Hello ntrlman pine needles and pine bark contain a nutrient called pycnogenol.Pycnogenol is a proanthocyanidin,it also contains oligomers and some usefull acids.A french captin named Jacques Cartier was taught by a quebec indian how to make the tea.This blend of nutrients is prized for the antioxidant,collagen stablizing,antiinflamitory qualitys!This info comes from a book by Richard A. Passwater,Ph.d.&Chithan Kandaswami,Ph.D..PYCNOGENOL The Super"Protector"Nutrint.Small book but a good read!