04/04/06 at 22.40 BST. I have it from Ray Mears, who might be considered the definative expert in these matters, that the best way to obtain Vit C from pine needles is to put a quantity in a cup or container of some description and pour hot water over them. The resulting infusion is very high in Vit C. Don't ask me what pine needle tea tastes like as it's something I haven't yet tried. There are other Vitamin and mineral deficiencie issues as well. As I understand it your body needs various V&M's in order to operate properly. I don't know exactly how long you have before hitting that particular wall. Comments from the medically inclined members might prove interesting.