SEVEN RESIN SALVE

Based on a medieval monastic recipe, this healing and restorative salve is made with organic olive oil beeswax and seven tree resins and is an excellent all-purpose salve. 

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

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.