If I say "wind in pine"
Will you hear it?
Only waves of air
Washing around inside you
Through limbs of trees
You planted there long ago
Or yesterday
Will deliver my words to you alive
Will carry you into
The pure wonder of wildness
Like a dry needle swept into the sky
-Garth Gilchrist
A couple weekends ago we visited some local White Pine trees and harvested resin and sap. Since tree sap is the mechanism for trees to seal wounds and protect itself from bacteria, fungus and invasion by insects, we are careful how we extract this resource. Tree sap is first and foremost for the health of the tree, so we use common sense and act conscientiously when harvesting so as not to disrupt the tree's natural protective and defensive process.
This is a sticky, sticky production to harvest. Did I mention it was sticky?
Pine resin is oil and alcohol soluble, so you can dissolve it in either oil or alcohol for salves, tinctures and other medicinal goodies. You can also use some cooking oil to clean it off your hands and tools. Just like when making soap or candles or working with beeswax, it's best to have dedicated instruments. Here I am using a pocketknife. A dull butter knife and an old mason jar also work great.
Medicinal Uses
Pine resin and sap have numerous medicinal and survival attributes. A well documented history of this plant's resin and sap was used by Native Americans. used for all manner of skin afflictions to protect & disinfect wounds and draw out impurities, including cuts, sores, skin eruptions, bruises, scabs, slivers, abscesses, and boils.
It's antimicrobial properties are antibacterial and antifungal, making it particularly helpful at fighting infection in scrapes & wounds. Herbalists utilize pine resins to stimulate topical circulation, speed healing, draw out mucous, respiratory congestion, and as a warming rub for sore muscles & painful joins.
I encourage you to do your own research and learn about how you can add pine resin into your homeopathic first-aid supply.
Pine Resin Salve
Ingredients
¼ cup pine resin
½ cup oil (olive, almond, etc.)
½ – 1 ounce beeswax, grated
Directions
- Add pine resin to oil in a simmering double boiler. Heat together on low heat until pine resin melts.
- Strain mixture through a coffee filter or strainer.
- Return to double boiler and add grated beeswax. Gently heat until mixture is melted. Pour into tins or jars and store in a cool, dark place.
Magickal Uses
Pine has as many magickal uses as it does for wound care. It is said that a pine wand or cone on your altar will ward off evil or malicious influences. If you have ever been to my home, you will know we keep several pine cones on our hearth for this purpose. Known as the Tree of Peace by the Iroquois, it can he hung in the home or over the front door to protect and bring peace, healing and joy.
Pine is an excellent plant to burn for purification, exorcism, banishing negativity, breaking hexes and attracting money. Pine oil can be added to floor washes for cleansing away negativity and to ward off illnesses.
Home & Ritual Purification
Use any combination of of tree parts,
including needles, chipped wood, cones, resin.
1 part pine
1 part cedar
1 part juniper
Burn the mixed dry ingredients together as a smudging incense
to purify and cleanse your home or ritual space.
Cleansing & Stimulating Magickal Bath
Add pine needles to a loosely-woven muslin, cotton or cheesecloth sachet or bundle and run bathwater over it and soak for twenty minutes or more.
