Resin Massage/Body Oil

Description

NEW BATCH! Now with added essential oils! Tree resins (from coniferous trees like spruce, pine, frankincense, etc.) are amazing for skin and body! Resins heal tree wounds by sealing them against insects and further damage, and they also contain properties that protect against disease. For humans, this translates into similar qualities. This Massage Oil is made with whole resins (pounded into powder and tiny pieces) and resin extracts infused (separately) in organic extra virgin olive oil to create a blend that is amazing not only for the skin, but for the body as well.

People are generally not aware of the fact that most of the active constituents of frankincense and other resins are not available in the essential oil. Their molecules are too large and heavy to be carried in the steam of the distillation process, and thus are left behind in what is called the “extract”. (They are, however, present in the powdered resins in this oil). Dan Riegler, of the Apothecary’s Garden (where I source many of my resins and extracts), explains: “The majority of the [active] compounds are discarded after distillation of the resin as waste!! Out of 1 kilogram, (2 pounds), of Frankincense resin we can expect to receive about 5% by weight, about 1.5 ounces of Frankincense essential oil. The rest is lost. Is this really a judicious use of our natural resources? Our enormous, (and growing), demand for essential oils is stressing the trees beyond their ability to regenerate and contributing to the decline and immanent extinction of Frankincense species. Frankincense resin offers us so much more than just an essential oil. All the resin acids including the Boswellic acids, the active therapeutic compounds . . . , are discarded since the big money nowadays is in essential oils. It is no wonder that our Frankincense trees are quickly reaching the brink of extinction!!” (Boswellic acids are the terpenes found in seven species of frankincense, listed here from highest content to lowest: B. dalzielii, B. carteri, B. sacra, B. papyrifera, B. serrata, B. neglecta, B. rivae.) This is why I use whole powdered resins or the extracts infused in organic oil for my body and skin care products. And the fragrance is all there – no need to add essential oils!

This resin oil had its beginnings while taking an inventory of my apothecary cupboard a couple of years ago. I combined what was left of several infused resins and extracts left over from making other productl, no measuring, just poured them together and added jojoba oil as the resin oils are highly concentrated and therefore sticky and thick. I added castor oil to aid in penetrating the skin, delivering the healing qualities of the resins deeper.  Not only did this oil smell wonderful, but it eased my tired muscles as well as helping a flare-up of my sciatica. I gifted a bottle to my massage therapist to use on me and anyone else she felt would benefit, and it received great reviews! So I decided to formulate a blend to sell as a regular product.

All my resins are obtained from known, trusted sources. They are fair trade, sustainably wild-harvested. Each resin was heat infused in organic extra virgin olive oil, then strained through several layers of cheesecloth.

SEPTEMBER 2024 UPDATE: I added essential oils to the original formula so the end result holds the all the qualities and scent of the resins. The essential oils used were distilled by the same artisans from whom I obtained the resins and extracts. Current labels don’t list the EOs. I’ll include a separate tag or label with this information. 

Contains: Organic extra virgin olive oil, frankincense serrata, elemi, spruce resin, frankincense sacra, black copal extract, organic poplar bud oil, organic jojoba oil, organic castor oil, and elemi, black copal, frankincense serrata, frankincense sacra, and white spruce essential oils.

Available in 1 and 2 ounce amber glass bottles with droppers.

Note: If you would like more info on the specific resins in this blend, or are interested in where to obtain information about the most current research regarding these resins and extracts, let me know.