Ponderosa Pine Pollen

Ponderosa Pine Pollen has historically been used an adaptogenic, hormone-balancing tonic that boosts immunity, increases endurance, makes the body more resilient to daily stressors, strengthens vital organs, and balances hormones.

Identifying Ponderosa Pine

If you live in the arid West of North America, you probably familiar with Ponderosa Pine. It is has a magnificent reddish-gold bark that looks like puzzle pieces and smells like butterscotch once it’s been warmed by the sun. Ponderosa pine needles come in bunches of three (and sometimes five) long, pointy needles. Their seed cones are fairly round, stout, and have a sharp point at the end of each scale. Pollen cones form in clumps at the base of new-growth shoots and look like small, spongy catkins with a yellow tint.

Harvesting Ponderosa Pine Pollen

From early to late spring (and sometimes early summer), the small pollen cones become loaded with pollen. If you’re unsure if they’re ready, just give a branch with pollen cones a shake and look for a golden cloud. We harvest the pollen by covering the pollen-cone-laden branches with a paper bag, then brushing the cones into the bag, taking care not to let the pollen escape to the wind.

Medicinal Properties of Ponderosa Pine Pollen

According to herbalist Scott Kloos, the tincture of Ponderosa Pine Pollen can be taken to boost the immune system, strengthen vital organs, increase endurance, and raise levels of free testosterone. Because it contains the precursor molecules to testosterone, it is recommended that folks who do not want to encourage testosterone production limit their use to three times per week.

Making Ponderosa Pine Pollen Tincture at Home

To make your own tincture, follow our Herbal Tincture Recipe. If you want to get math-y about it, use 1 part pollen cones to 2 parts menstruum. Take daily for balance or as needed for vitality and immune support!

Find Ponderosa Pine Pollen in our Apothecary

You can find Ponderosa Pine Pollen tincture in our apothecary as a single-plant extraction and in our Woodland Warrior blend.

Resources

Kloos, Scott. 2017. Pacific Northwest Medicinal Plants. Timber Press: Portland, Oregon.

Disclaimer

For educational purposes only. This information has not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This information is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.