Pine Needle vs Bamboo

Side-by-side comparison of medicinal herbs

Herb

Pine Needle

Pinus sylvestris

Nutritive

Bambusa vulgaris

Nutritive

Pine Needle

❌ Not recommended in pregnancy

❌ Not recommended while nursing

Bamboo

✅ Generally safe in pregnancy

✅ Generally safe while nursing

Description

Pine needles are surprisingly rich in vitamin C and have been used as a survival food and respiratory remedy for centuries.

Bamboo leaves and shavings are used in TCM to clear heat and in modern nutrition as a rich source of organic silica.

Active Compounds

Vitamin C, Alpha-pinene, Beta-pinene, Shikimic acid

Organic silica, Flavonoids, Phenolic acids, Chlorophyll

Traditional Uses

Scurvy prevention, Respiratory infections, Joint pain, General tonic

Fever, Irritability, Cough, Urinary infections

Modern Uses

Antioxidant, Expectorant, Antimicrobial, Source of shikimic acid

Remineralization (silica), Antioxidant, Hair/nail/skin health, Bone support

Adult Dosage

2-4g fresh needles as tea 2-3x daily

3-9g dried leaves as tea or 200mg silica extract daily

Contraindications

Pregnancy, Pine allergy, Kidney disease

Thyroid disorders (silica interaction), Pregnancy

Side Effects

GI irritation, Allergic reactions, Kidney irritation (turpentine compounds)

GI upset, Thyroid interference

Drug Interactions

0 known interactions

Reviewed by: HerbAlly Editorial Team, Medical herbalists and healthcare professionals

Sources: WHO Monographs · NCCIH · PubMed · Commission E