The Benefits of Pine Resin & How to Harvest It

I will never forget meeting my friend Sam (name changed to spare them any embarrassment), a budding herbalist radiating excitement and curiosity about the wonders of the natural world. One of the first stories Sam shared with me was their experience with Pine resin. After learning about its powerful healing properties – Pine is known for its antiseptic and anti-inflammatory benefits – Sam couldn’t wait to try it out. 

One sunny afternoon, armed with enthusiasm and a small butter knife, they ventured into the woods in search of a Pine tree. Spotting a tree dripping with sticky resin, Sam excitedly scraped some off and applied it directly to a rash on their arm, hopeful for relief. After all, this is exactly how the ancients used Pine resin for thousands of years.

But to their dismay, the experience didn’t go as planned. The resin was far too sticky and clung to their skin like glue, creating more irritation and frustration than comfort. Sam discovered that while the raw resin held immense potential, it wasn’t the most practical solution for topical use. Worry set in as they realized the resin was too gooey, refusing to wash off and leaving behind an irritated patch of skin that felt even worse than before.

For centuries, Pine resin has been cherished for its remarkable healing properties. Now, these natural benefits are made even more accessible through the creation of Pine resin salve. By infusing the resin into carrier oils and blending it with beeswax, this soothing remedy offers all the benefits without any extra aggravation. 

In this blog article, we’ll explore the vast health benefits of Pine resin and how it has been traditionally used as both an aromatic medicine and topical healing remedy for ages. We’ll also guide you through the process of how to harvest Pine resin sustainably and ethically. Plus, we’ll divulge some expert tips about working with this tricky substance, like how to remove sticky Pine resin from tools and hands and how to use Pine resin for incense. Let’s dive in!

First things first: sap and resin are two very different things! The terms sap and resin are often used interchangeably, but they refer to different substances with distinct properties and functions in trees. Sap is a watery fluid that circulates through the tree, carrying nutrients and water from the roots to the leaves and moving sugars produced during photosynthesis back down to the rest of the tree. Sap is mostly made up of water, sugars, and minerals, and common examples include Maple sap (used to make maple syrup) and Birch sap.

Tree resin, on the other hand, is a thick, sticky substance secreted only by certain trees, particularly conifers like Pine, Fir, and Spruce, as a protective mechanism. When the tree is injured (such as from a broken branch or insect attack), the resin is secreted to seal the wound and protect against pathogens, fungi, and insects. The resin acts as a natural band-aid, protecting the tree from harm and helping heal the wound. Common examples of tree resin include Pine resin, Frankincense, and Myrrh. 

Pine resin, also accurately called pitch, is thick and viscous when it’s fresh, but over time, it hardens from air exposure, forming a tough, protective layer on the tree. Pine resin is rich in volatile oils, terpenes, and various organic compounds, contributing to its distinctive robust, fresh piney scent. This tree resin has a long history of use in herbal medicine, aromatherapy, and topical skin care applications.

Just as Pine resin seals and heals a tree’s damaged bark, it works similarly on human skin, promoting the healing of wounds. Thanks to its potent antiseptic, antibacterial, and anti-inflammatory properties, Pine resin helps heal skin abrasions quickly, supporting the body’s natural healing process and reducing the risk of infection – all while soothing irritation. This makes it an excellent ingredient in natural salves for addressing minor wounds, cuts, scrapes, burns, and skin irritations.

Pine is widely celebrated for its ability to soothe a variety of skin conditions and injuries – even providing relief from pain and inflammation. In addition to its remarkable first-aid capabilities when made into salves and herbal-infused oils, Pine has long been used for arthritis, rheumatism, acne, eczema, psoriasis, and more. Many cultures have traditionally used Pine resin on wounds to prevent infection; speed up healing; and even draw out impurities, thanks to its sticky, adhesive properties. The renowned Pine resin salve is a timeless all-purpose remedy for countless skin ailments and topical troubles.

To many Native Americans and First Nations peoples, Pine has been an important tree that has resembled wisdom and longevity for ages. Many tribes have long used the resin and needles of Pine for spiritual and physical protection. Pine resin helps cleanse and purify the air when burned, reducing the amount of pathogens in the atmosphere, thanks to its antiseptic properties. Pine is also considered to be energetically cleansing, grounding, and purifying.

Pine is renowned for its airy and clarifying presence. The invigorating aroma of Pine has been historically associated with uplifting mood, boosting mental clarity, and purification. In many cultures, burning Pine resin or using Pine as aromatic medicine is thought to cleanse the mind of intrusive thoughts, circular thinking, and negative patterns that no longer serve a purpose. The crisp, refreshing essence of Pine is believed to uplift the spirit, offering clarity of thought and a renewed sense of purpose.

The aroma of Pine is also well-known and utilized for its benefits to the respiratory system. Native American cultures traditionally use Pine as herbal steam and incense for soothing respiratory issues, including relieving asthma and bronchitis, clearing the sinuses, and addressing respiratory infections. Fumes from the burning pitch are also commonly inhaled for head colds, coughs, earaches, and more. Today, many cough drops and syrups are made using Pine extract for their ability to open the lungs, improve breathing, fight bacterial infections, and clear congestion.

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Burning Pine resin for incense is different from lighting a stick or cone because resins don't burn well on their own and need a consistent heat source to release their aromatic compounds effectively. Incense sticks and cones contain combustible materials that allow them to burn steadily once ignited, but Pine resin is too dense and sticky to burn in the same way. It requires a higher, continuous heat to release its rich, vibrant scent.

