
There’s something very magical about tree resins. These golden, aromatic droplets are born from a tree’s natural healing process – a protective substance that seals wounds, guards against infection, and ensures survival. But what’s truly remarkable is how this natural process mirrors our own healing potential. The very same resins that protect trees also hold profound benefits for us, offering their soothing, restorative properties in a way that beautifully symbolizes the deep, undeniable connection between humans and nature.
For centuries, ancient cultures recognized the profound power held within resins from trees, weaving them into their medicinal practices and spiritual traditions. These sacred substances were prized for their ability to heal, protect, and connect the physical and the divine. Yet, resins are far from mere relics of history—they remain vibrant, powerful tools that can transform your practice today.
Whether you’re an herbalist, a perfumer, or an incense enthusiast, tree resins open the door to a world of endless possibilities. Their rich, evocative aromas can transport you to sacred spaces, their potent medicinal properties can soothe and restore, and their creative versatility offers limitless inspiration. But for all their allure, working with resins isn’t without its challenges. Sticky, tricky, and occasionally temperamental, they require a bit of patience and understanding. But here’s the thing—every challenge they present can be overcome, and with a little wisdom, these natural wonders can become one of the most rewarding materials in your toolkit.
In this article, we’ll dive into the fascinating world of tree resins, uncovering what they are, where they come from, and the rich history behind them. We’ll explore the diverse ways resins from trees can be used, from healing and aromatic arts to creative practices, while also addressing common challenges. Get ready to unlock the secrets of tree resins and invite them to inspire your creativity, deepen your connection to nature, and open doors to healing and aromatic arts you may never have imagined.

What is Tree Resin?
One of the most common misconceptions is that sap and resin are the same thing. While they are both secretions from trees, they are two very different substances. All trees produce sap to some extent – a thin, watery, slightly amber-colored substance vital for transporting water and nutrients throughout the tree. Composed primarily of sugar and water, sap is often collected using buckets and spiles, as seen in the production of maple syrup from the sap of maple trees.
Tree resin, however, is a completely different substance. Often referred to as “pitch,” resin is thicker, stickier, and darker than sap. Unlike sap, resin is produced exclusively by certain species of conifer and evergreen trees. Resin forms in specialized cells within the tree’s bark or trunk and plays a critical role in the tree’s defense. When a tree is wounded—whether from a broken branch or an insect attack—it secretes resin to seal the injury, protecting itself from pathogens, fungi, and insects.
Acting like a natural band-aid, resin closes the wound and shields the tree while it heals. Common examples of resins from trees include Pine resin, Copal, Dragon’s Blood, Elemi, Frankincense, and Myrrh, each renowned for its unique properties and uses. This remarkable substance is both a testament to a tree’s resilience and a gift from nature, offering us its protective and healing qualities. It's truly fascinating and beautiful that the resin trees produce as a protective, healing mechanism can also serve to protect and heal us.

The History of Resins from Trees
The use of tree resins dates back thousands of years, deeply intertwined with human history. In ancient cultures, resins were considered sacred substances, revered for their ability to connect the earthly and the divine. From their use in religious rituals to their role in aromatic medicine and arts, resins have been prized across continents and cultures for their powerful properties.
One of the earliest recorded uses of resins comes from ancient Egypt, where they were integral to both spiritual and practical life. Frankincense and Myrrh, two of the most well-known resins, were used as sacred temple incense in rituals to create aromatic clouds of smoke believed to carry prayers to the gods. These resins were also essential in embalming practices, where their antimicrobial properties helped preserve those who had passed and prepare them for the afterlife. Resins were also incorporated into religious ceremonies, medicine, perfume, anointing oils, and even cosmetics. The Egyptians valued these substances so highly that they often weighed them alongside gold.
In the Americas, Indigenous cultures have long embraced tree resins for both spiritual and practical purposes. In North America, conifer resins from trees like Pine, Fir, and Cedar play a vital role in traditional smudging ceremonies, where their aromatic smoke is used to purify spaces and dispel negative energy. Beyond their spiritual significance, these resins have been valued for their therapeutic properties, supporting lung health, boosting immunity, and aiding in the healing of topical skin issues.
In South America, resins like Copal and Palo Santo have been deeply woven into cultural practices. Copal, revered for its spiritual qualities, is still central to sweat lodges and rituals such as Dia de los Muertos (Day of the Dead) in Mexico, where its fragrant smoke is believed to guide the spirits of the departed to the afterlife. Another notable resin, Dragon’s Blood—known as Sangre de Drago—has been a cornerstone of traditional medicine in Mexico, Peru, Ecuador, and beyond. Renowned for its wound-healing properties, it has been traditionally used for both topical healing and as an aromatic incense resin for generations.
These ancient stories barely scratch the surface of the countless ways tree resins have been used across cultures and centuries, highlighting their enduring significance as both sacred and healing gifts from nature.

