actually, it was nettles that Milarepa subsisted on--although in truth, they are a wondrous food. Nettle tea, nettle infusion, nettle soup.... mmm. Where Miarepa lived and wanderdd, there were no pinesm, I think.
I must admit though, I was very excited to see your post, thinking: oh! something new! I am a deep lover of Milarepa.
(was searching for info on pine needle tea...wondering about whehter all pines can be used.)