Ocote-Montezuma pine resin-Fresh!
Ocote, as it is called in Mexico, is the resin collected from the Montezuma Pine in higher altitudes of Mexico. Used for incense and medicine, it has a brisk Pine aroma with sweet, fruity citrus notes.
$9.00 - $325.00
Copal resin is ubiquitous in Mexico. There are over 80 types of trees that yield an aromatic resin used as incense and medicine. They are all referred to as Copal by the locals.
In the mountainous regions, at higher altitudes where temperatures are cooler and rainfall is abundant, one does not find many Bursera (Copal) trees; instead, the locals use Ocote resin for incense and medicine.
Ocote is also known to provide a base to which other resins, bark and powdered wood are added to create unique incense types such as the Pom incense balls and discs that are burned on the Day of the Dead.
Ocote, on its own, makes a beautiful incense and can serve as the base material for healing balms and rubs when dissolved in oil or fat.
One day, I hope to have enough of this resin to distil its essential oil for the shop.
Pine resin is used in traditional and home remedies worldwide, and many cultures use it topically to address respiratory, musculoskeletal and skin issues.
It dissolves easily in warm carrier oils and makes a perfect base for chest rubs, muscle rubs and moustache waxes. For Balms and rubs, I dissolve the pine resin in a water bath at a ratio of 1:3 with a carrier oil such as Jojoba or Fractionated Coconut oil. I filter it through a metal mesh coffee filter and return it to a clean vessel in the water bath. Then, one can add a bit of wax and essential oils of one's choice to thicken it. I keep the percentage of essential oils to around 2% by weight to avoid skin reactions in those with sensitivities.
Pine resin is likely the most used resin for incense and therapeutic applications since it is readily available around the world.
On the skin, an infusion of Pine resin in a carrier oil stimulates surface blood flow, helps ease breathing, facilitates the movement of phlegm, acts as an anti-inflammatory and eases joint and muscle pain.
You will find tutorials for creating cosmetic and therapeutic products non my blog, https://apothecarysgarden.com/blogs/blog.
As mentioned in my recipes, you must first warm Pine Resin in a water bath, with or without vegetable oil, (or animal fat), then filter it from debris and non-dissolving particles. Pantyhose or pillowcases, or metal mesh coffee filters work well.
Dan
If your resin is sticky, it may be difficult to remove it intact from the plastic wrapper. My trick and workaround is to place the bag in the fridge or freezer for 15-30 minutes before attempting to separate it from its package. After chilling, it will detach with ease and without leaving any material stuck to the wrapper.
Materials: Ocote, Pine resin, Pine pitch.