Hemlock is by far my favorite tree (Eastern Hemlock-tsuga canadensis NOT to be confused with poison hemlock the biennial carrot family plant).There's something so incredibly captivating about the old growth Hemlock forests, I could spend an entire day in one. Especially in winter. The way the dark bark and the deep green needles contrast the bright white snow. The way the snow floats down between the beautifully laid out gently drooping branches. The way they provide spaces where the snow isn't deep and dry places to sit. I can never resist crushing a few needles between my fingers when I walk by inhaling their incredibly healing and soothing aroma. My infatuation with simply being around hemlock trees, and craving the tea steeped from their needles led me to a deep dive, leaning about all of their medicinal and edible qualities, folklore and mythology and so much more. Hemlock instills one of the most important human emotions in my opinion, awe and wonder.
I read a book a couple years ago called the Hemlock Tree and it's Legends. Written in 1859 and restored. It was an incredible book. One quote that I read and always rings true is "The way a crow shook down on me, the dust of snow from a hemlock tree has given my heart a change of mood". Hemlock has an incredibly calming and soothing presence, and interacts with our bodies medicinally in a similar way. Hemlock trees can reach 170ft+ and can live up to 500 years. It's no wonder they're sometimes referred to as the redwoods of the east. Hemlock trees grow in cooler microclimates which is a great way to distinguish cooler and hotter spaces in the forest. This can be especially helpful while mushroom hunting They don't have much tolerance for any pollution. You'll generally find large groves in the darkest and most shady areas in the woods. Take notice that the shade the Hemlock tree provides is different, though. Hemlocks cast very dense shade so their canopies filter out different kinds of light which creates a "blue shade".
As far as mythology and lore is concerned, hemlock seems to be a beacon to gracefully allow negativity in our life to flow away and embrace all of life's experiences. Hemlock also represents that the right conditions must be present for long and healthy lives and provides a means as a source of protection.
As a survival tree, Hemlock has long been used as a means of warmth. From its flammable pitch to aid with starting a fire, to using its boughs for shelter and sleeping on. Even as a medicinal tea, it's energetics are warming. A traditional common beverage was hemlock needle tea and maple water. Hemlocks new growth tips in the Spring are tender and delicious, with a slight lemoney flavor. The inner bark can even be used as a survival food as its incredibly nutritious and can easily be cut into strips and boiled into "noodles" or eaten raw. The inner bark can also be ground into flour for baking. This isn't something I've done yet, but it's on my list The bark is also high in tannins was used in leather tanning.
Now to the medicinal side of things. Hemlock has a long history as a highly regarded medicine tree. Used in nearly ever way, from the needles to the inner bark and pitch. Hemlock is a modulating immune enhancer and loaded with vitamin C. Hemlock also has an affinity for the lungs, and as an expectorant is incredibly helpful for wet boggy coughs. As a diaphoretic, Hemlock can encourage the body to sweat, aiding to reduce fevers. It's been shown to help clear congestion from both the lungs and sinuses, and has anti-microbial properties. The pitch can be used similarly to other conifer pitch, as an expectorant chest rub or for minor first aid. It's a gentle circulatory stimulant and aids in supporting the lower back, tendons and ligaments. The bark being rich in tannins also makes it astringent, which can create a wash for skin irritation and to tonify the skin.
And lastly, dead Hemlock is the host tree for one of my favorite adaptogenic mushrooms- Reishi! Last Summer I was fortunate enough to come across many beautiful Reishi mushrooms on a huge downed Hemlock Tree drapped over a river. Even after its life expires, this tree still provides healing.
All of this to say, I hope you all love Hemlock trees as much as I do! I've added the new Hemlock glycerite tincture to the site