Pine Resin

(Chir Pine)
Sanskrit: सरल • Botanical: Pinus longifolia Roxb. (Pinus roxburghii Sarg.)

Sarala (Pinus longifolia/P. roxburghii, Fam. Pinaceae) is the Chir Pine, the most common pine in the Indian Himalayas. Found at 2000-7000 feet elevation. The tree yields oleoresin (Chir/Cheed) from which turpentine oil and rosin are obtained by distillation. Medicinally, the resin and oil are used in skin diseases, parasitic infestations, and wound conditions. Pine tar (Cheed/Chirha) is obtained by destructive distillation. Properties are hot, penetrating, and Kapha-Vata pacifying. The resin is applied externally for skin conditions and internally as an expectorant. Also known as Dhup (incense) tree due to the aromatic resin used in fumigation. Book reference: Karpuradi Varga, shloka 26-27.

Ayurvedic Properties

Taste (Rasa)
Bitter (Tikta), Pungent (Katu)
Quality (Guna)
Light (Laghu), Sharp (Tikshna), Unctuous (Snigdha)
Potency (Virya)
Hot (Ushna)
Post-digestive (Vipaka)
Pungent (Katu)
Key Constituents
Turpentine oil (from resin tapping), Resin/Colophony (after distillation), Rosin. Sapwood yields oleoresin. Turpentine oil is the volatile fraction.
Also Known As
English: Chir Pine, Long-leaved Pine
Sanskrit: सरल, सरलद्रुम, पीतवृक्ष, धूपवृक्ष
Hindi: चीड़, सरल, धूप सरल

What is Pine Resin (Sarala / Dhup Sarala / सरल)?

Sarala (Pinus longifolia/P. roxburghii, Fam. Pinaceae) is the Chir Pine, the most common pine in the Indian Himalayas. Found at 2000-7000 feet elevation. The tree yields oleoresin (Chir/Cheed) from which turpentine oil and rosin are obtained by distillation. Medicinally, the resin and oil are used in skin diseases, parasitic infestations, and wound conditions. Pine tar (Cheed/Chirha) is obtained by destructive distillation. Properties are hot, penetrating, and Kapha-Vata pacifying. The resin is applied externally for skin conditions and internally as an expectorant. Also known as Dhup (incense) tree due to the aromatic resin used in fumigation. Book reference: Karpuradi Varga, shloka 26-27.

Source: Bhavaprakash Nighantu, Varga 1

Therapeutic Actions (Karma)

  • Krimighna (anti-parasitic)
  • Kusthaghna (anti-dermatosis)
  • Kandughna (anti-pruritic — relieves itching)
  • Vrana Shodhana (wound cleansing)
  • Vatahara (pacifies Vata)
  • Kaphahara (pacifies Kapha)

Source: Bhavaprakash Nighantu, Varga 1

Classical Therapeutic Uses

  • Kushtha (skin diseases)
  • Krimi (worms/parasites)
  • Kandu (itching)
  • Vrana (wounds/ulcers)
  • Karna Roga (ear diseases)

Source: Bhavaprakash Nighantu, Varga 1

Pine Resin by Condition

Explore how Pine Resin is used for specific health concerns — with dosage, preparation methods, and classical references for each.

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Pine Resin for Ear Disorders
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Pine Resin for Parasites & Worms
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Pine Resin for Skin Disorders

Medical Disclaimer: The information on this page is for educational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. Ayurvedic treatments should be pursued under the guidance of a qualified practitioner (BAMS/MD Ayurveda). Always consult your healthcare provider before starting any new treatment. Content is sourced from classical Ayurvedic texts and may not reflect the latest medical research.