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Pine Resin

Pine Resin (송진, 松脂) is recorded in the Donguibogam as a wind-damp dispelling, topical herb. Its nature is warm and its taste bitter, sweet (some sources: neutral), associated with the Liver, Spleen meridians. Traditional uses recorded in the text include treats sores and skin eruptions, generates new flesh over wounds, relieves wind-damp painful obstruction. 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.

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 uses recorded in the Donguibogam

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

Traditional applications recorded in the classical text

  • 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.

This describes traditional preparation recorded in the classics, not a recommendation for use today. DonguiHub does not provide dosage guidance — consult a qualified professional before using any herb.

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

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