Pine Resin

송진 (松脂) · Pinus densiflora Siebold & Zucc.

Wind-damp dispelling, topical herb Warm Bitter, sweet (some sources: neutral) Liver, Spleen

NatureWarm

TasteBitter, sweet (some sources: neutral)

MeridiansLiver, Spleen

Part usedResin

FamilyPinaceae

CategoryWind-damp dispelling, topical herb

Find by concern: Boils

Overview

Pine resin flows from Korea's most iconic tree, and the Donguibogam records it as a versatile remedy for the skin — treating sores, ringworm-type bald patches, itching, and even generating new flesh over wounds — with resin that flows out on its own prized above that obtained by boring or boiling the wood.

In the Donguibogam

東醫
寶鑑

性溫, 味苦甘一云平, 無毒. 安五藏, 除熱. 治風痺死肌. 主諸惡瘡, 頭瘍, 白禿, 疥瘙. 去死肌, 療耳聾, 牙有蛀孔. 貼諸瘡, 生肌, 止痛, 殺蟲.

Source: Donguibogam, Tangaek-pyeon (Herbology volume)

TranslationIts nature is warm, its taste bitter and sweet (some say neutral), and it is non-toxic. It calms the five viscera and removes heat. It treats wind painful obstruction and numb, dead-feeling flesh. It mainly treats various malignant sores, head ulcers, ringworm-type baldness, and scabies-itch. It removes dead tissue, treats deafness and cavitated teeth, and when applied to sores, generates new flesh, stops pain, and kills parasites.

Traditional functions

Treats sores and skin eruptions
Generates new flesh over wounds
Relieves wind-damp painful obstruction
Kills parasites topically

Traditional applications

Skin sores and ulcers (topical)
Ringworm-type bald patches
Itching from scabies-type conditions
Slow-healing wounds (topical)

Traditional preparation

Purified through repeated boiling and pulling in water until white and smooth; ground to powder for topical application on sores, never taken raw or in bulk.

Cautions

Caution: Traditionally processed extensively (boiled and pulled repeatedly in water) before use to purify it, and the classics note it should not be taken alone in large amounts as it can block the digestive tract. For topical/classical formula use only — consult a professional.

Frequently asked questions

What kind of pine resin was most prized in the Donguibogam?

Resin that flowed out on its own in the sixth month, rather than resin obtained by boring holes in the tree or boiling it out — the more naturally-collected, clear kind was considered superior.

How was pine resin prepared before use?

It was purified by repeated boiling in water (or with mulberry-ash water or wine) and pulled by hand until it turned white and smooth, since raw resin could block the digestive tract if taken carelessly.

Sources

동의보감 탕액편 (원문) — 한문 원문 발췌 — 한의학고전DB 탕액편 대조 검증 완료 (DATA-001)
한의학고전DB (mediclassics.kr) — 국역 참조 후 자체 재서술 (LEGAL-001)

DonguiHub is an educational and informational platform about the history and tradition of Korean medicine. It does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional about health conditions and before using any herb.