresh needles from the white pine tree. Wash in cold water and dry in a paper towel. Cut the needles and leave off the brown ends. You will need around 2 tbsp of the cut needles./thelostherbs.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/White-Pine-Tea-Step-1-300x225.jpg" target="_blank">https://thelostherbs.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/White-Pine-Tea-Step-1-300x225.jpg 300w" width="500" />
2. In a small saucepan, boil 1 cup of water and remove from heat once boiling./thelostherbs.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/White-Pine-Tea-Step-2-300x225.jpg" target="_blank">https://thelostherbs.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/White-Pine-Tea-Step-2-300x225.jpg 300w" width="500" />
3. Add the white pine needles to the hot water, and cover with a lid. Set aside and steep for 5 to 15 minutes depending on how strong you want the tea to be./thelostherbs.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/White-Pine-Tea-Step-3-300x225.jpg" target="_blank">https://thelostherbs.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/White-Pine-Tea-Step-3-300x225.jpg 300w" width="500" />
4. Strain into a mug. Add lemon or honey to taste./thelostherbs.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/White-Pine-Tea-Step-4-300x225.jpg" target="_blank">https://thelostherbs.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/White-Pine-Tea-Step-4-300x225.jpg 300w" width="500" />

How To Use:

Drink the tea once per day or once every other day. Avoid overconsumption, and do not take it when pregnant or breastfeeding./thelostherbs.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/White-Pine-Tea-How-to-Drink-300x225.jpg" target="_blank">https://thelostherbs.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/0...e-Tea-How-to-Drink-300x225.jpg 300w" width="500" />

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What Plants Resemble White Pine

Feature	White Pine (Pinus strobus)	Red Pine (Pinus resinosa)	Scotch Pines (Pinus sylvestris)
Size	Height: 50 to 80 ft Width: 20 to 40 ft	Height: 90 to 100 ft Width: 30 to 40 ft	Height: up to 60 ft Width: about 40 ft
Leaves	Needle-like leaves in a bunch of 5; fluffy	Needle-like leaves in a bunch of 2’s; sparse	Needle-like leaves in a bunch of 2; alternating spiral
Flowers	Male flowers: Yellow in color; cylindrical Female flowers: Light-green with a red tinge	Male flowers: Light red; round Female flowers: Reddish-brown	Male flowers: yellow-orange cones Female flowers: red-purple that turns into yellow-green in early summer

Chia seeds are remarkably healthy for such a tiny item. It’s believed that chia seeds were first used as food in Mexico around 3500 BC. Aztecs and Mayans ate them for energy and the word “chia” meant “strength” in the ancient Maya language. Today, they are found all over the world and are revered for their incredible nutritional value.

You need to soak chia seeds in water or milk before consuming them because it helps you digest them and reap the full nutritional value they provide. When chia seeds absorb liquid, it makes a gel-like texture consistency. This means that as well as the ever-popular chia seed pudding, they can be used as an egg replacement or to thicken baked goods and sauces. I will show you how to make chia seed pudding later but first let’s look at the health benefits derived from chia seeds.

Medicinal Benefits Of Chia Seeds

Chia seeds are packed full of goodness. Just two tablespoons of chia seeds will give women 44% of their daily recommended fiber and men 29%. They are also known for containing Omega-3 and Omega-6 fatty acids, and protein. Chia seeds are rich in many minerals too: calcium, magnesium, manganese, copper, phosphorus, iron, and selenium. Let’s look at why these nutrients are so important and what they will do for your body.

• Fiber helps to keep our colon healthy by cleaning it, removing waste and toxins. It also slows down the process of sugar being absorbed into the bloodstream. Fiber is useful in managing weight too because it keeps you feeling full for longer.
• Omega-3 and Omega-6 fatty acids are classified as essential fats because they can only be obtained from your diet, meaning your body can’t produce them. A low intake of Omega-3 has been linked to inflammation and chronic diseases. Omega-6 mostly provides the body with energy but also supports the immune system.
• Protein is an essential building block of bones, muscles, and skin. It’s found in every cell of the body and is the second-largest component of cells after water! We need protein for everything we do and for the body to function properly. It allows oxygen to be carried throughout the body and it helps to repair tissue damage too.
• Chia seeds contain more than four times the amount of calcium than milk. If you make a chia seed pudding or smoothie and mix them with milk (or plant-based milk fortified with calcium) as your soaking agent this makes an even more potent dish. Calcium is found in our bones and teeth so it’s important to maintain calcium levels to keep them healthy.
• Approximately 60% of magnesium is found in our bones, making it important for bone health. It also plays a vital role in turning food into energy and even helps with the absorption of other minerals.
• Manganese is known as a trace mineral and is found in small amounts in the bones, pancreas, liver, and kidneys. It supports brain function and a healthy nervous system. It also aids in the production of certain enzymes and antioxidants.
• Copper is also a trace mineral and is essential for the nervous system and immune system. It is also needed in a number of processes including the synthesis of collagen. It helps maintain the heart’s muscle tone too.
• Phosphorus is most commonly associated with bone health. It works with calcium to build bones. However, phosphorus has a wide range of roles to keep various body parts working including the kidneys, blood vessels, bones, and muscles.
• Iron is an important mineral that helps transport oxygen around the body. In fact, around 70% of your body’s iron lives in red blood cells. Too little iron in the body leads to anemia. The immune system also relies on iron so it’s necessary for our general well-being.
• Selenium is a powerful antioxidant and is an essential mineral that must be obtained through food. It has many benefits for the body but most notably in supporting your metabolism and thyroid function.

