As a primary substance of a tree's immune response, plant resins contain the vital, healing, life force of the plant. These sticky exudates — collected from trees and plants — have been valued for centuries in herbal traditions for their calming, healing, protective, and skin-supporting qualities. At Immaculata Herb Farm, seven resins form the basis of a handcrafted salve that’s both simple and effective: Seven Resin Salve.
What Are Tree Resins?
Tree resins are the plant's wound healing sealants — viscous, aromatic, anti-septic compounds that plants produce to protect themselves from injury or pests. Historically, resins like frankincense and myrrh have been prized for their scent and medicinal properties. In topical remedies, resins are often used for their soothing, anti-microbial, anti-inflammatory, regenerative and protective effects on skin.
Introducing Seven Resin Salve
To formulate this salve we consulted ancient texts from Dioscorides’ De Materia Medica to Byzantine iatrosophia manuscripts to medieval monastic documents to understand how resins were considered, gathered, extracted, and combined for healing in antiquity.
With gentle warmth, ethically harvested tree resins from the four corners of the earth are slowly mixed with olive oil and beeswax into a truly restorative, protective and healing salve.
These seven resins include — Manila Elemi from the province of Luzon, Philippines, Ethiopian Myrrh, Labdanum from the island of Crete, Sumatran Benzoin, Oman Frankincense, Turkish Storax and Pine resin from our farm in Southwestern, Ontario.
Together they form a fragrant oleo-resin that reminds us of purity, sanctity, prayers of the faithful, quiet offerings of gratitude, a convergence of heaven and earth, ancient sanctuary, catacombs, hope, mercy and grace.
To learn more about our process we created a “Rule of the Salve of Seven Resins”. It is as follows:
A Rule Concerning the Salve of Seven Resins
I. Of the Work and Its Spirit
Let the making of this salve be counted among the quiet works of mercy, for healing belongs to God, yet He delights to work through the hands that serve.
Let no one make it in haste or anger, for what is prepared in unrest carries unrest with it.
II. Of the Trees and Their Gift
The resins are taken from living trees, which are wounded yet endure.
Let thanks be given, for the tree yields not in death but in faithfulness.
Remember that the Cross itself was a tree, and from it came healing for the world.
These resins are gathered without violence, at proper season, and with thanksgiving, for the tree is a fellow servant of the Creator.
Olive Oil and Beeswax are added, that hardness may be softened, and that what is given may be preserved.
III. Of the Sevenfold Measure
Seven Resins - pine, frankincense, labdanum, myrrh, benzoin, storax, manila elemi - are joined, in memory of:
- The days of creation
- The winds that circle the earth
- The gifts poured out by the Spirit
As no wind blows alone, so no resin heals alone. Each resin contributes according to its nature:some cleanse, some draw, some comfort, some preserve—yet none acts alone.
IV. Of Fire, Time, and Patience
Let the fire be low and watchful.
Let the salve learn the way of warmth, not of burning.
For the old teachers say: what is forced is broken, and what is tended is strengthened.
V. Of Silence and Prayer
Let silence be kept while the salve is made, or a psalm spoken softly, as one might speak to a child or an animal in care.
No charms are spoken, but trust is placed in the Lord who formed root and resin.
VI. Of Its Use Among the People
This salve is for:
- Skin broken by labor
- Flesh cracked by cold and wind
- Skin in need of restoration
- Wounds that ask for patience
Remember that the body is not despised, for the Word himself took flesh. Therefore, to heal the body is not contrary to prayer, but its companion.
As incense sanctifies the altar, so this salve sanctifies the wound—not by itself, but by obedience to charity.
VII. Of Humility in Healing
Let no one say, “I have healed,” but rather, “I have served.”
For the Maker of bark and blood alone completes the work.
Let no one claim that healing comes from the salve alone, nor deny that God may work through it.
For grace perfects nature, and nature serves grace.
If healing is swift, give thanks. If healing is slow, persevere.
If healing does not come as hoped, trust the Lord who sees more deeply than the hand.
VIII. Of Continuity with the Old Ways
This salve stands in continuity with:
- The oil poured by the Good Samaritan
- The balm sought in Gilead
- The anointing given to the sick
- The resins offered at the altar
It is not new, but remembered.
Closing Admonition
Let this salve be made with clean hands, steady fire, and a settled heart, so that what is wounded may be comforted, and the goodness of creation returned to the Creator.
How It Works on Skin
Salves are a wonderful way to deliver plant-based care where it’s needed most. By combining plant oils with beeswax and resins, salves create a semi-solid balm that:
- Moisturizes dry or cracked skin
- Forms a protective, breathable layer
- Delivers soothing resin-derived compounds to the surface
Traditional herbal salves are made by infusing dried herbs or resin into oil, then adding beeswax to add the healing elements of beeswax as well as to solidify the mixture — a simple but effective process that’s been used for generations.
Here’s what makes this particular salve special:
Heritage-Inspired Formulation — we researched various medieval herbal texts for tree resin recipes and took inspiration from the wisdom our monastic ancestors.
Careful Craftsmanship — Small-batch production and high-quality ingredients working in synergy make this a thoughtful choice for anyone interested in natural skin care.
Part of a Broader Botanical Practice — Our farm doesn’t just make salves — we grow and wildcraft many herbs, flowers, barks and resins and make a variety of products from herbal tea and skin care to pottery, connecting product to land and tradition.
Beyond the Salve
Tree resins show up in many herbal applications — from incense to healing balms. Immaculata Herb Farm also offers pine resin incense and other resin-related products that emphasize the healing, aromatic and spiritual value of plant resin.
Final Thoughts
If you’ve ever wondered how ancient plant wisdom meets modern herbal craft, Seven Resin Salve is a great example. It’s a reminder that sometimes, the best care comes from simple, time-tested remedies rooted in nature — whether you’re tending dry skin, looking for a natural salve for everyday general use, or just curious about experiencing the luxurious feeling of applying the resin of seven different exotic trees to your skin at once, this salve is a special product made with reverence in a very small batches and is sure to please.
