Pine needles have more Vitamin C than lemons or oranges by a whopping 4 to 5 times.
Full of vitamins C & A, white pine contains many different acids, essential oils (terpenes, monoterpenes, sesquiterpenes), resin, & starch.
The pine needles contain a compound referred as alpha or beta-pinene. This compound acts naturally as a decongestant and has anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, antimicrobial, and anxiolytic properties.
These healing properties when used properly can act as an expectorant, a circulatory stimulant, a mild diuretic, an immune stimulant, and even as emotional support!
PINE NEEDLE TEA ANF THE FLU
Pine needle tea as a cure for C19 symptoms and fighting long covid has hit the headlines over the last two years.
What is the flu?
Why does pine needle tea work?
What is the role of shikimic acid and where else can we find it?
INFLUENCE OF ELECTROMAGNETIC PULSES & SOLAR STORMS
Influenza comes from Italian, from the Medieval Latin word influentia meaning "influence."
The term was shortened to flu in the first half of the 19th century. :
It was used to describe epidemics because of the insight that influenza outbreaks were connected to solar flares - AKA, the influence of the stars.
INFLUENZA & THE SUN SPOT CONNECTION - 1990
WHEN DID INFLUENZA BECOME ANNUAL?
https://www.notonthebeeb.co.uk/post/when-did-influenza-become-annual
FLU SYMPTOMS
The cause of flu is up for debate with some arguing it's caused by a virus and others that its clearly caused by EMFs which leave a virus-like residue called exosomes.,
Irrelevant to the cause, the cures for the symptoms of 'flu' are known.
PINE NEEDLES, SHIKIMIC ACID
Pine needles and shikimic acid have been widely studied in relation to the flu and are of great interest in 2023 for their anti-clotting and detoxification benefits.
Shikimic acid is a naturally occurring compound found in various plant species, including pine needles.
It is also the key ingredient used in the production of the antiviral drug called oseltamivir, commonly known as Tamiflu.
Many have been making or buying pine needle tea for its curative properties
Here are some of the benefits.
Respiratory Health
In traditional medicine, pine needle extracts have been used to support respiratory health. They are believed to have expectorant properties, helping to alleviate congestion and clear the airways.
AntiCoagulant
Shikimic acid derivatives have shown promise in inhibiting specific enzymes involved in the clotting cascade, such as thrombin and factor Xa. These derivatives possess anticoagulant activity, which may contribute to their potential therapeutic application in preventing or treating clot-related disorders.
Antiviral Properties:
Shikimic acid has demonstrated antiviral properties, particularly against influenza viruses. It works by inhibiting the replication of the virus, thereby reducing its ability to spread and cause illness.
Immune System Support:
Pine needles are rich in various nutrients, including vitamins A and C. These vitamins play essential roles in supporting a healthy immune system.
A robust immune system is crucial in fighting off viral infections, including the flu.
Anti-Inflammatory Effects:
Pine needles contain certain compounds with anti-inflammatory properties. Inflammation is a common response to viral infections, including the flu. By reducing inflammation, pine needle extracts may help alleviate symptoms such as fever, body aches, and sore throat.
Relaxation and Stress Relief
The aroma of pine needles is often associated with relaxation and stress relief. Inhalation of pine needle essential oils or spending time in pine forests may promote a sense of calmness, which can be beneficial during times of illness and recovery.
Anticancer Potential:
Shikimic acid has shown promising anticancer properties in several studies. It has been found to inhibit the growth of cancer cells and induce apoptosis (programmed cell death) in various cancer types.
A study published in the journal Fitoterapia in 2016 demonstrated the anti-proliferative effects of shikimic acid on human breast cancer cells
(PMID: 27742424).
Another study published in the Journal of Medicinal Chemistry in 2020 investigated the anticancer potential of shikimic acid derivatives against lung cancer
(PMID: 31935040).
Antioxidant Activity
Shikimic acid exhibits potent antioxidant activity, which can help protect against oxidative stress and its associated damage.
Oxidative stress plays a role in various diseases, including cardiovascular disorders, neurodegenerative diseases, and aging.
A study published in the Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry in 2012 demonstrated the antioxidant activity of shikimic acid extracted from pine needles.
(PMID: 23050937).
Anti-inflammatory Effects
Shikimic acid possesses anti-inflammatory properties, making it potentially beneficial in conditions characterized by chronic inflammation. Research has shown that it can inhibit the production of inflammatory mediators and reduce inflammatory markers.
A study published in the International Journal of Molecular Sciences in 2020 investigated the anti-inflammatory effects of shikimic acid in a model of acute lung injury (PMID: 33238519).
