The sun is sneaking in through the window, trying to wake you up.
But outside, it’s still too cold compared to the warmth of the blanket.
You just roll over to the other side and decide to sleep for an extra half hour — the others will wait.
That’s what early spring feels like in Vesilahti.
Almost everything is still sleeping, but among the few plants that are still able to give something, there is one that stands out: the majestic red spruce.
This beautiful conifer offers several treasures, from its fresh tips to its young cones.
But there is one gift that doesn’t follow seasons: spruce resin.
Spruce resin comes in various colors and consistencies.
I prefer to collect it when it’s hard and easier to harvest — although sometimes it’s so solid that it crumbles into powder as you try to take it.
Benefits and Properties
Spruce resin is a powerful remedy for the respiratory system and related issues.
It also works as a natural anti-inflammatory for joints and irritated skin, an antimicrobial useful for wounds, and a booster for the immune system.
From Resin to Remedy
From this wild ingredient, we can make oils, salves, balms, lip care, powders, or syrup.
Today, we’re making a simple but efficient spruce resin syrup.
Ingredients
- Ethically harvested spruce resin — 25–30 g
- Water — 200 g
- Sugar — 200 g
Process
- Warm the resin together with the water in a jar (not your favorite one — it’s going to be hard to clean).
- Let it cook for 1 hour and 45 minutes, stirring regularly with a wooden stick to help release any impurities from the resin. These will float to the surface.
- Skim the impurities off and discard them.
- After the time is up, the water should appear cloudy. Use a wooden spoon to gather as much of the rosin into the liquid as possible and transfer it onto some backing paper.
- Strain the liquid into a small pot, add the sugar, and bring it up to 120°C. Stirring until the sugar is fully dissolved.
- Pour your anti-inflammatory, immune-boosting, and respiratory-support syrup into a sterilized jar, ready for use whenever needed.
Final Tips
- Cleaning: Resin is notoriously sticky and hard to clean. I usually use a metal sponge and some alcohol. Otherwise, soaking your tools in very hot water helps too.
- Dosage: One teaspoon is a good dose for an adult.
If symptoms persist after an hour, just take another spoonful. - Save the scraps: Let the saved rosin dry; it can be reused to make medicinal oil or simply to perfume the room.
