Spruce Tips

Spruce tips (Picea spp) are ready for the picking! Each year conifer trees grow by producing tender green shoots that eventually darken and harden into needles. Right now the bright green ends can be harvested for warming, vitamin C- and mineral-rich teas for cold and flu season. Spruce tips can soothe a cough or a sore throat or boost immune function ahead of an illness. Their antimicrobial and pain-relieving properties can also be put to use as a topical for bug bites and other skin conditions. Other conifer trees besides spruces can be used in this way too.