Burgundy Pitch

Latin name: Pix burgundica

Common name: Burgundy Pitch

Active Ingredients: Abietic Acid C20H30O2 and Volatile Oils (α-Pinene & β-Pinene)

Cultural significance/history: The resinous exudation prepared from Abies excelsa poiret.

A reddish-brown or yellowish-brown, opaque or translucent colour . It is solid when pure and commonly used in plasters - Emplastrum cephalicum

How its obtained:

Longitudinal incisions are made in the bark of Picea Abeis (Norway Spruce). The exudate is known as Abietis resina. Burgundy pitch proper is prepared from the exudate by boiling it in water and straining it.

This tree inhabits northern Germany, the Alps, Russia, Norway, and other northern parts of Europe, as well as of Asia, 

Traditional Uses:

• Ancient/Medieval times it was used in plasters and salves to relieve joint pain, rheumatism, and muscle aches.

• Applied to the chest in respiratory treatments for coughs, bronchitis, and congestion.

• It was thought to have mild antiseptic properties, used for wound healing and skin conditions.

• Hippocratic medicine and early European herbalists recommended resin-based treatments for inflammatory conditions.

17th-19th Century Apothecary Use:

Burgundy pitch is commonly found in the pharmacopoeias of European apothecaries.

Sold as Burgundy Pitch Plasters, used for arthritis and back pain relief.

Often combined with beeswax or lard to make medicinal ointments.

Used in herbal steam therapies for respiratory ailments.

Applied to cuts, wounds, and ulcers due to its resinous and antimicrobial properties.

Mechanism of Action:

• Anti-inflammatory: Reduces inflammation by inhibiting COX-2. It reduces protein denaturation, making it effective in pain relief and inflammation control.

• A- and B-pinene disrupt bacterial cell membranes, increasing permeability and causing leakage of essential ions and metabolites which inhibits the bacterial enzymes involved in DNA replication and protein synthesis, impairing bacterial growth.

• Burgundy pitch also suppresses biofilm formation, reducing bacterial resistance.

Contraindication/ Drug-Drug interactions

Interaction with NSAIDs (CEL & KET): When combined with celecoxib (CEL) or ketoprofen (KET), Abetic Acid reduced their effectiveness, suggesting it may interfere with their mechanisms of action.

Side effects

Occasionally, it produces an eruption of pimples, minute blisters, and in some rare instances has been known to cause skin hardness, considerable suffering, and irritation, terminating in ulcers.

Left: Sample #10/43, (impure)

Right: Sample #11/43