this alludes to:

Larger female cones are on the same tree, hang down, look woody, and have 3-pronged bracts that resemble the tail and rear feet of a [[mouse]]. In a common [[Salish]] story, a long time ago, mice were running from a fire and dove into Douglas fir cones to find refuge, where they became eternally stuck.

recommends making [[tea]] or [[sun tea]] for [[hydration]]

[[infused]] [[honey]], [[infused]] [[vinegar]], [[tinctures]], and [[syrups]].

I wonder if the honey would taste too medicinal? Conversely, might be very very nice when sick.

People pickle spruce tips....