Taiga has long been a source of food, minerals and wood. However, these are not all the riches that a person was able to extract from it. Cedar resin has long been valued, which is a good tool for the treatment and prevention of many diseases. The application of this unique product is described in detail in this article.

What is cedar resin

Zhivitsa called the influx on the trunk of a cedar (as well as other conifers), which are formed from gradually hardening resin. In places of damage to the cortex, a liquid resin begins to protrude, which, over time, freezes under the influence of oxygen, air and wind. Thus, the wound on the trunk is reliably protected from external influences.

For use in folk medicine, the influx is removed from the trunk. Cedar resin is highly soluble in oils; therefore, its oil-based solution is usually used for various purposes.

In Russia, resin is obtained mainly in Siberia, but harvesting farms exist in the Arkhangelsk region. From one hectare of cedar forest you can get an annual fee of up to 80 kg.

Chemical composition

The composition of resin flows is diverse, it does not include those compounds that usually make up food products. But this does not interfere with the proper treatment of the use of gum preparations orally.

The chemical composition of the resin is as follows:

• resin and fatty acids: Omega-3, oleic, palmitic, stearic, lauric;
• tar alcohols and esters (e.g. turpentine and its compounds);
• vitamins C and D;
• tannins.

Useful and healing properties of cedar resin

Useful qualities of the product are multifaceted and applicable to almost any problem with human health.

• The main healing properties:
• antiseptic and healing agent;
• normalizes metabolism;
• strong antioxidant;
• helps with depression and fatigue;
• normalizes the activity of the gastrointestinal tract;
• neutralizes the effect of toxins and removes them from the body;
• restores the protective function of cells;
• helps to regenerate the skin;
• tones and strengthens the muscles and general condition of the body.

This is only an incomplete list of the therapeutic effects of cedar resin on the human body. In folk medicine, there are many recipes with this tool.

How to make a health elixir from gum

From the resin you can make the so-called "elixir of health", which helps to maintain youth and vitality. There are several recipes for this composition, each of which has its own peculiarity.

A solution of cedar oil

As mentioned above, cedar resin flows dissolve well in an oil environment. The most suitable solvent is oil from the fruits of the mother tree - cedar. It is obtained by cold pressing from peeled nuts, filtered and dissolved in it. The resulting liquid is called turpentine balm. It also contains a small amount of vitamin E.

Important! In addition to the anti-aging and tonic effect, such a composition can be used as a natural antibiotic.

For external use, a balm with a concentration of 5%, 10%, 12.5%, 20%, 25% is suitable. But internal use is limited to a dosage of 5%, 10% and 12.5%. Depending on the disease, 1–3 times 4–10 drops are taken orally. The turpentine balm has proven especially good in colds and respiratory diseases.

Can I chew gum

Zhivitsa, like any resin of fruit and coniferous trees, quite edible - if grown in ecologically clean areas. Since ancient times, Siberians used this substance as chewing gum, only slightly “modifying” it.

The so-called sulfur is cooked from the resin, which is chewed by both old and young. It whitens teeth, makes them strong and even. This remedy is especially useful for children who, away from civilization and dental surgeries, can have healthy teeth.

Ointment

To prepare the ointment, part of the cedar resin is taken and part of the vegetable oil is added (better, of course, cedar oil, but sea buckthorn is also suitable). The mixture warms up over low heat so that the temperature of the liquid does not exceed +40 ... + 45 ° С.

After dissolving the resin, the mixture is filtered, a little oil is added and everything is warming up again. When the resin pieces are completely dissolved, a third of the volume part of cedar oil is added to the liquid. Beeswax is added to the solution and is completely melted in a water bath. After this, you need to wait for the ointment to cool and solidify.

Important! To clean the ointment from foreign particles (bark, pine needles, other forest debris), add 1-2 cm of water to the ointment storage jar, where all unnecessary components will settle, and the ointment will solidify on top with a clean and even layer.

A pure fraction of the ointment can treat wounds, burns and skin problems. And the part where the foreign particles settled is used for external use for healthy skin - for example, for back massage.

Honey with cedar resin

In nature, honey from cedar flowers does not exist, because they are not interested in bees, pollinating on their own. But artificial mixtures based on the collection of bee honey with resin are well established not only as a tasty sweet, but also as a medicinal potion.

