Tree resins are among nature’s most intriguing gifts. Prized for their scent, versatility, and symbolism, they’ve played important roles in cultures around the world. Here’s a closer look at what they are, how they are used, and some compelling types you will learn about today.
What Are Tree Resins?
Resins are aromatic substances that plants produce whenever they are injured or damaged as a defense mechanism. When exposed to air, they harden, thus providing a barrier and protecting the tree.
It’s worth noting that not all trees produce resin. Only certain ones, particularly those belonging to the Pinaceae family, make them. These include pine, fir, and spruce.
Tree resins are different from tree sap. Though both are fluids produced by trees, saps are used to transport water and nutrients throughout the tree. Also, tree resins are thick, dark, and rich, while saps are thin, watery, and have a light amber appearance.
Common Uses Of Tree Resin
These sticky substances have many uses, both in ancient and modern times:
- Incense: This is one of the most common forms of resin used in many rituals and ceremonies. When burned, resins like amber, frankincense, myrrh, and copal produce smoke that is believed to promote relaxation, cleanse energy, and provide protection.
- Natural Medicine and Healing: Resins are historically used for their anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties. They are made into tinctures, salves, and liniments used for pain relief as well as treating inflammations and minor wounds.
- Aromatherapy and Fragrance: Tree resin has a pleasantly woody, earthy, and pine-like scent that can be turned into essential oils, fragrance blends, diffusers, and massage oils. These can be blended with other ingredients and used to ease anxiety and support relaxation.
- Crafts: Varnish and lacquer can be made from tree resin, which is then applied to wood to enhance its durability and appearance. Resins are also used to make excellent adhesives.
- Household Uses: Tree resin, when used in raw or smoked form, can act as a natural repellent to insects like mosquitoes, cockroaches, and other pests.
- Skincare Products: You can also find resin in beauty products such as salves, lip balms, serums, and creams due to their skin-soothing and anti-inflammatory properties.
Use Of Tree Resin In Symbolism And Rituals
Many sacred rituals use tree resins in their ceremonies. Given their original role in protecting the tree against further damage, they’re then used to provide energetic and spiritual protection to ceremony leaders and worshippers, particularly against negative spirits. Burning plant resin is also believed to carry prayers to heaven, creating a connection between the divine and earthly realms.
Frankincense and myrrh are both famous gifts in the Christian nativity story. A mix of both is still used today in church services, symbolizing purification and sanctification. Burning copal produces smoke that is used for honoring and seeking guidance from ancestors as well as cleansing spaces.
Dragon’s blood, extracted from the dragon tree, is used for protection, cleansing, and meditation. Meanwhile, Dammar, also known as cat-eye resin, is used to lift the spirit and bring light to the soul’s darkness.
Tree Resins To Explore (And Where To Get Them)
Frankincense
This resin is collected from the Boswellia tree, which grows in the Middle East and Africa. It’s been used in traditional medicine for centuries. You can buy it in raw, powdered, or essential oil form in herbal apothecaries and online marketplaces to burn as incense or add to oil blends.
Myrrh
Myrrh is traditionally collected from trees in Somalia and Ethiopia. You can buy it in chunks, powdered form, or already infused in salves and tinctures at health stores and incense suppliers. Use it to create an incense cone or mix it with frankincense for spiritual blends.
Copal
This resin is still used in modern ceremonies in Central America. You can buy it in different forms (white, black, or gold) from botanical shops and online retailers to use in energy cleansings and rituals.
Amber
Amber is hardened, fossilized tree resin. It’s easy to cut and polish, making it a popular choice for making jewelry like amulets, necklaces, and other decorative items. You can buy it from artisan jewelers and online crystal sellers.
Dragon’s Blood
Known for its deep red color, this resin comes in raw or powder forms, and is often used in witchcraft and spellwork for invoking power and protection. It’s also used for its medicinal benefits, particularly for digestion. You can get it from occult stores and witchcraft shops.
Dammar
This resin has a light, lemony aroma that can be used in incense making. However, it’s also popularly used for creating lacquers, varnishes, and plasters as well as restoring artworks like oil paintings. You can buy it from online stores and art supply shops.
Benzoin
Known for its warm, sweet aroma, Benzoin is a favorite base for making perfumes and natural fragrances. It’s often sold in powder form or coarse blocks from aromatherapy stores and perfumery suppliers.
Elemi
Also known as Manila Elemi, this little-known resin can be found in the Philippines and Africa. It can be used as an herbal medicine for treating scars and wounds, mixed with oils for skincare, or turned into incense and burned during energy-cleansing rituals. You can get it from specialty aromatherapy shops or online spiritual supply stores.
Mastic
A product of the mastic tree, mastic has medicinal and spiritual uses. Historically, people turn to mastic gum for treating digestive problems and dental issues. When used as incense, it is said to enhance intuition and dispel mental fatigue. You can find it in Middle Eastern or Greek grocers.
Pine Resin
Produced by pine trees, this resin is said to have antiseptic properties that can help heal wounds and fight infection, making it a great addition to DIY salves and soaps. Burning it as incense can be used to invoke protection, remove evil spirits, and enhance meditation. You can find and forage it in coniferous forests or get it from wilderness supply stores.
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