How To Make Balsam and Pine Resin Salve
- Grace Krupkowski
- Oct 29
- 5 min read
One of my favorite wild remedies to make is a freshly foraged resin salve. Resins, in New England are often found excreting from commonly found coniferous trees. A few of these include Balsam Fir, White Pine, and Eastern Hemlock. All coniferous resins hold constituents that behave similarly in and on the body by providing anti-inflammatory, anti-microbial, and anti-fungal effects. These resins smell amazing too! This post will go into depth on how you can forage and create your own resin salve no matter where you live.
The first step in this process is foraging your resin which does take some time and patience. There are a few wild coniferous trees in New England that may be more or less abundant depending on where you live. White Pine provides resin that exudes from wounded areas. If foraging from a wounded area of a tree, please scrape from the surface, using a knife. Do not dig into the flesh of the tree. Finely gathering resin on the surface of the wounded area leaves protection for that wound. Resin is the trees bandaid, so we want to be extra mindful. I personally like to gather the partially solidified resin that is slightly squishy. It is easier to gather in larger clumps.
Balsam resin is located in small blisters that cover the entire tree trunk. These blisters provide protection and nourishment for the tree. You may puncture these blisters to release the liquified resin. You want to be mindful of how many blisters you puncture on one tree. Always diversify by obtaining resin from multiple trees.
During the late fall and winter months is when I like to teach resin foraging and salve making courses. I demonstrate how to effectively and safely remove resin from the tree. I also like to point out that the cones of these evergreens can also accumulate resin. When trees are lacking visible pockets of resin, I recommend collecting their fallen cones which are usually found scattered among the forest floor. Check the cones for white colored dried or partially goopy splotches that cover the surface.
When foraging for cones and resin, I recommend carrying a foraging basket or bag (for cone collection), a glass jar, and utility knife. After foraging the resin with your knife, gently scrape it into your glass jar/container. I suggest using glass over plastic bags/containers as they are non-toxic and easier to clean.
To make 4, 2 oz salve containers or 8, 1 oz salve containers you will need at least 1/8 cup of resin. This is approximately 2 tablespoons. If using resin from pine cones, find 3-4 medium sized cones.
Other ingredients you will need include a carrier oil of choice. I like olive oil as it is extra nourishing and the most shelf stable. You will also need beeswax. The measurement ratio required is 1 cup of oil to a 1/4 cup of beeswax.
Steps in making Resin Salve
Combine the ingredients in a simmer pot on the stovetop set to low heat, stir, and allow the beeswax and resin to melt and disperse throughout the oil.
Tip: Use beeswax pellets or a block. If using a block make sure to chop the beeswax into 1 inch long slices or cubes.
Once all the ingredients are dispersed and melted, remove pine cones if applicable, and pour melted contents into salve tins or glass jars. While pouring, strain out larger resin pieces, tree bark and bits, from the melted contents. Do this in one hand by holding a metal mesh strainer above the salve container while pouring with the other hand.
Tip: Melt and disperse resin or cone resin in the oil first over low heat then strain larger resin pieces, tree barks and bits. Combine resin infused oil with beeswax over low heat allowing it to melt in the oil then pour into salve tins or jars. This eliminates having to strain the oil while pouring into salve containers which can get messy.
Allow salve contents to harden completely. This may take up to 20 minutes or so. You can dress your salve in some pine cone pieces or needles if you'd like to add a creative flare! Always make sure to label the container with the ingredients and date made.
The salve should keep for up to a year or longer. You can tell when a salve has gone bad or lost it's medicinal viability by the scent, color or if you notice visible mold growth. Overtime, the scent can diminish from salve. Color can also begin to fade.
How to use Resin Salve
This salve can be applied for a wide spectrum of conditions ranging from occasional dryness to manifestations of eczema, psoriasis and even aches and pains in the joints. What makes this salve shine is that it's virtually essential oil free, making it safe for use with those who are sensitive to smell.
It is recommended to use about a dime size amount on a particular region of the body first then increase the amount as needed. This salve makes a great first aid remedy. It is helpful to keep in the medicine cabinet when it comes to healing wounds, preventing infection, reducing pain and inflammation. Do not use salve on open wounds.
I hope this article inspires you to get outdoors even as the days become shorter and colder! There are always fun, innovative ways to wildcraft that protect our Earth and our Being. This herbal preparation builds an innate awareness of wellness and resiliency in these uncertain times. Find solace in the medicine right outside your door and feel the warm invigorating power of conifer medicine!
Learn More About Plants: Upcoming and Ongoing Courses
Receive personalized herbal support: Herbal Wellness Consultations
Join the mailing list to stay up to date on future offerings. Click the button below!
About the Author
This article is written by Grace Krupkowski, Herbalist and Educator
Grace's innate and learned knowledge fosters a connection across many herbal traditions. In 2015 she began an exploration into the world of herbalism and plant connection which has since blossomed into a lifelong passion. Since 2020, Grace has served as an educator teaching courses in person and online. Grace also offers one on one herbal wellness consultations that encompass the whole individual, their ailments, and goals for healing and balancing the body.
Most popular are Grace's courses in plant identification, foraging, and wildcrafting. Many people gravitate towards Grace's unique perspective and personable, enthusiastic demeanor when it comes to connecting with and learning about medicinal wild plants. She has studied with Kenzie Khaliq of Wild Faith Wellness, the Boston School of Herbal Studies, California School of Herbal Studies, and is a graduate of the Family and Community Herbalist program at the Vermont Center for Integrative Herbalism.
* DISCLAIMER: This blog post does not contain medical/health advice. This information is provided for general informational and educational purposes only.
Comments