Pihkää

Pihkää is a Finnish word that translates to resin or pitch in English. It refers to the sticky, viscous substance secreted by coniferous trees, primarily pine and spruce, when their bark is damaged. This resin is a complex mixture of organic compounds, primarily terpenes and resin acids.

In Finnish culture, pihkää has a long history of practical and medicinal uses. Traditionally, it was collected and used as a natural adhesive, sealant, and waterproofing agent. It was applied to wooden tools, boats, and structures to protect them from moisture and decay. In some regions, it was also used to seal cracks in wooden dwellings.

Medicinally, pihkää was believed to have antiseptic and healing properties. It was sometimes applied topically to wounds, cuts, and burns to aid in their recovery and prevent infection. Chewing on small pieces of pine resin was also a traditional method for freshening breath and potentially soothing a sore throat. The scent of pine resin is also closely associated with Finnish forests and sauna culture, often released when heating sauna stones. While modern medicine has largely replaced traditional remedies, the historical significance and cultural associations of pihkää remain in Finland.