Canada Tree Resins: A Complete Foraging & Usage Guide
Pine • Spruce • Fir • Tamarack • Balsam Poplar
A 14-page downloadable PDF from Kootenay Wildcrafting
Walk through any conifer forest in British Columbia and you'll see it—golden droplets catching the light, clinging to bark like amber jewels. Tree resin is one of the most accessible and underappreciated medicines of the northern forest. It is the tree's own immune response, its way of sealing wounds and defending against infection. When we harvest ethically, we get to borrow that healing intelligence for our own skin.
This guide covers everything you need to know to identify, harvest, and transform resin into safe, effective home medicine.
Inside this 25-page guide you will find:
Ethical Harvesting Preface: A deep exploration of the Honourable Harvest principles as they apply to resin. Includes the golden rule that can never be stated enough: Never wound a tree to harvest. Only collect what the tree has already exuded naturally.
What Is Resin?: The science behind tree resin—terpenes, resin acids, and why the tree produces it. Plus a clarification of common terms (resin vs. sap vs. pitch vs. oleo-resin).
The Resin Families of Canada: Detailed profiles of five major resin-producing species, including:
Pine (Lodgepole, Ponderosa, White Pine): The heavy lifter—powerful drawing agent, antiseptic, circulation booster
Spruce (Engelmann, White Spruce, Black Spruce): The gentle specialist—anti-fungal, analgesic, ideal for sensitive skin
Fir (Subalpine, Grand, Balsam): The first responder—liquid bandage, potent expectorant, stress relief
Tamarack / Larch: The hidden healer—traditional boreal medicine for wounds and arthritis
Balsam Poplar / Black Cottonwood: The sticky spring medicine—pain-relieving buds rich in salicin
Harvesting and Processing Guidelines: When to harvest each resin, how to collect without harming the tree, and step-by-step instructions for cleaning and storing.
Traditional Uses & Modern Research: A survey of Indigenous applications across Canada (Cree, Dene, Coast Salish, Ojibwe, Mi'kmaq) alongside peer-reviewed studies validating antimicrobial, anti-fungal, anti-inflammatory, wound healing, and analgesic properties.
The Common Question Answered: "Can I use resin straight from the tree?" Yes—for minor first aid. But here's why infused oils and salves are better for your home apothecary.
Four Complete Recipes:
All-Purpose Drawing Salve (pine resin for splinters, thorns, infections)
Forest Lip Balm (spruce resin for chapped winter lips)
First Aid Chest Rub (fir resin for coughs and congestion)
Simple Resin-Infused Oil (a base preparation for custom blending)
Troubleshooting: What to do when things go wrong—too hard, too soft, crystallization, mold.
Safety, Storage & Shelf Life: Detailed guidance on shelf life (1-2 years for salves), storage conditions, and important safety considerations.
Quick Reference Charts: Resin personalities at a glance, key constituents and their actions, and a harvest-season quick reference.
This is a free resource. No opt-ins, no payment information required. Just honest information to help you work with the forest's oldest medicine.
IMPORTANT DISCLAIMER: This guide is for educational purposes only. The information provided herein is based on traditional uses, historical research, and published studies. It is not intended as medical advice, diagnosis, prescription, or treatment for any physical or mental ailment. These statements have not been evaluated by Health Canada or the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. Always consult with a qualified healthcare practitioner before using any herbal preparation.
You should consult with a qualified healthcare practitioner before using any herbal products, particularly if you are pregnant, nursing, or on any medications.
All information on this website is for educational purposes ONLY.
This information has not been evaluated by Health Canada.
This information is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.
Customer Reviews
Overall rating: 4.9 / 5 from 1303 reviews.
My word. How have I existed before Kootenay Woman goodness? You can see the swelling in my feet and this devils club balm is the bomb. But then, I tried the Matriarch. I am immense leg/joint issues and use a cane often but this balm, it’s my new superpower. It heals all the pain and inflammation and I can walk! Both are highly recommended- absolutely incredible stuff ♥️
A wonderful experience buying from Kootenay Wildcrafting for the first time. Everything was very well packaged, and the products are fantastic. Can't wait to try more things!
Once again in love with my amazing treasures from Sarah.
The Neroli balm is my absolute favorite. The delicious smell is happiness in a har!
All her tallow balms are so rich and just feel amazing.
I can't wait to try all the others.
Thank you for the lovely handwritten note and the extra goodies!
The hot chocolate is delicious.
The bath soak was wonderful.
Definitely a customer for life.
