Larch is a coniferous tree that differs from its congeners by the fall of needles. It is very valuable in that almost all parts of the plant are widely used in folk medicine in the treatment of a wide variety of diseases. Gum also belongs to such a useful raw material of larch. The main characteristics of resin (its other name), and for which diseases it is used, will be discussed later in the article.

What is larch gum

Gum (gummy) is a resinous thick mass (water-soluble juice), secreted from the trunk of a larch through cracks in the bark. It can be of various shapes: in the form of droplets, icicles, balls, shapeless lumps, with different sizes. Fresh resin is transparent light yellow in color, with time it becomes brown in color and becomes cloudy.

Chemical composition

Due to the presence of a large number of useful substances in gum, it is widely used in traditional medicine.

Important! Larch gum differs from resin in that it dissolves very well in water, unlike the latter.

Although the chemical composition of larch resin is not fully understood, experts note the contents of such components as:

• volatiles;
• diterpenes, sesquiterpenes;
• resin acids;
• higher fatty acids;
• resins and rezinotannol, rubber;
• succinic acid;
• vitamins: C, D;
• coniferous essential oils;
• bitterness.

Useful and harmful properties of gum

The healing qualities of gum larch are very diverse. It has a positive effect on a variety of organ systems in the human body.

Did you know? The larch wood found in water for a long time does not decay, but becomes harder.

• Useful properties include:
• relieves the inflammatory process;
• has a mild analgesic effect;
• increases the work of the cardiovascular system;
• boosts immunity;
• helps with vitamin deficiency;
• improves gastric secretion, increases appetite, stimulates the production of bile and gastric juice;
• used in the fight against helminths;
• improves metabolism;
• accelerates the healing of wounds of the skin;
• effectively fights staphylococcus and other microbes;
• removes radioactive substances from the body;
• slows down skin aging;
• improves joint mobility;
• helps in the treatment of cancer, diabetes mellitus, atherosclerosis;
• treats gastritis, cholelithiasis.

No harmful properties of larch resin were found.

Contraindications

But, in addition to benefits, gum can also have a detrimental effect in rare cases.

• Its use is contraindicated:
• pregnant women and nursing mothers;
• in case of allergy to any of the components;
• patients with peptic ulcer of the gastrointestinal tract, especially during exacerbation;
• people with a tendency to stroke;
• small children.

How is it used in treatment

Depending on the disease a person suffers from, gummi can be consumed in a variety of ways. It can be absorbed by placing it under the tongue, drinking in the form of an aqueous solution, preparing an emulsion for internal or external use. To get the maximum effect, it is recommended to correctly draw up a course of treatment by visiting a pre-treating doctor.

For joints

Larch gum has beneficial effects on diseased joints, especially with polyarthritis. To do this, you need to prepare a special decoction: 2-3 tbsp. l dry coniferous buds and 2 hours of gum, pour 1 liter of boiling water, simmer for 15-20 minutes.

This broth is added to warm water while visiting the bath (2 times a week). Or mix gum with vegetable oil (1: 1) and rub sore joints. The course of treatment is 2 weeks, after 2 weeks the therapy can be repeated again.

Important! In no case should you self-medicate. It is necessary to take gum only after consulting a specialist.

For digestion

To improve the digestion process, it is recommended to put 1 g of gum under the tongue and suck until completely dissolved. Or 1-3 g of the drug substance dissolved in 50 ml of warm water and take 1 tbsp. in the morning and at lunch, before eating.

To normalize blood circulation

Strengthen the heart, as well as normalize blood circulation will help 1 g of gum, laid under the tongue, which must be absorbed.

To accelerate the repair of damaged tissue

Larum resin very quickly heals wounds, cuts, cracks and other skin lesions. For this, experts advise taking 1 tbsp. ghee, 4–5 tbsp. beeswax, 4–5 tbsp. gums and 1 tsp honey.

Wax and gum should be frozen and ground into powder. Heat oil, pour in gum, then wax, stirring constantly. When everything is dissolved, remove the mixture from the heat, cool slightly and add honey. Cold ointment should be stored in the refrigerator. Use if necessary.

Did you know? If a nail is driven into dry larch wood, then it is almost impossible to pull it back.

Larch gum is a natural substance without any impurities, so it is so valuable and useful for the human body. When treating with gum, it is necessary to take into account all the indications and contraindications for its use and be sure to consult with specialists.