The recent storm has been quite devastating to the trees in the woods I frequent. So many fallen branches. However, nature continues on and these branches will eventually work their way into the soil with the help of microbes and fungi and nourish the very trees they came from.
Nature has also gifted these to us. This time of year, we celebrate Christmas, making wreaths and table decorations. Why not make these with the fallen branches?
We also spend more time indoors, with more people, parties, dinners, and celebrations. This may also lead to more easily catching a cold. You can make teas with the needles and scales of these conifers, which are full of vitamin C. Drinking the tea can also be used as an expectorant for coughs, so another great reason to have them this time of year.
Some of the conifers you can use for teas include Scots pine, Douglas fir, Western Hemlock (not to be confused with the toxic Hemlock plant, a flowering member of the carrot family), and coastal redwood. Just be sure not to confuse any of these conifers with Yew, which is toxic!
Thank you, nature.
