Like many seasonal celebrations, decorating a Christmas tree is an ancient tradition rooted in our relationship with the earth and the plants. As we bring evergreen trees into our homes and enjoy their beautiful colors and aromas, we can also be grateful for the many Christmas tree medicinal uses, from teas that help with winter colds to baths that relax and warm us.

One thing, you need to know the source of your tree. Most trees that you buy out of a parking lot are sprayed with all kinds of things. Of course, you don’t want that in your herbal medicines! Many trees are sprayed with chemicals, so make sure your tree dealer is committed to earth friendly tree care. No pesticide/herbicide trees. There are many tree farms that don’t treat their trees. Support your organic Christmas tree farm! 

What Are the Medicinal Benefits of Christmas Trees?

Evergreen Christmas trees have many medicinal uses. Various preparations of the leaves or needles can help:

  • Relieve sinus congestion
  • Expectorate chest congestion
  • Provide vitamin C
  • Stimulate circulation
  • Warm up cold and sore joints
  • Bring mental clarity
  • Promote relaxation

Before using your Christmas tree for medicine, food, or drinks, make sure that you can identify it, the species is safe to eat, and the tree has not been sprayed with pesticides or chemicals. Christmas tree types like Pine (Pinus spp.), fir (Abies spp.), Douglas fir (Pseudotsuga menziesii), and spruce (Picea spp.) are generally edible. Cedar (Thuja plicata) may be used in small doses for short periods of time. Avoid yew (Taxus spp.), which can be deadly.

Below are five of my favorite Christmas tree medicinal uses.

 

Christmas tree medicinal uses: pine needle tea

#1 Christmas Tree Tea

Pine needle tea is high in vitamin C and is a great remedy for winter colds and coughs. The tea helps to loosen mucus in the respiratory system and reduce phlegm from a runny nose or head cold. Depending on the pine tree, it might have a resinous or citrusy taste. You can also make a similarly delicious and healing tea with fir needles.

Get the recipe: Christmas Tree Tea

 

how to make an herbal steam

#2 Healing Herbal Steam

All that extra feasting and holiday treats can add up to congestion or foggy-headedness this time of year. Clear it out with an aromatic, healing herbal steam! Cedar, pine, and fir needles are all amazing herbal steam ingredients that loosen sinus and lung congestion and promote relaxation.

Get the recipe: Healing Herbal Steam

 

rosemary pine needle bath tub tea

#3 Pine Needle Bath

In addition to clearing sinus congestion, pine needles stimulate mental clarity and circulation and help with cold and sore joints. If you are feeling cold, a pine needle bath can get your blood flowing and warm you up. You can also use other evergreen trees like fir or cedar in this bath tub tea.

Get the recipe: Rosemary Pine Needle Bath Tub Tea

 

#4 Stovetop Potpourri for Every Season

One of my favorite things about stovetop potpourri is that you can simmer different combinations of herbs for each season.

Winter: Evergreen sprigs, cloves, ginger, star anise, and cinnamon sticks

Get the recipe: Stovetop Potpourri

 

#5 Disinfecting Cedar Steam

Cedar (Thuja plicata) helps to cleanse the energy field of your house. Simmering the leaves in a pot of water fills your home with a pleasant aroma. People love the crisp, clean smell, and the antibacterial properties of the cedar will disinfect the house and help keep everyone well.

Get the recipe: Disinfecting Cedar Steam

 

I would love to hear from you! What Christmas tree medicinal uses interest you? Please share in the comments below. 

Christmas tree medicinal uses

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