What is Pine Pollen? A beginner's guide

Pine pollen is a fine, yellow powder that is released in the spring by the male pine cones. It is considered one of the best super-foods on the planet because of its dense nutritional profile. Pine pollen is also praised for its impressive content in phyto-sterols (hormone mimicking compounds). Users report having benefits such as:

• elevated mood
• better sleep
• increased vitality 
• superior physical endurance
• increase in libido
• reduced inflammation 

Pine pollen is considered a super-food because of its impressive nutritional profile. It is composed of 20 different amino acids (including all nine essential amino acids), 15 different vitamins, over 30 different micro and macro minerals, and over 100 other biologically active compounds, including many living enzymes and coenzymes, flavonoids, nucleic acids, saccharides, and unsaturated fatty acids.

What makes pine pollen unique is that it contains large amounts of plant based androgens that mimic human hormones such as testosterone, epitestosterone, androstenedione and DHEA. This is why pine pollen has hormone balancing effects such as testosterone optimisation for men and progesterone and oestrogen balancing properties for women.  

Pine pollen must be taken in the form of a tincture to experience the androgenic benefits. Because androgens are destroyed in the stomach they must be taken under the tongue to be absorbed by the lymphatic system.

This versatile superfood is known to be a tonic for the endocrine, nervous and immune system. This is why it is classed as an adaptogen. It helps to maintain and optimise all three systems for

• improved energy & vitality
• reduced allergies 
• improved resistance to infections 
• athletic endurance
• better sleep and recovery
• concentration and memory
• alleviating depression and anxiety 

Additionally, pine pollen's antioxidant properties combat oxidative stress, potentially slowing down the aging process and supporting skin health.

One of its standout features is its potential to promote hormonal balance. It can enhance testosterone levels in men, aiding in vitality and overall well-being.

For women, it can help regulate hormonal fluctuations to help with menopausal symptoms and PMS.  

Remember that it needs to be taken in the form of a high quality tincture to benefit fully form the hormone balancing properties.  

In TCM, pine pollen is well known for improving vitality and being a powerful tonic. It has been used for centuries to treat all kinds of illnesses such as:

• eczema
• bedsores
• hyperlipidemia
• hyperplasia of prostate
• hypertension
• type 2 diabetes

"Shizhen Li, an outstanding traditional Chinese medicine practitioner in the Ming Dynasty, recorded in the Compendium of Materia Medica that pine pollen lias the characteristics of sweet in flavor, warm in property, and nontoxic; it can nourish the heart and lung, replenish qi, disperse wind, and stop bleeding."

Pine pollen in generally sold in two forms. Powder or tincture.

The powder form is either raw and unprocessed or have undergone irradiation and/or a "cell-cracking process".

In short the "cell-cracking" process was believed to make the pollen more bioavailable but studies have demonstrated that this process causes the pollen to oxidise and degrade quickly. 

The other popular from is in a tincture. Tinctures can come in many different recipes depending on the companies that makes them. Different ratios of pine pollen and organic solvants such as ethanol, vegetable glycerine vinegar are used.  

Many studies have looked into the potential side effects of pine pollen and no serious adverse effects have been reported. Further more, because it is natures carefully crafted synergy between the plant sterols that produces the androgenic effects as opposed to a high dose of one compound, pine pollen users don't develop dependency or tolerance overtime. 

Pine pollen is typically collected in the spring when the male pine cones release their pollen. Harvesters use various methods to gather this golden powder, some shake the open cones in a jar, some pick the closed cones and dry them for later collection of the pollen.

Where to Buy Pine Pollen?

 There are a few things to keep in mind when shopping for pine pollen products. Tincture or powder? Raw or treated? Cracked or uncracked cell wall? Type and strength of tincture? 

We recommend buying from a reputable company that does everything in house. From harvest to packing.

Why? Because the processing of pine pollen must be done skillfully and extremely rigorously.

As soon as the plant is harvested and undergoes any type of damage it will start metabolizing itself quickly and the precious chemical structure that promises its unique benefits is quickly compromised. Sometimes, rendered completely ineffective when making even a small mistake.

Humidity control, oxygen exposure, light sensitivity, drying/curing times, storage, temperature, chemical reactivity to containers and tools, harvest time and conditions are all critical to producing an effective product. 

Dietary supplements are largely unregulated so we can only speak for ourselves when it comes to quality and effectiveness. Here at Boreome we do everything in house. Every step of the process is done under the supervision of our experts so we are sure that every package that leaves our facility is packed with as much benefit as it can hold. You can check out our website at boreome.com

In conclusion, pine pollen is a remarkable natural substance that offers a wealth of potential health benefits. Whether you're interested in boosting your immunity, improving hormonal balance, or simply exploring a unique superfood, pine pollen deserves a place in your wellness routine. As with any supplement, it's essential to do your research and consult with a healthcare professional before incorporating it into your diet. We hope this article has provided you with valuable insights into the world of pine pollen.

You can check out our selection of premium pine pollen products in our Shopify store. Experience the benefits of pine pollen for yourself and embark on a journey to better health and vitality.

Remember, nature has a lot to offer when it comes to our well-being, and pine pollen is just one shining example of its potential. Thank you for joining us on this exploration of "What is Pine Pollen?"