Pine trees aren't just useful for Christmas decorations; they can also save your life.

In a survival situation, almost nothing can serve you better than the noble pine, which has been keeping wayward travelers and well-taught settlers alive for hundreds of years.

Check out how just the needles and the cones can keep you going with the video below.

It should come as no surprise that the pine cones serve as an excellent fire starter. Nearly every part of this tree is practically dripping with flammable resin, meaning that if you spy a dry pine cone upon the forest floor you should pick it up to use on your campfire later.

Before you light it up, though, be sure to double-check it for pine nuts, as these are a fat and protein-rich resource that can keep you going for quite awhile.

As for the needles, oftentimes survivors and campers will seek them out for a hot tea even if they don't need the vitamin C; it's just a hot and tasty drink that is very soothing, particularly on a cold night.

Give it a try the next time you have the opportunity to sit around the campfire.