Why Tree Resins Are Important
Tree resins are a complex blend of organic compounds, including terpenes, essential oils, and resin acids, with their exact composition varying based on the species of tree. Terpenes are volatile compounds responsible for the aromatic qualities of resins, with a wide range of fragrances, from sweet and balsamic to earthy and piney. They also have antiseptic, anti-inflammatory, and antimicrobial properties, which contribute to the resin's ability to protect the tree from pathogens.
Tree resins also contain resin acids, organic acids that are key to the resin’s thick, sticky texture, as well as essential oils, which are concentrated plant oils with aromatic and therapeutic properties. These oils add to the resin’s fragrance and medicinal benefits. Depending on the species, resins may also contain sugars, phenolic compounds, and other natural substances that give resins their unique properties, including antimicrobial, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory effects. In essence, tree resins are a combination of natural plant substances that serve multiple purposes: protecting the tree, aiding in healing, and offering powerful therapeutic and aromatic benefits.
Tree Resin Uses & Benefits
Tree resins serve diverse purposes, from practical applications and therapeutic benefits to their role in spiritual ceremonies and more. Let’s explore the countless ways they can be utilized. With all of these avenues, imagine the possibilities resins could bring to your own healing and creative practices…

Tree Resin Uses in Aromatic Medicine
Tree resins have been used for centuries in aromatic medicine for their therapeutic benefits, addressing physical, mental, and emotional health. Many tree resins are traditionally used for respiratory and inflammatory conditions, helping to soothe coughs, colds, and congestion. Some resins, like Pine, have powerful antimicrobial and antiviral properties, making them valuable tools for boosting immunity. Additionally, resins from trees like Frankincense and Myrrh can support emotional and mental well-being, enhancing meditation and focus, while also grounding the mind to help reduce stress and anxiety.
Tree resins can be burned as incense, steam-distilled into essential oils for aromatherapy, or infused into oils, balms, and other herbal remedies. Many resins possess natural antiseptic and anti-inflammatory properties, making them helpful for addressing wounds, cuts, and skin irritations.
Tree Resin Uses in Natural Incense
Tree resins can be burned as incense on natural incense charcoal to promote physical, mental, emotional, or spiritual well-being, as well as to create sacred spaces and elevate meditation or rituals. Resin incense can be used on its own or blended into custom creations, crafting multi-layered scents that evoke a range of moods and intentions. The art of working with resins for incense is a delicate practice, requiring both knowledge and practice to fully harness their aromatic and healing potential.

Tree Resin Uses in Herbalism
Many tree resins, such as Pine, Myrrh, and Frankincense, possess potent antiseptic, antimicrobial, and anti-inflammatory properties. These resins are commonly infused into carrier oils, salves, balms, creams, and poultices to promote wound healing from cuts, scrapes, and burns, and alleviate skin irritations. The topical application forms a natural barrier, protecting the skin and accelerating the healing process.
Some tree resins are safe for consumption and can be extracted into tinctures, which are concentrated herbal extracts made by soaking the resin in alcohol or another solvent. These tinctures are commonly taken internally to address various health issues, including respiratory problems, digestive concerns, and infections. For instance, Myrrh tincture is frequently used to soothe sore throats and support digestive and oral health.
Tree Resin Uses in Beauty Products
Many tree resins are renowned for their skin-healing properties and have natural antiseptic, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant qualities helpful for addressing skin issues like acne, eczema, and psoriasis. Resins can help soothe irritated skin, promote healing, and reduce redness and swelling. Frankincense, in particular, is known for its ability to rejuvenate aging skin and reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.
Tree Resin Uses in Natural Perfumery
Tree resins play a crucial role in natural perfumery, valued for their rich, deep, and often complex scents, as well as their ability to act as fixatives, helping fragrances last longer. Fixatives help stabilize and prolong the longevity of the fragrance by slowing down the evaporation of more volatile ingredients. Benzoin, for example, is often used to extend the scent of lighter notes, allowing the perfume to linger longer on the skin.
In natural perfumery, tree resins are commonly used as base notes due to their rich, grounding qualities. Resins like Frankincense, Myrrh, and Labdanum have deep, balsamic, and sometimes sweet or spicy scents that form the foundation of many fragrances. These resins provide depth and warmth, creating a lasting impression in the perfume’s overall composition.
The Challenges of Working with Resins
Due to the inherently sticky nature of tree resins, working with them can be, well, a bit of a sticky situation. If you’ve ever tried grinding resin in a mortar and pestle to incorporate it into an incense blend, chances are you’ve ended up with a mess that’s more tacky than you’d like. Trust me, we’ve all been there, and it’s part of the resin experience.
Another challenge of working with resins is their solubility. You can’t simply brew up a resin tea. Resin is not water-soluble; in fact, it’s water-resistant, which is precisely why it has historically been used to waterproof objects. Rather than dissolving in water, it repels it. When working with resins, you’ll find that some are best extracted in oil, while others work more effectively in alcohol. The extraction method and solvent depend on the unique chemical composition of each tree’s resin, making it crucial to understand the properties of the specific resin you're working with.
Additionally, some tree resins come from endangered species, so it’s vital to source them responsibly. Be sure to do your research and choose ethically harvested, sustainable resins to ensure that you’re not contributing to the depletion of these precious natural resources.
While these challenges can seem daunting, each one holds a solution. Resins may require patience and a bit of practice, but the rewards they bring—whether in healing, beauty, or aromatherapy—are absolutely worth the effort! With the proper knowledge and intention, you’ll soon be working with resins like a seasoned pro.

Why Resins Deserve a Place in Your Practice
These remarkable gifts from the trees have journeyed with us through time, offering their protection, therapeutic benefits, and inspiring aromas for centuries. Whether used in ancient rituals, modern wellness practices, or the aromatic arts, tree resins continue to resonate with us on a deep, spiritual level, bridging the sacred into the everyday. From their power to heal physical wounds to their ability to soothe the soul, resins remain a testament to the enduring relationship between humanity and nature.
While they may present a few challenges along the way, the rewards they offer are immeasurable. With patience, practice, and respect for these ancient treasures, you can unveil their full potential in your own life. Resins unlock a world of healing, creativity, and connection to nature. From ancient rituals to modern practices, they have stood the test of time for a reason.
Stay tuned next week as we dive into the topic of incorporating resins into your practice with hands-on methods and techniques. Dive deeper, experiment, and bring the magic of resins into your life! The journey has just begun, and the possibilities are endless.
Article Written By Melissa Szaro

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*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.