Pine needle tea has long been known to protect against colds and flu. But did you know that pine needles and other natural substances contain shikimic acid (shikimate) that can also protect our blood from unhealthy cell aggregation and clotting? Discover out how pine needle tea helps prevent unhealthy blood clotting, even if we undergo new treatments that contain or encourage spike proteins or if we’re exposed to environmental substances beyond our control.
Crisp and bright autumn days have arrived and we are rapidly approaching winter. So, now is the time that we should be thinking about how to best protect ourselves from any and all environmental influences that might negatively affect our health. Last winter, I wrote a fun and inspiring article about the magical healing herbs and spices of winter that mainly focused on all of the cozy and warming spices that we usually associate with the holiday season.
You know – cinnamon, anise, pine, clove, bayberry, and so on… those spices that just make us happy inside. 😊 They also make us feel happy because they have healing qualities, even if we’re not always aware of why we feel better when we breathe in those holiday aromas or drink soothing holiday spiced drinks…
But… this year has been full of unprecedented health news and health challenges, wouldn’t you say? So much so, that it’s important to touch upon a few herbs and spices that not only provide general health benefits that help us through winter each year, but that also have additional important properties.
Some of these herbs and spices are also known to address a more serious health concern that is getting a lot of press these days – cellular protection against dangerous blood clotting that results from spike proteins.
That’s why I want to focus on three primary herbs and spices that contain a very specific phytochemical (plant chemical) known as shikimic acid. This acid, also known as shikimate, protects us against spike proteins and dangerous cellular damage.
Which Natural Herbs Contain High Levels of Shikimate?
There are a number of herbs and spices that naturally contain shikimic acid (shikimate), so we are going to discuss the top three in detail: pine needles (all edible varieties), star anise and fennel seeds.
These natural herbs contain enough shikimate to provide a substantial amount of protection to our cells.
It’s interesting to note that the specific health benefits of these herbs have been known to modern medicine for the last many decades, but it was not common knowledge that was shared by them with the populations of the world. It is no secret that a large percentage of modern trademarked pharmaceutical drugs are created based on synthesizing of natural herbal elements. But, this fact is not bandied about much by those companies.
That is, unless the companies are interested in monopolizing the use of a particular herb for medicinal purposes – then you will definitely hear about it, as was the case with turmeric, some years ago. At that time, there was an attempt to patent and limit the use of the natural turmeric root for certain medicinal purposes, excluding its use for anyone who normally uses turmeric for health reasons. (ummm… that would impact almost everyone who uses it at all!)
Fortunately, there was world outcry and the case went to court. The claim was shot down as an attempt at “biopiracy” and today turmeric remains free and available for everyone’s use, as it has been for thousands of years! Thank goodness. You can read more about that case in an article that I wrote all about the amazing health benefits of turmeric… some of which might surprise you.
So, until this year, when worldwide health concerns brought news about widespread blood clotting disorders to the forefront, most people were just not aware of how much medicinal plants play into the business of pharmaceutical drug making.
We believe that the best way to use herbs and spices for health is by utilizing the whole herb, or extracts of the whole herb, rather than using a prescription drug, or even an herbal extraction that isolates one active ingredient for a specific purpose. Ayurveda, the ancient healing science from India, along with other traditional medicinal systems around the world always encourage using the whole herb or spice. That’s because nature, in its brilliance, has included, in each plant, a variety of phyto-compounds that function synergistically to do their healing work.
By using an isolated element, we sell ourselves short, with the idea that one isolated element has the same holistic power as the complete plant synergy. Getting the best effects from using the whole herb is truly is an example of the old adage “the whole is greater than the sum of all of its parts.”
Pine Needles (including pine, spruce, cedar and fir)
Pine needle oil, which is consumed when we drink pine needle tea, has been a powerful herbal remedy for ages, due to its high level of potent anti-oxidants, anti-cancer phytonutrients, anti-bacterial compounds, polyphenols, minerals and more.
Pine needles contain numerous curative compounds, but the one that really stands out is shikimate. The high percentage of shikimate found in pine needles works to inhibit excess blood clotting and blood platelet aggregation, halting vascular (blood vessel) damage. This amazing natural substance also helps to eliminate parasites, and counteract inflammation.
In fact, pine needle compounds have also been synthesized (through a lengthy process that originated with the phytochemicals present in pine needles) into a pharmaceutical patented drug named Suramin, that is used to treat some forms of autism and also to treat sleeping sickness or African trypanosomiasis.
The natural compounds in pine needles from which Suramin is derived are known to inhibit micro-clotting of blood that can occur due to spike proteins, as well as to prevent strokes and excess menstruation.
Pine needle tea also treats numerous respiratory ailments, such as the flu and pneumonia, plus other viruses.
Refreshing, curative pine needle tea can be made from various types of edible pine needles. It is said that the highest concentration of shikimate is found in the Eastern White Pine and Masson Pine, but all edible pines, spruce, cedar and fir contain the healing compounds.
However, be aware that there are some conifers that are considered toxic and should be avoided, such as yew and cypress. Also, Ponderosa Pine needles and Norfolk Island Pine (also known as Australian Pine) are considered poisonous and should also not be taken internally.
Note: Women who are pregnant, or may become pregnant, are advised NOT to drink pine needle tea due to its potential abortive properties, but they can drink dandelion tea, as described further along in this article.
