Herb of the Week: White Pine Needles

White pine (Pinus strobus) not only smells "ah-mazing" (it's literally one of my favorite scents) but it's also really healthy for us. It's got a lot going for it, such as vitamin C and A. It's also really good for boosting your immune system and can be a good, natural expectorant for those phlegmy congestions.

This wonderful herb is a powerful antiseptic, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and a diurectic (reduces water retention and helps remove toxins). It's also great to get your circulation uh, circulating! And, the scent is used in aromatherapy to reduce stress, improve mental clarity, and lower blood pressure.

In witchcraft, white pine is great for purifying spaces, money attraction, abundance, and for protection. It's also great to use in strength and resilience rituals, healing rituals, and ancestor work. It's a magical herb to use during Yule as it's used in Yule rituals to symbolize life, renewal, and the return of the sun. You can use white pine (needles or resin) to burn as incense, create small besoms to cleanse your altar, or steep them to make a floor wash.

If you've never had white pine needle tea, you should try some! And, yes, I have a few blends with white pine.