Which Diseases Can Chia Seeds Help Prevent?

Thanks to all of the nutrients found in chia seeds, if you eat them every day you will lower your risk of developing certain diseases including:

• Diabetes – helps regulate blood sugar levels
• Heart Disease – lowers blood pressure and cholesterol, and promotes healthy blood sugar levels
• Cancer – has antioxidants that fight free radicals
• Metabolic Syndrome – improves blood sugar levels
• Osteoporosis – builds bone strength

Possible Side Effects Of Eating Chia Seeds Every Day

While chia seeds have many health benefits, some of these nutrients can have a negative effect if you consume too much and impact people with certain medical conditions adversely. For most healthy people, eating chia seeds every day in moderation will not be harmful in any way and they will enjoy all the benefits./thelostherbs.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/What-Happens-If-you-Eat-Chia-Seeds-Every-Day-Benefits-1-297x300.png" target="_blank">https://thelostherbs.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/0...ery-Day-Benefits-1-297x300.png 297w, https://thelostherbs.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/0...ery-Day-Benefits-1-150x150.png 150w" width="350" />

The first factor to consider is fiber. Yes, fiber is essential for our bodies, but there are some points to note:

• Drink lots of water to help digest fiber and always soak chia seeds in water or milk before eating them
• Too much fiber can cause constipation, bloating, or diarrhea
• If you have an inflammatory bowel disease you may need to limit fiber intake during a flareup

Another factor to consider is chia seeds can reduce blood sugar levels. If you are taking insulin for diabetes, you may need to talk to your doctor. This is because they would have calculated the dosage according to your body and if your blood sugar decreases over time they may need to make an adjustment for you.

How To Make Chia Seed Pudding

I’m going to show you how to make chia seed pudding today. This versatile recipe is simple to make and you can use this as a base and add fruit and spices if you like. A single serving (½ of the portion in this recipe) will contain 220 calories.

Ingredients/thelostherbs.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/What-Happens-If-you-Eat-Chia-Seeds-Every-Day-Side-Effects-300x221.jpg" target="_blank">https://thelostherbs.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/0...y-Day-Side-Effects-300x221.jpg 300w" width="350" />

• 4 Tablespoons of chia seeds
• 1 Cup of milk
• ½ Tablespoon of honey (or sweetener of your choice)

Equipment

• Jar with a tight lid
• Spoon

Method

1. Place 4 tablespoons of chia seeds into a small jar./thelostherbs.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/What-Happens-If-you-Eat-Chia-Seeds-Every-Day-Step-1-300x223.jpg" target="_blank">https://thelostherbs.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/0...s-Every-Day-Step-1-300x223.jpg 300w" width="500" />
2. Pour in 1 cup of milk. This can be any type of milk, whether it’s your favorite plant-based milk or animal product./thelostherbs.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/What-Happens-If-you-Eat-Chia-Seeds-Every-Day-Step-2-300x223.jpg" target="_blank">https://thelostherbs.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/0...s-Every-Day-Step-2-300x223.jpg 300w" width="500" />
3. Add ½ tablespoon of honey (or your favorite sweetener) and stir well.
4. Let it sit for 5 minutes, then stir it again, removing any clumps./thelostherbs.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/What-Happens-If-you-Eat-Chia-Seeds-Every-Day-Step-4-300x224.jpg" target="_blank">https://thelostherbs.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/0...s-Every-Day-Step-4-300x224.jpg 300w" width="500" />
5. Place your lid on the jar and place it in the fridge.
6. Leave it for at least 2 hours to allow the chia seeds to fully absorb the milk and expand. It’s also a really easy breakfast to prepare the night before and you can leave them overnight in the fridge./thelostherbs.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/What-Happens-If-you-Eat-Chia-Seeds-Every-Day-300x223.jpg" target="_blank">https://thelostherbs.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/0...ia-Seeds-Every-Day-300x223.jpg 300w" width="500" />

You can enjoy it as a quick and nutritious breakfast, a snack, or a healthy dessert. It keeps well in the fridge for up to one week, as long as your milk isn’t due to expire before that time. While on the topic of milk, you can also add more milk if you want your pudding runnier.

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You can add fruit for added flavor and nutrition, which you just add to the chia seed pudding when you’re ready to eat it. You can use frozen berries, nectarines, or any fruit of your choosing. Chia seeds don’t have a distinctive flavor so most people add fruit and/or spices to chia seed pudding. It’s really very flexible and pairs well with just about any fruit and is lovely with vanilla extract, cinnamon, or nutmeg. By adding fruit you really are complementing the chia seeds too which are high in minerals but low in vitamins. This makes it a very well-rounded and healthy dish and an excellent addition to your daily diet routine.