THE Forestry Commission has come up with a novel suggestion for that shedding Christmas Tree – make a hangover cure by stewing the needles!
We're serious, says the Commission – the needles are five times richer in Vitamin C than lemons and are the traditional basis of Christmas Tea.
"We are always on the lookout for new ideas and novel aspects of forestry and woodlands," said spokesman Barbara Spence.
"We discovered a wide range of medicinal uses for various pine needles and were staggered to find so many different applications. As a result we have been experimenting and have been brewing up this tea."
Pine needles are widely used in Chinese medicine, pine tea is used by native Americans to relieve stomach cramps and it has been used to treat scurvy, she said.
To make it, you need a bunch of fresh pine needles, chopped fine, and honey, spice and sugar to taste.
Bring a saucepan of water to the boil and add the needles. Bring back to the boil and simmer for up to 20 minutes depending on the strength required. Mix in flavourings, strain and serve hot or cold (can be bottled).
N.B. On no account should the preparation be taken by pregnant women.