Is pine needle mugolio safe to consume? I am getting different opinions based on who I ask.
Are you aware that pines have been used for thousands of years as medicine and are still used by naturopaths and clinical herbalists today?
If the mugolio is made from pines (pinus spp) and made properly it is considered safe and may have some health benefits. Think of it as a condiment. Drizzle it on ice cream or waffles. In large amounts, it can upset the stomach of sensitive individuals.
As a side note, I use pine needles to fight off respiratory viruses in myself and my clients. The Shikimic acid, resveratrol, terpenes, flavonoids, polyphenols, and etc work to inhibit viral replication. Like mugolio, excessive amounts of pine needle tea or tincture can upset the stomach of sensitive individuals. Stomach upset is most likely due to the resins. But wait...
Pine resin has also been used internally and externally as medicine for thousands of years. This is also well-documented. For internal uses, at times it was chewed and other times made into a tea. As with all medicine whether OTC, Rx, or natural, knowledge of dosage amounts differentiates between safe and harmful.
Food for thought: My grandmother used nitroglycerin ointment for heart issues. I remember seeing the tubes on her coffee table when I was very young. If one were to use that Rx ointment like suntan lotion- liberally all over the body multiple times a day, it would have a negative impact on the body instead of a beneficial one. Dosage makes the difference. This is a critical concept to carry forward for those wanting to learn or practice herbal medicine.
Contraindications: Mugolio and pine needle medicines should be avoided by those with pine allergies and by women who are pregnant and nursing. The latter recommendation is because cows are known to lose their babies when they consume pine and similar plants. Source: https://www.ars.usda.gov/research/publications/publication/?seqNo115=313430
Disclaimer: I am not a medical doctor. I am a lowly herbalist with 30+ years of helping my family, friends, pets, livestock, and community find relief through herbal education. Please use what I share as a catalyst for your education and research. I believe YOU are your own healthcare provider. Everyone and everything else in your path is a tool to assist you in the goal of improving or maintaining your health.
Happy Herbaling!
