Gathering Spruce Trees for Food and Medication

While residing in Alaska, I was surrounded by Black Spruce trees (picea mariana) and took pleasure in having the ability to gather newly-formed tips from this tree. The Black Spruce can reach up to 80 feet and is discovered in the northern parts of The United States and Canada, growing in muskegs, bogs, and bottomlands.

Alaskan Natives utilized the inner bark for tea, and the pitch to waterproof handmade baskets and seal their birch bark boats. The tree is now used for wood, pulp, fuel, Christmas trees, and other products.

Important oil obtained from the tree is used in various methods for calming, opening the sinus passages, supplying psychological clearness, and as a disinfectant. The suggestions can be used to make an antimicrobial cream to assist with skin issues or as an anti-inflammatory salve for muscle pain. A tea made from the suggestions has expectorant homes which can help with lung problems.

Spruce suggestions are extremely high in vitamin C and were used by Captain Cook to fend off scurvy. The tender suggestions can be collected in the spring, summer, or anytime available and used as a food source in salads, soups, dressings, desserts, and beer.