That’s where incense charcoal comes in. Charcoal disks are specifically designed for resins; once lit, they hold a steady, intense heat, creating the right environment for the resin to smolder and release its scent. The heat from the charcoal allows the resin to vaporize and disperse into the air slowly, resulting in a more controlled and sustained aroma.

There are two main types of incense charcoal: self-igniting charcoal and natural incense charcoal. While self-igniting charcoal is widely available and easy to use, it contains chemicals like saltpeter that help it ignite quickly. These chemicals can alter the natural aroma of the incense and may pose health risks with long-term use. We recommend using natural incense charcoal made from hardwoods like bamboo or coconut shells.  

The 2 most common mistakes people make when burning resins are using too high of a temperature and burning them for too long. These mishaps can alter the incense aromas and reduce their effectiveness as aromatic medicine. Overheating or prolonged burning can lead to charring, which not only introduces an unpleasant burnt smell but also releases excessive smoke. To preserve the natural aromas and benefits, it’s crucial to control the heat exposure, allowing the incense to burn slowly, and to understand the optimal burn time for each resin.

To learn more about the best way to burn incense resin, click here to read about the Incense Charcoal Ash Method.

With the wide distribution of Pine species spanning across the globe, chances are you’ll find some varieties growing in your local environment. However, it’s important to recognize that not all Pine species are commonly used for aromatic medicine, and proper identification is crucial before using any part of the tree. 

Many conifers have similar appearances – and some, like the Yew tree (Taxus spp.), are toxic. The most commonly used Pine species for aromatic preparations include Eastern White Pine (Pinus strobus), Ponderosa Pine (Pinus ponderosa), Scots Pine (Pinus sylvestris), and Pinyon/Piñon Pine (Pinus cembroides). 

To minimize harm to both the tree and its ecosystem, it’s important to use ethical and sustainable wild harvesting methods. Gather only what you need, ensuring that nothing goes to waste. Proper identification is key – not only for safety but also to ensure you’re not unnecessarily harvesting plants that won’t be used. A good tree identification guidebook, particularly one with clear color illustrations and comprehensive regional information, is an invaluable tool for this. When in doubt about the identity of a plant species, it’s safest to avoid harvesting altogether and consult with a professional.

Before harvesting, take a moment to observe the surrounding area. Don’t harvest from a tree that appears stressed or unhealthy, and ensure that the species is abundant in the area. Rather than taking large amounts from a single tree, gather small amounts from several trees, much like pruning to promote the tree’s long-term health. Always aim to harvest in a way that encourages the tree’s future growth without causing harm.

When collecting Pine resin, remember that it serves as the tree's natural defense mechanism, so it’s important not to take too much. Look for resin that has naturally fallen to the ground or that has flowed away from a damaged area of the tree. Remember: removing resin directly from a fresh wound on the tree is like ripping off its band-aid, which can leave the tree vulnerable. 

Following these important steps to care for our natural world helps to ensure that the trees thrive and live long healthy lives. Tree resin is a precious gift from nature, and it’s our responsibility to honor it by showing the Earth the respect it deserves.

To collect Pine resin, you will need a butter knife or spoon and a small glass container or foil for storage. After you’ve located and positively identified a Pine tree, and confirmed that you can harvest sustainably, begin to gently scrape the resin off with the knife or spoon, without cutting into the tree. Ensure you leave enough resin for the tree to heal properly.

In colder weather, it may be hard enough to simply break off, rather than scrape. Harder, older resin can be easily stored in a designated glass container that you don’t mind getting a little resin on. If you harvest fresher, stickier resin, you can use foil to help collect it. You can either use it right away to make a salve or if you’d like to burn it as incense, allow it to dry for several weeks up to a few months before use.

Removing Pine resin from objects and hands can be tough due to its sticky and stubborn nature. Many people try to wash off resin using the typical soap and water method, only to realize it doesn’t work. The reason? Resin isn’t water-soluble. In fact, this is exactly why resin has been traditionally used to waterproof objects – it repels water rather than dissolving in it.

So, how do you remove resin from things? Many substances besides water can be used, including oil and alcohol. Apply vegetable oil or rubbing alcohol to the affected area, let it sit and absorb for a couple of minutes, then scrub the resin off using a cloth or paper towel. Then, you can clean the surface with soap and water afterward to remove any alcohol or oily residue. 

Because we harvest tree resin frequently, we prefer to use a dedicated glass jar for storage and the same harvesting knife rather than cleaning it after every use. However, it’s always helpful to know how to clean your hands after a harvest!

Pine resin is a remarkable gift from nature – a substance steeped in history, healing, and ritual. From its antiseptic and anti-inflammatory properties to its grounding and clarifying aroma, it connects us to the ancient wisdom of trees and their aromatic medicine. Sam’s story reminds us that while the natural world offers profound remedies, understanding and preparation are key to unlocking their full potential.

By transforming raw Pine resin into aromatic applications like salves and incense, we honor its heritage while making it accessible for modern use. In doing so, we forge a deeper connection with the earth, learning to harvest sustainably, respect the trees, and embrace the countless benefits this versatile resin provides. Whether soothing skin, purifying the air, or uplifting the spirit, Pine resin is a timeless treasure – a bridge between tradition and the present, cultivating a profound connection with the natural world.

Try harvesting your own Pine resin and let us know how it goes! 

Don’t live near Pine trees? No worries – you can purchase sustainably harvested Pine resin to work with by clicking here.

Article Written By Melissa Szaro

© 2025 The Northwest School of Aromatic Medicine. All rights reserved.

*The statements above have not been evaluated by the FDA, and are for educational purposes only. This article is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. This article should not be taken as medical advice. Please consult your physician before you use this information for health purposes.