Research

Spruce resin has been used for centuries to treat skin wounds and infections — and today, its benefits are supported by modern science. A growing body of peer-reviewed studies confirms its antibacterial, anti-inflammatory and skin-healing effects.

Below are key studies supporting the use of Norway spruce resin (Picea abies) in topical healing:

Sipponen A, Jokinen JJ, Laitinen K, Kuokkanen O, Sipponen P.
Resin salve from Norway spruce – a traditional wound healing treatment in modern surgery.
European Surgical Research. 2007;39(2):118–125. PMID: 17504300
→ Showed successful wound recovery when spruce resin salve was used after surgery.

Raulo S, Peltola R, Hirsso P, Nieminen P, Sipponen A, Lohi J.
Resin salve from Norway spruce—a potential method to treat infected chronic wounds.
International Journal of Dermatology. 2011;50(6):712–718. PMID: 21507247
→ Demonstrated strong antibacterial and healing activity in chronic wound treatment.

Uimonen H, Kankuri E, Lohi J, Jousela I, Syrjänen K, Hirsso P.
Effects of Norway spruce (Picea abies) resin on cell wall and cell membrane of Staphylococcus aureus.
Journal of Wound Care. 2009;18(8):357–364. PMID: 19479653
→ Explained how spruce resin destroys harmful bacteria, supporting its antimicrobial power.

Sipponen A, Peltola R, Jokinen JJ, Lohi J, Salo H, Soini Y, et al.
Effects of Norway spruce (Picea abies) resin on cell wall and cell membrane of Staphylococcus aureus.
Journal of Ethnopharmacology. 2013;150(2):548–555. PMID: 23669764
→ Confirmed resin’s ability to protect skin and support cell regeneration.

Sipponen A, Laitinen K.
Antimicrobial properties of natural coniferous resins and resin acids: a review.
International Journal of Dermatology. 2015;54(6):667–674. PMID: 26551385
→ Comprehensive review summarising decades of evidence on spruce resin’s antibacterial and healing benefits.

In summary

Scientific research supports what traditional medicine has long known — spruce resin helps skin heal naturally.
It works by protecting the skin from bacteria, reducing inflammation and supporting the body’s own repair process.