This product is not for sweet tooth, because its daily rate is 1–2 teaspoons. Yes, and the taste of such honey is quite specific, because it has a tar and turpentine taste, the saturation of which is highly dependent on the main honey plant in the collection area.

The use of cedar resin in traditional medicine

Recipes of traditional medicine have long helped the Russian population in those places where traditional medicine has not yet appeared or was represented to a small extent, so the locals relied on proven remedies for centuries from improvised ingredients.

With cough and cold

Diseases of the respiratory tract, both upper and lower, are treated with the above-mentioned turpentine balm. Every day they rub the patient’s back and chest, and 5-10 drops of the drug are instilled into the mouth 2 times a day. With severe bronchitis and asthma, 0.5 tsp is used. balm 2 times a day before meals.

With hemorrhoids

Hemorrhoidal nodes can be weakened or cured with cotton or gauze swabs.. The prepared bundle is impregnated with resin in cedar oil and carefully inserted into the anus. If the nodes do not lie on the surface of the rectum, but in a certain depth, then microclysters are used, followed by washing with cool water. The acute stage of the disease is treated with compresses of a turpentine balm on an inflamed area.

With sinusitis

Inflammation of the maxillary sinuses, both acute and chronic, can be alleviated or cured by instillation of a solution of gum in vegetable oil. Before going to bed, 2-3 drops should be instilled into each nostril and not turned on its side for several minutes until the medicine is absorbed into the mucous membrane.

With periodontal disease

Inflamed gums are best lubricated with a solution of cedar gum in sesame oil, which is very gentle and beneficial for sensitive tissues of the oral cavity.. Lubrication can be carried out 1-2 times a day for several months - there will definitely be no harm. For lotions, a mixture of resin with sea buckthorn oil is used. This composition is a little more active, but its effect is as soft as the mixture with sesame oil.

Did you know? Cedar wood was appreciated in ancient times. From it they built sarcophagi for the pharaohs, palaces and places of worship.

Terpentine balm is used for toothache in the form of pain medication. A cotton swab or a piece of bandage is wetted in the liquid and applied to the diseased tooth for 20 minutes, then the compress is transferred to the healthy side and held for another 20 minutes. After an hour, the procedure is repeated.

In oncology

Oncological diseases cannot be cured only with cedar resin, but it is quite possible to promote therapy. With daily use of a few drops (5–10) of the balm before meals, it enhances the sensitivity and susceptibility of the tumor to radiation and chemical therapy.

With stomach cancer on an empty stomach, you need to drink 8-10 g of balm from gum. You can drink it with carrot juice or yarrow infusion.

With psoriasis

Psoriasis is treated comprehensively - with simultaneous internal and external use of gum products. Half an hour before a meal, 5-10 drops of 10% terpentine balm are drunk, and 70% ointment is applied to the affected areas with a thin layer.

For acne

To get rid of acne and acne, wash your face with hot water, then several times you need to splash cold water on it and thoroughly wipe your face with a towel. After that, a thin layer of 5% turpentine balsam is applied to problem areas with a cotton swab or disk.

Given that gum products accelerate the metabolism at times, at the initial stage, a side effect may appear in the form of the appearance of even more acne. Thus, the internal tissues of the skin are cleaned, generating new healthy cells. This is why treatment should be continued until complete recovery.

From varicose veins

Varicose veins are usually observed on the legs of older people.. To facilitate the course of the disease, it is necessary to lubricate the veins 2 times a day with 70% gum extract or ointment.

With diseases of the gastrointestinal tract

The drug helps well in the treatment of diseases of the gastrointestinal tract. Therapy for gastritis carried out according to this instruction: take 5-6 drops of 10% balm in the morning 15 minutes before breakfast a week. If the body normally takes the medicine, then the next step is to increase the dose to 10 drops and drink them 3 times a day before meals. The course lasts about a month with a break before the next for 2-3 weeks. Usually after 2-3 such courses the disease recedes.

Peptic ulcer it is treated slightly differently: 8 g of balm is divided into 2-3 doses per day before meals for 10 days. After this, a break of 10 days is made, and the course is repeated.

