Pine Balsam

There are medicinal properties in the fragrance of conifers.  Ellen and James White wrote of this in the 1800’s.  "Life, life," James used to say when riding among the pines. "Breathe deep, Ellen; fill your lungs with the fragrant, life-giving atmosphere."

After living in the arid desert for a number of years it is now my privilege to live among God’s beautiful trees.  And it isn’t only the odor of the pine that is beneficial.  There are also life-giving properties in the balsam (pitch) of the pine. 

The Russians say it could provide protection against radiation damage. And in Taiwan, research showed pitch extract was effective at inhibiting streptococcus mutans. The Germans find it a very strong antiviral agent against both plant and animal viruses and a potent stimulator of the immune system.

Pitch ranges from absolutely clear to a deep dark yellow. The thin clear liquid is considered of the highest quality. It has a wonderful fresh resin scent, and if collected, processed and stored properly is a pleasant oil-based substance. I can only recommend external application.

It is effective for treating any type of skin infection – bacterial, viral or fungal. It has been used successfully for ringworm, scabies, nail fungus and infectious wounds. Also reported a success was its use on soft warts, non-healing skin ulcers, severe skin abrasions, puncture wounds, deep cuts, burns and hemorrhoids. Even gunshot wounds at some time (hopefully you will never have an opportunity for this use!) were treated successfully with pine pitch.

I have seen a 3”x5” skin tear on a colt’s back healed with nothing but pine pitch and regular cleansing. Also a man’s finger was caught and the skin and nail taken off the tip. He kept it in pine pitch until the skin grew back complete with nail! Pitch has helped heal surgical incisions (applied after 24 hours) and seems also to take the pain away, even when applied to burns.