An emergency food, it is only used when all else fails. An aromatic resinous pitch is found in blisters in the bark. When eaten raw it is delicious and chewy. An oleoresin from the pitch is used as a flavoring in sweets, baked goods, ice cream and drinks. Tips of young shoots are used as a tea substitute.
Red squirrels eats the seeds and the terminal buds.
The resin obtained from this tree has been used throughout the world and is a very effective antiseptic and healing agent. It is used as a healing and analgesic protective covering for burns, bruises, wounds and sores. It is also used to treat sore nipples and is said to be one of the best curatives for a sore throat. The resin is also diuretic, stimulant and tonic. It is used internally in propriety mixtures to treat coughs and diarrhea, though taken in excess it is purgative.