In chronic pancreatitis Turpentine balm can be used only during a stable remission. The tool is consumed 8-10 drops before meals 1-2 times a day. In the acute phase, the product is undesirable because it has a choleretic effect and can do more damage to the pancreas than help in the treatment.

From burns

A bandage soaked with gum balsam is applied to the affected area, and every two hours it changes. For shallow burns, the product can be mixed with a small amount of any non-sugared natural honey. The bandage should be on the burned place, but it does not need to be bandaged.

When scalding, the affected area is smeared with extract from the resin, and with sunburn, it is mixed with cedar oil.

With eye diseases

At the first sign of the appearance of the so-called barley, a drop of turpentine balm is instilled into the eye. After this, it is necessary to blink well to apply the medicine to the inflamed area. More serious ailments, like cataracts, are treated with a two-month course of instillation, one drop of the product in each eye before going to bed.

Use in cosmetology

Cedar resin is used not only for the treatment and prevention of diseases. This product is well established in cosmetology as a separate tool, as well as in balms, ointments and creams.

For skin

Products made from gum with cedar oil are well suited for all skin types.

• They are quickly absorbed and have the following effects:
• soften and moisturize the skin;
• remove the effects of allergies in the form of itching, redness, swelling;
• mitigate the effects of burns of any origin;
• heals wounds, combing, hematomas, injuries of the mucous membranes;
• help remove makeup around the eyes and cosmetics from the rest of the face;
• well suited for massage.

Important! Before external use, the product must be “tested” on the skin of the hands. If during the week of use there are no side effects or discomfort, the balm can be applied to any part of the body.

Problem areas are lubricated with a cotton pad or gauze roller. Depending on the part of the body and the need, this is done 1-2 times a day.

For hair

Before washing your hair, you can apply a mask of turpentine balm. To do this, 5% of the oil is rubbed into the hair roots and scalp with gentle massage movements. After that, the strands along the entire length are wiped. These manipulations quickly restore shine to the hair and even it out. After 10-15 sessions of such hair care, they become shiny and silky.

Aromatherapy

Since cedar oil loses its properties when heated, use it to aromatize air at room temperature. Aromatherapy allows you to relax the nervous system, makes breathing easier with colds, strengthens the immune system.

The following aromatization methods are common:

• Dip 5-6 drops of gum 25% balm onto a foam sponge and place it higher (on a cornice or chandelier);
• drip 1-2 drops of 5% of the product on a pillow, then put on a pillowcase;
• add a few drops of the product to the capacity of the humidifier, the aroma of which will spread with water condensate around the room.

Contraindications

This useful product has few contraindications. In addition to the pancreatic rejection described above in acute pancreatitis or an exacerbation of its chronic form, one also cannot take the drug during pregnancy or with individual intolerance.

How to independently assemble and prepare gum

Cedar resin is collected both liquid and already hardened. Depending on the consistency, the procurement technology also changes. Fresh material is collected in early summer, when the sap flow is in full swing, and the trees began to secrete a resinous liquid. Under a thick branch, an incision is made about 6 cm long, under it a container for collection is attached to the trunk. To keep the young resin in liquid form, it is poured with vegetable oil, and the jar is kept closed.

Did you know? Siberian and Altai cedars do not belong to the cedar family at all. These plants are called cedar pine and belong to pine.

Frozen gum is harvested year-round. To do this, cedars with cracks in the bark are selected in the forest, from which resin oozed earlier and has already managed to freeze. A sharp knife is rubbed with an oiled napkin (so that the product does not stick), they cut off thin layers of influx. No need to try to cut off the entire drop at once - it will stretch and slow down the operation. The resulting material is stored in a jar or other suitable container.

Video: Useful properties of cedar resin

To prepare a turpentine balm at home, gum is dissolved in barely warm cedar oil (you can use other vegetable oils). When stirring the mixture, wooden, glass or plastic spoons are used. Then the liquid is filtered, its percentage composition is determined, poured into storage containers and tightly sealed before use.

Cedar gum is not an absolute panacea for diseases, but if used correctly, it can help in treatment, prevention, and goes well with the main course of therapy. This tool has a rich composition and is able to give the body the missing vitamins and beneficial elements.And to collect and prepare for the application of resin is simple and pleasant.