WOTC Extra –Resin Sapping

Ever run into a situation where you need the resin from a certain tree andcan’t find it? I have. I also go through a lot because I use it as a binder inmy incenses and I like to use the appropriate resin so as not to disalign myenergies. This is how I do it:

{Don’t forget to ask the tree you sap permission to do so!}

1. Ensure the tree you select will sap well. Look at where branches havefallen; are the wounds covered with dry sap? Is there sap at seemingly randompoints on the tree? You have a sapping tree. If you are unsure, poke a smallhole in the tree and come back in a week, if there is sap there, you have awinner, if not, find a different type of tree. You may end up having to bitethe bullet and buying some.

2. Once you have a sapping tree wait until the conditions are right.Perfect conditions are late February to early march. The temperature shouldhave been around the 40′s for several days prior. Most of us maynot live in a place where this will happen, or need it at another time of theyear. I recommend waiting for the coldest couple of days, and begin the sappingearly in the morning, at first light or earlier.

3. Look for dry sap on the tree that you can collect. If there is none, ornot enough, follow steps 4-5, if there is enough “natural sap” do not followsteps 4&5.

4. “Wound” the tree , be sure to thank the tree, ensure the cut goes to thebeginning of the heartwood so you know you have penetrated the sapwood. makeSURE that the wound is no larger than 1″

5. Return each week until the sap covering the wound has dried, or you cancollect it while wet, and let it dry. Your

6. Once you have collected enough dry sap you have 2 choices: 1: grind thesap into a powder on the spot (see step 9 for details) or homogenise (make allof the sap one consistency, colour, etc.) if you just grind it go to step 9. Ifyou decide to homogenise, continue. You must homogenise to make bar resin.

7. Place all dry sap in a glass bottle (with all labeling removed). Placethe bottle directly on the stove and set it to a low heat. Heat until all saphas mixed and is uniform in colour and has no major chunks (small ones areusually ok). The sap should have been boiling for a while now. If making barsap, pour into a mold/onto wax paper and let dry, you are done. For powderedresin, continue.

8. Pour resin onto a plastic bag or wax paper and allow to dry. To ensurethe resin is dry, cover with COLD ice water for a while and dry COMPLETLEY.

9. To grind you will need a mortar and pestle. Ensure resin is COMPLETLEYDRY. Clean you mortar and pestle immediately prior to grinding. Ensure it isbone dry. Smash the sap lobes/bars/plates in to smaller pieces then grind asusual. A little will stick to the sides, just scrape it off with a spoon. (besure to clean your mortar and pestle afterwards) You are done.