Neuroprotective Effects
Shikimic acid has demonstrated neuroprotective properties, indicating its potential for the prevention or treatment of neurological disorders. It has been shown to protect against oxidative stress-induced neuronal damage and inhibit neuroinflammation.
A study published in the Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry in 2018 explored the neuroprotective effects of shikimic acid in a mouse model of Parkinson's disease (PMID: 29701487).
Anti-diabetic Activity
Some studies have suggested that shikimic acid may have anti-diabetic effects. It has been found to regulate glucose metabolism, improve insulin sensitivity, and reduce oxidative stress associated with diabetes.
A study published in the Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry in 2015 investigated the anti-diabetic potential of shikimic acid in a rat model of type 2 diabetes (PMID: 25844952).
Detoxification
It serves as a precursor for the synthesis of various essential compounds, including glutathione, a potent antioxidant involved in detoxification reactions.
Glutathione plays a crucial role in neutralizing and eliminating harmful toxins and free radicals from the body.
By providing the necessary building blocks for glutathione synthesis, shikimic acid supports the body's detoxification pathways.
Additionally, shikimic acid possesses its own antioxidant properties, which further contribute to its detoxifying potential. Through these mechanisms, shikimic acid may help protect cells and tissues from oxidative stress and promote overall well-being.
The Process in detail
Shikimic acid serves as a crucial precursor in the biosynthesis of glutathione, a tripeptide molecule composed of three amino acids: cysteine, glutamate, and glycine. Glutathione is synthesized through a series of enzymatic reactions within the body.
Shikimic acid provides the carbon skeleton required for the production of cysteine, one of the three amino acids involved in glutathione synthesis. Cysteine is derived from the precursor homocysteine, which is generated from methionine through a process called transsulfuration. Shikimic acid's carbon atoms are incorporated into the structure of cysteine, thereby supporting the availability of this essential amino acid for glutathione formation.
Furthermore, shikimic acid indirectly influences glutathione synthesis by participating in the production of other molecules that are involved in the process. For example, shikimic acid contributes to the biosynthesis of aromatic amino acids, such as phenylalanine and tyrosine, which are necessary for the production of precursors that eventually lead to the formation of glutathione.
By providing the necessary carbon backbone and promoting the synthesis of essential amino acids, shikimic acid plays a role in facilitating the production of glutathione. Glutathione, in turn, acts as a critical antioxidant and detoxification agent, helping to neutralize harmful substances and protect cells from oxidative damage.
Summary
Researchers have found that shikimic acid helped to stop blood clots from forming.
It protected people from respiratory infections.
It displays anticancer, antiviral and antibiotic properties.
It helps the body to detoxify from pollutants
PINE POWER
by North American Herb & Spice
A concentrated source with each teaspoon equivalent to 23 cups of pine needle tea
Raw Pine Power Plus is the power of wild harvested Northern American and Canadian white and red pine needles (both high in shikimic acid.)
Long utilized as a natural medicine, it is high in vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. It is high in terpenes including alpha-pinene, D-limonene, Beta-Caryophyllene (BCP) germacrene, and many more.
BCP is known to support brain cognition, nervous system function and the body’s healthy response to inflammation.
Raw, wild pine and spruce provide support for healthy eyes, respiratory health, immune function and red blood cell production. Terpenes are highly cleansing to the body, especially BCP, which also supports the detoxification of the brain and nervous system.
Shikimic acid has been shown as a potent agent for supporting immune and detoxification processes. Taoist priests drank the tea as a regular infusion, believing it aided longevity and increased stamina.
This formula is said to aid a sense of well being and is a tonic akin to 23 cups of pine needle tea.
You can buy it here and support Not On The Beeb: https://www.notonthebeeb.co.uk/product-page/pine-power-plus
OTHER SOURCES OF SHIKIMIC ACID
Here are 20 natural sources of shikimic acid, listed in descending order based on their approximate shikimic acid content:
Chinese star anise (Illicium verum)
Sweetgum fruit (Liquidambar orientalis)
Japanese star anise (Illicium anisatum)
Wild celery seeds (Apium graveolens)
Magnolia bark (Magnolia officinalis)
Bayberry bark (Myrica rubra)
Almonds (Prunus dulcis)
Safflower (Carthamus tinctorius)
Chinese cinnamon (Cinnamomum cassia)
Black locust tree bark (Robinia pseudoacacia)
Camphor tree bark (Cinnamomum camphora)
St. John's wort (Hypericum perforatum)
Mistletoe (Viscum album)
Neem leaves (Azadirachta indica)
Raspberry leaves (Rubus idaeus)
Tea leaves (Camellia sinensis)
Eucalyptus leaves (Eucalyptus species)
