Leftover Christmas staple could have 'anti-cancer properties' and make a special tea

Beyond herbal applications, various studies have also delved into its potential health benefits (Image: Getty)

The thought of munching on pine needles might not get your taste buds tingling. But experts believe some of these sharp little spikes from our beloved Christmas trees could pack a punch in the fight against cancer and have been brewed into a special drink for ages.

Pine needle tea is sipped as a traditional, sometimes healing, drink in various parts of the world, including China, Korea, and Japan. Despite the different types of pine out there, their needles are often loaded with a hefty dose of vitamin C, essential for bone development.

But it's not just about old wives' tales, scientific research has explored the possible health perks of pine needles when used in other forms. Back in 2006, scientists at Seoul National University identified 'pine needle ethanol extract' as a potential powerhouse in halting cancer cell growth.

They bigged up its hefty 'antioxidant' levels for this, which are key players in controlling the body's 'free radicals', as noted by WebMD. An overload of these free radicals can lead to nasty ailments like cancer, diabetes, and heart disease.

"Pine needles (Pinus densiflora Siebold et Zuccarini) have long been used as a traditional health-promoting medicinal food in Korea," the experts wrote at the time. "[Our] results demonstrate that pine needles exhibit strong antioxidant, antimutagenic, and antiproliferative effects on cancer cells and also antitumor effects in vivo and point to their potential usefulness in cancer prevention."

There are various types of pine tree - not all pine needles are edible (Image: Getty)

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A 2022 study from Poland's University in Poznan also suggested that European Christmas tree needles are high in 'luteolin', a substance with potential cancer cell-fighting properties. Despite these findings, experts agree more research is vital to fully grasp its benefits, given the limited number of studies conducted so far.

"Few scientific studies have looked into the effects of pine needle tea on human participants," experts at WebMD assert. "Most research has focused on identifying the molecules in pine needles and evaluating their properties in test-tube and animal experiments."

Pine needle tea is available for purchase from several retailers, including Amazon at £8.24, and from the UK Loose Leaf Tea Company for £5.75. For those interested in crafting their own, it's essential to use only edible varieties, as not all pine needles are safe for consumption.

WebMD recommends consulting with a healthcare provider before incorporating pine needle tea into your routine diet, particularly for individuals with pre-existing health conditions.