advice: can you really eat pine needles?
bush-eating children have a mother feeling a little worried.
2 minute read
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dear asking for a friend,
when covid began, my sister moved in with my son and i — we thought it would keep the bubble thing simple. we get a long fine, except that her kids like to eat bushes. we live in a city, yet on the way to the playground, they often stop and munch on random plants. my kids copy them. sometimes i know what they are eating — like lavender. but other times i can’t tell and i am worried that they may eat something poisonous. can you eat lavender plants? what about pine needles? dandelions are also a big one. i don’t know anything about how to tell a safe plant from a deadly one — other than to stay away from bushes with red berries. help!
signed, on pins and needles
dear on pins and needles,
consider yourself lucky that your kids are willing to nibble on plant-based foods, especially the highly-nutritious dandelions, lavender and pine needles. dandelions are widely known as stubborn weeds that often spoil perfectly manicured lawns, but they are actually packed with antioxidants and essential minerals that can help improve gut health, reduce inflammation, regulate cholesterol, lower blood pressure, and help you lose weight. lavender is another potent plant that is often used in cooking and as a remedy for insomnia, anxiety and depression. and as for pine needles? they too are safe. pine needles can soothe sore throats, fight illness and infection, lower blood pressure, improve skin and slow down the aging process. pine needles are often infused in cocktails and desserts as well. we’ve tried it ourselves and can attest that the rich, woody flavour is anything but boring.
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however, just because some plants are safe to eat and packed with nutrients, that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t exercise caution. many edible and deadly wild plants can look similar, and both children and adults can experience a severe allergic reaction, upset stomach and even death.
“avoid unknown mushrooms and plants with shiny leaves,” advises katharine smyth, president at the ontario horticultural association. “there are exceptions to every rule, but you should also steer clear of plants with berries or seeds, those with a white or yellow sap, umbrella-shaped plants or plants with umbrella-shaped flowers. the only way to know whether a plant is safe or poisonous is to consult an expert or a guidebook. if you’re not sure, don’t eat it, it’s too risky.”
so bottom line? you can stop worrying about the lavender, dandelion and pine needles, and chock it up to your kids enjoying a piece of nature. it’s also an opportunity to teach them about the plants that you pass on the way to the playground and how to know what’s safe.
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