Some people boil pine needles, which contain vitamins A and C, to make a soothing bath or healthy tea. Individuals with chronic skin conditions such as eczema and psoriasis might experience less itchy or irritated skin after soaking in a pine needle bath.

Boiling the needles also releases a sharply aromatic vapour that some people claim to help clear blocked nasal passages so a healthy aromatic tea can also help blocked noses and, in a bath, help with skin itchiness.

TO MAKE TEA

Chop up 2 tbsp. of pine needles with a sharp knife.

Pour 2 cups of water into a small pot and add the 2 tbsp. of pine needles. Place the lid on the pot and bring the water and needles to a full boil. Then turn down the heat and simmer for 10 minutes.

Remove the pot from heat and allow to set for one hour. Dip a strainer in the water to strain out the pine needles. Reheat the water and pour in a cup to drink as tea.

TO MAKE A PINE NEEDLE BATH

Fill a large pot halfway to two-thirds full of water. Gather three large handfuls of whole pine needles and put them in the pot.

Bring the water to a boil and allow to continue boiling for 10 minutes. Remove from heat and pour the mixture directly into a lukewarm bath. Mix the water with your hands to even the temperature.

Soak in the bath water for 30 to 45 minutes. Remove the pine needles from the water before draining the tub.