Pine Pollen

‘Tis the pine pollen season in North Idaho - the one week each year our cars are covered in yellow pollen - when the resident pine trees release their magic dust. Yesterday in my herbal medicine class we covered the healing properties of pine pollen:

• treats male hormone dysfunction, primarily low testosterone

• balances female hormones, resolving excess estrogen levels in women

• is a restorative, i.e. builds protein structures in the body such as bones & ligaments

• improves the immune system

• balances histamine levels

• improves sleep

• is a plant-based source of Vitamin D3 (captured sunlight)

If guided, find some pine trees in your area and tap the yellow pollen off the buds into a jar. Take up to 1/4 teaspoon of the powder per day. You can also tincture it in 45% alcohol.