Effect of tree resins

Each tree contains antibacterial, fungicidal and antiseptic substances. Especially the resins of coniferous trees and the acids in the cells and pathways of the wood can be mentioned in this context. These resins and acids protect the tree from parasites and pathogens and they clean its wounds (see Erwin Thoma & Maximilian Moser, pages 41 - 49).

Resins come through resin channels to the surface of the tree trunks and have mainly a protective and healing function. If the tree is damaged externally, the resin takes over a repair function and seals wounds and cracks etc.

Ants, interestingly enough, build many balls of spruce resin into their nests. It can be up to 20 kilograms per construction. Scientific studies have shown that significantly fewer pathogens (fungi, bacteria, etc.) develop in ant nests with resin than in those without resin. (see Erwin Zürcher, page 147).

In European folk medicine, tree resin (spruce resin/larch resin/cedar resin/mastics etc.) is used for the treatment of abrasions, inflamed gums, periodontitis, colds, coughs as well as digestive disorders etc. (See also www.waldkaugummi.ch). It is said that small amounts of dried resin chewed in the mouth have a disinfectant effect and positively influence the course of a flu.

Further studies have surprisingly shown that the ingredients of resins have a positive effect not only on the tree itself, but also on people who ingest them, especially on the digestive system. It has been proven that the volatile resin substances have an anti-inflammatory effect when combined with oxygen. This finding has prompted the Japanese health authorities to propagate forest therapy or forest bathing. More than fifty so-called forest-therapeutic paths have been created in Japan in recent years (see Erwin Zürcher, pages 145 - 146).

Even the bees collect resin from the trees, enrich it with beeswax and other components and use this sticky mass to seal cracks and joints in the beehive to protect against bacteria, fungi and viruses. This resin mass is called propolis or often also putty resin. Many people appreciate Propolis because of its antibacterial and antibiotic effect (see David Gerstmeier and Tobias Miltenberger, pages 128 - 129).

Literature:

David Gerstmeier und Tobias Miltenberger, Ökologische Bienenhaltung. Die Orientierung am Bien. Kosmos Verlag 2018

Erwin Thoma & Maximilian Moser, Die Sanfte Medizin der Bäume. Gesund leben mit altem und neuem Wissen. Servus Verlag 2014

Ernst Zürcher, Die Bäume und das Unsichtbare, Erstaunliche Erkenntnisse aus der Forschung, AT Verlag 2016