If you've been thinking about trying something, stop hesitating and go for it.
You won't be disappointed!!
Thank you Sarah :)
Oh my goodness! The hand written note. The gift of other items to promote sacred reciprocity (a concept that I had been chatting with a friend about the day before). Beautiful packaging. And… the balms I ordered are divine. They smell sooooo good and feel wonderful on my skin. Thank you Sarah.
I am so gratitude to have found this beautiful company ! The products are heaven sent 🤗 seriously ! I have been using these since they arrived about 10 days ago, my skin has NEVER felt so hydrated, bright and so soft. I will be using them exclusively moving forward. If you are unsure to purchase - push the button I can guarantee you will not be disappointed. I am so happy your add appeared on Instagram! Thank u Sara 🤗
Loving everything I have received. Everything comes beautifully and securely wrapped.
The Neroli is amazing; the smell is sunshine in a jar. It goes on so smoothly and skin instantly feels and looks nourished.
From the handwritten thank you card, the carefully packaged items to the amazing goodness inside...these products have it all.
Thank you, Sarah.
I am so grateful for the nourishing tallows I ordered, which were very needed for my dry summer skin. They are rejuvenating and lightly scented. The annatto seed is my favourite! The nourish box came with some delicious teas that I look forward to both starting and finishing my day with. Also included a beautiful facial oil and dried sage. I cannot wait to see what forged gifts the fall brings!!
Sarah's orders are always a great treat to receive - the teas, balms, ans powders have become a daily ritual.
She is extremely passionate about what she does, does it in a very caring way.
Orders are personally and beautifully packaged and container hand written thank you notes and ALWAYS kind bonus items. This is how I discovered the awesome power of the Tallow balms which I use morning and night.
I truly appreciate Sarah given her generosity of spirit and "paying it forward" mantra, and her products reflect these ideals.
What went from an initial order of Fireweed tea has blossomed into a plethora of items which I cherish.
Thank you Sarah!!!
This is a beautiful salve.Feels healing and the fragrance makes you feel as if you are in the forest.It might feel a bit oily at first but it absorbs quickly .Im using this and the matriarch balm as anti inflammatories and they work well.Do yourself a favour and support this cottage company..this lady knows her stuff 💜
I have only used this salve a couple of times and so far so good!
The extra items that Sarah chose to send me are absolutely incredible! The face oil has the most amazing fresh, orangey smell! Perks me right up in the morning.
I cannot wait to try the bath salt/soak and the rhodiola hot chocolate! Thank you, Sarah! You are so thoughtful and a wonderful stewardess of these lands and resources. I will be back and recommend to everyone!
Buy from this very special small batch company..you will not be disappointed.The balms are smooth and go on beautifully..I had hurt my ankle just before my order arrived and devils club is so healing!
I will purchase again…and again.
Oh…and some very nice appreciation gives and a hand written note..,lovely l💜
During the summer, I get fungal rashes under my breasts, and sometimes in my pitts - the Usnea & Wildwood Resin Balm works to heal and prevent like a hot d@mn! Highly recommend it - I also am using it on the eczema I get on my foot instep - seems to be working there too - kudos and thank you for making such a great product that even smells wonderful 😊
I wanted to wait at least a month before writing a review so I could give this tallow a fair shake as far as assessing how it worked for me. I'm pretty lucky and don't have many skin issues, just general combination, but I did have quite a few closed comedones especially on my cheeks, which gave me a bit of a bumpy texture. I started using the blue tansy tallow at night, and it was the final piece of the puzzle for my skin care routine. Those comedones are GONE.
That's 50 year-old skin in that picture, and it's dewy and smooth in a way it hasn't been in years. Truly phenomenal product and I love that it's from BC.
This is the most delicious healthy hot chocolate I’ve had. I love the fact that it is unsweetened and you can add sweetener if you wish. I used 1-1/2 teaspoons of the mix without any sweetener and it still was delicious! Who knew that hot chocolate could actually be good for you?
wonderful box of products all pure and clean.Well packed with my purchases gifts from kooteny woman, information on products and a lovely thank-you note..
This balm is the BOMB! I bought it for a plain deodorant but found so many more uses for it! I put it on my itchy skin, hives and even trying it on toenail fungus. (Not sure how this is working yet but will keep you posted)
I had a spot of acne under my nose and yesterday evening I applied the balm and today, it’s gone! I just wish I took a before picture but just have the after. What kind of sorcery is this balm? Even acne medication doesn’t work this fast!
