Last Updated on June 1, 2025 by Nico
Pine pollen tincture can help support testosterone levels in the body as well as contribute to overall vitality. Learn how to make this pine pollen tincture using only two ingredients.
Pine pollen comes from pine trees (pinus ponderosa) and has been used in traditional herbal medicine for centuries, particularly in East Asia. It has been used in Ancient Chinese traditional medicine for its anti-aging properties and ability to balance hormones. Today, pine pollen is a lesser-known but powerful natural supplement to have in your herbal medicine cabinet.
You can consume pine pollen powder without tincturing it (for example by adding it to a smoothie), but tincturing it makes it quick to consume. Once it’s in a tincture form, you can simply take a dose under your tongue for a more immediate effect without making a smoothie or other drink to dilute the powder in.
Medicinal properties of pine pollen
Anti-inflammatory – Pine pollen contains anti-inflammatory compounds like phenolic acids that help to reduce inflammation throughout the body.
Anti-aging – Pine pollen contains abscisic acid which has anti-aging and cleansing antioxidant properties.
Hormone balance – Pine pollen is known to contain phytoandrogens, which are substances produced by plants that can impact testosterone levels. Pipe pollen tincture may help hormonal imbalances, with a particular impact on testosterone.
Immune support – Pine pollen is high in vitamins and minerals such as vitamin D and zinc, which can help boost the immune system.
Improved stamina and energy levels – Pine pollen has a nutrient-dense profile. It is 30% protein and contains 9 essential amino acids. It also contains B vitamins, minerals, and many more compounds that can help enhance physical endurance and muscle mass.
How to make raw pine pollen tincture
Tools
An airtight container with a tight-fitting lid – I use a glass mason jar with parchment paper between the metal lid and tincture or extraction to prevent the alcohol from corroding the metal.
Small amber dropper bottles – I like these
Cheesecloth or coffee filter – I like these unbleached ones
A small funnel
Supplies
Dried pine pollen – Here’s a source for it.
80-proof vodka (or 40% alcohol) – If you want to avoid alcohol, you can swap it out for raw apple cider vinegar or food-grade glycerin – I buy this bulk raw apple cider vinegar and this food-grade glycerin.
For complete measurements, see the printable recipe card below.
Instructions
I used pine pollen that I buy online from a trusted source, but you can easily forage your own by shaking the yellow pollen into a paper bag. Then simply follow the same instructions below!
Add the pine pollen to a clean mason jar (or whatever clean glass jar you have on hand).
Fill the jar about ¼ of the way full. You want the pollen to be completely covered in alcohol, so leave a bit of space at the top.
Cover everything in alcohol. The pollen will float at first and then settle to the bottle of the jar. Use whatever alcohol (as long as it’s 80-proof or above) you have on hand. If you use a stronger alcohol the extraction will be slightly more potent.
Put a tight lid on the jar and shake it to make sure everything is covered with alcohol.
Date and label the jar and put it in a cool, dark spot away from direct sunlight (like a dark cabinet).
Leave it sit for 6-8 weeks and try to shake it once a day to keep everything submerged in alcohol.
After 6-8 weeks, use a coffee filter to strain off the liquid. You can also use cheesecloth but it will not provide as fine of a strain. The coffee filter will take the longest but will be most effective at straining off the tincture.
Add the strained tincture to a small amber glass dropper bottle. If you have excess liquid that doesn’t fit in the dropper bottle, you can store it back in your glass jar.
Label and date the dropper bottle and it’s ready to use. That’s it!
How much pine pollen tincture to take?
You can take 1 full dropper (or ½ a teaspoon) per day 2-3 times per day. You can start by taking small amounts and work your way up.
How long does pine pollen tincture last?
If this tincture is properly strained off and stored in a cool, dark place, it will last a long time. I like to use the tincture within 1-2 years.
How to take pine pollen tincture
Directly – You can add the dosage under your tongue for the quickest absorption. Hold it there for 20-30 seconds before swallowing.
Diluted in a drink – Add the dosage to a glass of water, juice, or coffee to dilute the taste.
How to make this without using alcohol
You can simply swap the alcohol for apple cider vinegar and follow the same recipe to make a pine pollen extract. Please know that vinegar is not as effective as alcohol at extracting the bioactive nutrients of plants (ie your extract won’t be as strong) and it is also not as good at preserving the plant material. I like to consume vinegar-based extracts in about 6 months.
Disclaimer – I’m not a medical professional and do not intend to offer medical advice in any content I create. I offer information for educational purposes and, as always, get your physician’s advice or the advice of your health care provider before trying a new herbal remedy. There are always possible unintended consequences of trying a new herbal remedy such as allergic reactions, impacts on existing medical conditions, or unexpected side effects like interactions with other medication.
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How To Make Ponderosa Pine Pollen Tincture (Simple Guide)
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- I used pine pollen that I buy online from a trusted source, but you can easily forage your own by shaking the yellow pollen into a paper bag. Then simply follow the same instructions below!
- Add the pine pollen to a clean mason jar (or whatever clean glass jar you have on hand).
- Fill the jar about ¼ of the way full. You want the pollen to be completely covered in alcohol, so leave a bit of space at the top.
- Cover everything in alcohol. The pollen will float at first and then settle to the bottle of the jar. Use whatever alcohol (as long as it’s 80-proof or above) you have on hand. If you use a stronger alcohol the extraction will be slightly more potent.
- Put a tight lid on the jar and shake it to make sure everything is covered with alcohol.
- Date and label the jar and put it in a cool, dark spot away from direct sunlight (like a dark cabinet).
- Leave it sit for 6-8 weeks and try to shake it once a day to keep everything submerged in alcohol.
- After 6-8 weeks, use a coffee filter to strain off the liquid. You can also use cheesecloth but it will not provide as fine of a strain. The coffee filter will take the longest but will be most effective at straining off the tincture.
- Add the strained tincture to a small amber glass dropper bottle. If you have excess liquid that doesn’t fit in the dropper bottle, you can store it back in your glass jar.
- Label and date the dropper bottle and it’s ready to use. That’s it!
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