How To Use Pine Needles
Once you’ve chosen your pine needles, this powerful natural remedy is so easy to use! If you have pine trees in your area, you can collect needles from healthy pine trees (preferably non-pesticided ones from a non-polluted area!) and boil them into an aromatic and refreshing tea. In order to get the best medicinal benefit from the pine needles, they should boil at high heat for at least 15 minutes, and then be left to steep from 30 minutes to 2 hours before drinking. You can heat the tea to a comfortable sipping temperature before imbibing.
If you don’t have free pine needles from pine trees in your area, pine needles can be purchased on-line – they will be dried in that case, but can still be effectively made into tea. You can also buy 100% pure pine essential oil ✓ online. Pine needle tea is well known to ease depression and moodiness.
Pine needle oil can also be used as an aromatherapy for decongestion.
Star Anise (Illicium verum)
The lovely star shaped sweet spice known as star anise is widely popular due to its uniquely licorice-like aromatic scent and flavor. But star anise is also an amazing natural remedy because it contains numerous healing compounds that treat digestive disorders, and relieve inflammation (such as back pain and rheumatoid arthritis). These phytochemicals are also anti-bacterial and anti-fungal.
Additionally, and more importantly at this time, the shikimate in star anise helps in healthy blood formation and avoidance of unnatural blood platelet aggregation. Shikimate present in star anise also helps to boost immune function, fighting viruses, such as influenza and others.
In fact, the widely used prescription drug, Tamiflu, prescribed as a preventative and treatment for influenza, avian bird flu and swine flu, is based on shikimate that is derived from star anise seeds! (Although, due to its wide-spread use, most of the shikimate now used in Tamiflu is artificially synthesized in a lab. That’s probably one cause of the side effects of Tamiflu.)
Shikimate along with the phyto-compound quercetin, also helps to ease coughs and sore throats.
In addition to the aforementioned benefits of star anise, this beautiful little seed pod also contains mild natural sedatives which can calm nerves and promote restful health sleep in those who suffer from sleep disorders.
Star anise seed pods ✓ make a lovely tea for sipping, and are often used as a flavoring for desserts. This spice also appears as one of the ingredients in Chinese Five Spice powder featured in savory dishes.
Additionally, schizandra berries ✓ that come from the same family as star anise and contain a high skhikimic acid content, can also be considered as a supplement to help the blood maintain its normal functioning.
Fennel (Foeniculum vulgare)
This lovely little flowering shrub is part of same family as carrots and celery.
Originating in the Mediterrean area and now cultivated around the world, fennel seeds are quite popular in the culinary arena due to their pungent licorice-like taste. Fennel is another aromatic ingredient found in Chinese Five Spice powders.
Long known for their digestive properties in Asia, you’ll usually find a small bowl of roasted fennel seeds available at the exit of Indian restaurants.
But, even though fennel is commonly known for aiding digestion and helping with weight loss, you may not be aware that fennel contains a high percentage of shikimate. That shikimate, along with high quercetin levels, make fennel an excellent blood cleanser. Fennel seed compounds assist in the development of red blood cells and act as an anti-coagulant. Fennel is anti-thrombogenic, as it helps to avoid blood clots in veins.
Additionally, fennel aids kidney function, and it promotes the healthy flow of urine. Healthy fennel tea, made by boiling inexpensive fennel seeds ✓ in water, is high in anti-oxidants and anti-inflammatory agents. It is, therefore, an excellent immune booster, both by helping to prevent colds and coughs and by reducing fever. Fennel is anti-microbial and aids in pain relief.
Dandelion – One Additional Herbal Option To Aid Blood
Dandelion (Taraxacum officinale) can also be taken as a tea, tincture or tablets for improving the blood and boosting the immune system. This is a great option for pregnant women who should not take pine needle tea or tincture due to its possible abortive qualities, but are still concerned about the presence of spike proteins in their blood.
Dandelions… the same little (sometimes pesky) plants that spontaneously appear in everyone’s yard in springtime… are actually excellent for health.
All aspects of the dandelion plant including the roots, leaves and flowers have curative properties and can be used for various benefits.
Known to protect the liver by improving the flow of bile, dandelion thus treats digestive issues. Dandelion also contains anti-inflammatory compounds.
This helpful little plant is also anti-hyperglycemic and regulates blood glucose levels. Importantly, dandelion roots contain powerful anti-oxidants that aid in boosting healthy blood cell count. They also lower blood pressure, promoting anti-platelet processes and helping to maintain clear blood vessels. You can take dandelion as a tea, like this dandelion root and leaf tea ✓ or you can take dandelion extract ✓ or dandelion root capsules ✓.
Conclusion
Once again, nature provides us with fantastic and miraculous options for helping us to maintain our health! If you want to boost your immunity and keep your blood flowing optimally, consider adding some of these natural herbs and spices to your daily diet as a preventative.
If you notice irregularities in your health (such as unusual bruising, heavy monthly or irregular bleeding or other blood issues) and can’t figure out why they are occurring, it could be from a new treatment you have taken that encourages spike proteins to develop, or from an environmental influence over which you have no control. In either case, it’s great to have some natural remedy solutions at your fingertips. Using pine needles, star anise and fennel, plus dandelion, as natural blood cell protection is a great way to feel empowered about your health… not to mention they are usually readily available and not expensive!
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Sources:
- https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Toluene
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31844000/
- https://www.biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2021.03.19.435959v1