Also a little goes a long way. I am totally impressed with this balm and can’t wait to try out the other ones!
This underarm balm is just the right consistency for application, there is no irriation to my armpits, and it smells fantastic! It worked well into my day.
Sarah makes the most incredible balms and salves! I've been using them on my son's knee since his surgery and it's made the biggest difference in his recovery. Sarah also included a few lovely gifts in the package I ordered and sent the sweetest thank you card as well. I'll definitely be ordering more products in the future. She's amazing!
Smooth and silky feeling going on, absorbs quickly and has a subtle forest scent. It lasts a surprisingly long time (24 hours!) before needing to re-apply. And just a little dab is needed!
I love the smell and it's easy to apply as the texture is more soft than most balms. I didn't know it was working at first, because other products I've tried usually feel very warm or cold. This balm felt mild on my skin but it did releive the pain, without a strong smell. I also like the all natural ingredients and the fact it's hand made and harvested. Most store bought balms are petroleum based. I love to read the emails of how the herbs are harvested from the forest, it brings back memories from my childhood. I would buy from this company again.
This roller is fast absorbing and the scent is light and very pleasant. I have very sensitive skin and I have had no issues with this roller, in fact my skin is loving it. I would highly recommend this roller to anyone who is overworked, tired, or just needing a little extra personal care; you will be happy that you tried this.
I am the PR rep for Burdock & Co in Vancouver. Every year, Chef Andrea Carlson creates a spring resin menu, using pine and Douglas fir resin extractions. Also cottonwood buds. This guide was extremely helpful for my research. It helped me (neither a chef, nor herbalist) understand the traditional uses for resin and the differences between trees.
This is only 2 weeks in - I will take progress pics as the summer goes on when I spend a lot of time outside. So far, I’m loving the products! Light, fresh and it smells awesome!
This is my first experience using tallow as a moisturizer. At first, it feels greasy but spreads so easily all over your skin. It's also quick-absorbing so the greasy feeling goes away right away. So far I love all the tins I ordered and will be ordering more when I start running low.
This is an excellent oil. Both my husband and I can feel and see a difference using it. This is only available as the gift you choose when you make an order.
I wish it was for sale but I understand the gift message. So happy I found kootenay Woman!
I was pleasantly surprised to see a handwritten thank-you note, it was so nice! And then I got some beautiful free gifts, a lavender balm, hot chocolate and some beautiful smelling bath salts that I used right away. I use bath salts frequently,so it was nice to try some from this company. I've used one of the balms, the warm one and I found it worked very well. I didn't think it was doing anything at first because other products I used you feel it kinda burn or get cold. But all I felt was no pain,so it's working ! The balm smells nice and was easy to apply, as it is quit soft.
I enjoy reading about their trips to the forest,as I also grew up in a forest but living in the city now. I have taken an interest in foraging and natural healing as well,so I've been learning all I can. Thank you for sharing your knowledge and experiences,I enjoy reading them.
The texture of the balm is smooth and silky, the scent is a rich rose reminiscent of wild roses found while out for a lovely afternoon walk.
I have sensitive skin and my skin is loving this balm, I am using it on my face, elbows, knees, and chest. My skin feels nourished and softer after just one week.
I was looking for an “all natural” skin routine for my aging skin online and came across the Kootenay Woman. I try to use all natural products as much as possible. After doing some research and reviews on her products, and with my knowledge of natural Tallow and Frankincense, I knew this was gonna be my new skin routine. It was easy to navigate Sarah’s website, and easy to order online. It came in the cutest natural packaging with the sweetest extras that Sarah included to try.
I love the product, the gentle smell it has and after a few weeks of use, my skin is so clean and soft. Thank you Sarah!🤗
Got the package of goodies this week and these are some of the most beautiful products I've bought in a long time. They feel very potent and crafted with care. I've been using the salve and the balm every single day since receiving and noticed such a difference. Really feeling the plants. So grateful. Thank you.
I'm already thinking about doing another order to then gift to dear friends.
Another jar of home-made Elderberry Syrup with an extra kick since it’s made from the Immune Sentinel Syrup Kit. High in antioxidants and vitamin C. The best immune support and absolutely delicious.
Oh My Goodness!!! I received my parcel today, and can I just say how absolutely pleased and delighted with the care and love Sarah put into my order!!!
Thank you soooo much for the amazing gifts you chose, did you know that the Sunrise Facial Oil was something I wanted to try?
This is a big deal, and why I chose to support small businesses. The level of care and generosity is amazing. Thank you again 🌿💚