Forest Guardian Tea
A bright, citrusy, high in vitamin C, tea made from young Douglas fir tips, traditionally gathered in spring and early summer.
Rain again.
I was climbing a muddy trail; water working its way through my jacket when I rounded a bend and found the path blocked. A Douglas fir had come down across the trail. The trunk lay low and wide. Branches were tangled together, needles dripping, the air sharp with resin.
I stopped and stood there longer than I planned. The chill had settled and the thought of a hot drink felt immediate and practical.
Douglas fir. It is easy to overlook because it fills the landscape. These trees support entire forests. They shape watersheds, shelter wildlife, and form the backbone of some of the most productive ecosystems on Earth. Even after falling, they remain part of the system.
I cut a small handful of needles from the upper branches and paused to give thanks. I took only what I needed.
Across the Pacific Northwest, Douglas fir appears in stories of protection. Animals climb into its canopy or hide among its cones during fire, storms, or hunger. The small bracts beneath each cone scale, often called mouse tails, mark those stories.
Forest Guardian Tea comes from that understanding. Brewed from fresh needles, it carries a bright citrus scent and a resinous depth. I drink it on wet days and after long walks. It warms the body, opens the lungs, and reminds me of the larger living structure I move through.
Warnings:
Only use Douglas fir (Pseudotsuga menziesii). Some other evergreen species, such as the Pacific Yew, are highly toxic. Avoid harvesting near roads or polluted areas.
Instructions
Douglas fir needles can be harvested year-round, but the young spring tips are the most vibrant and citrus-forward. Mature needles work well too, especially in fall and winter, though they carry a deeper, balsamic note.
Harvest only from healthy, established trees. Avoid seedlings, diseased trees, or areas exposed to road runoff or chemical treatments. Take a small amount from many branches rather than stripping one place.
If you’re unsure of identification, don’t proceed. Some conifers are toxic. Avoid during pregnancy.
What you'll need
A small handful of Douglas fir needles
1–2 cups hot water
Knife (optional, for chopping)
Mug or infuser
Optional but highly recommended: local honey or maple syrup
Instructions
Prepare the needles
Rinse lightly. Remove needles from any woody stems, which can taste bitter and resin-heavy.Chop or bruise
Roughly chop the needles or crush them slightly. This helps release their aromatic oils and nutrients.Heat the water
Bring water to a boil, then remove from heat and let it settle. I prefer pouring just off-boil.Steep
Add needles to your mug or infuser and pour over hot water. Cover and steep for 10–15 minutes, depending on desired strength.Sweeten (optional)
A small amount of honey softens the resin notes, but the tea stands well on its own.Drink and enjoy!
Especially on cold or wet days.
Taste & Qualities
Flavor: Bright citrus up front, followed by evergreen depth
Body: Light, warming
Traditionally associated with: Respiratory support, immune strength, gentle calm
Proper identification is essential, some conifers are toxic
Douglas fir tea blurs the line between food and medicine. It carries scent memories - Christmas trees, damp forests, childhood winters - and invites you into kinship with the land.
