Wood Gum


Wood Gum

Nine species of large, coniferous trees make up this genus, which abounds in cool parts of the northern hemisphere. Larches resemble Cedrus species (See, Atlas cedar), except that the cones mature in a single year and the foliage is deciduous. Widely grown for lumber, they are also popular as ornamentals. Larix decidua is particularly attractive in spring, and has fine autumn color. It was introduced to the British Isles in 1639 and is so well established that it is now regarded as native. The American larch or tamarac (L. laricina), is also used medicinally. The bark can be used to treat rheumatism, jaundice, and skin complaints, and as a poultice for wounds. Resin exuding from the bark was collected by native N Americans as a chewing gum, which also relieved indigestion. Larix occidentalis (western larch) similarly exudes larch gum, which is used in the food industry as a substitute for gum arabic (from Acacia senegal, See, gum arabic).

This tall conifer, native to the northwestern United States, produces a gum underneath its bark that Native Americans chewed for its sweet taste and medicinal qualities. Both the gum and an infusion of the bark have been used as a dressing for wounds and a treatment for sore throats, coughs, colds, and tuberculosis.

Deciduous conifer with gray, scaly bark, drooping branches and rosettes of soft, light green needles. Female cones are erect and pink (known as larch "roses"), ripening brown, 2.5-4cm (1-1½in) long.


Common Name:
Wood Gum
Other Names:
Arabinogalactan, Common Larch, European Larch, Larch, Larch Arabinogalactan, Larch Gum, Mongolia Larch, Western Larch
Botanical Name:
Larix decidua syn. L. europaea, Larix occidentalis
Genus:
Larix
Family:
Pinaceae
Native Location:
C Europe, N Russia, Siberia
Cultivation:
Moist; well-drained soil in an open, sunny position. Remove lower branches of specimen trees to give a clean trunk. To maintain a single leading shoot, remove secondary leaders. Larches may suffer from rust and honey fungus, adelgids, and sawfly.
Propagation:
By seed sown in early spring; by semi-ripe cuttings under mist in summer; by grafting in winter. Difficult to root from cuttings.
Harvest:
Bark is stripped in late spring and dried for use in decoctions, powders, and tinctures. Tree is tapped for resin in autumn.
Height:
30m (100ft)
Width:
4-6m (12-20ft)
Variations:
Corley
Is dwarf, with a rounded to spreading habit, suitable for rock gardens and containers.
Height: 1m (3ft)
Width: 1m (3ft)

Pendula
Has a drooping, though often irregular habit, and is an attractive specimen when young.
Hardiness:
Z2-6
Parts Used:
Bark, Resin
Properties:
A bitter, astringent herb with a turpentine like smell. It relieves bronchial congestion, is diuretic, and promotes healing.
Medicinal Uses:
Internally for bronchitis and urinary tract inflammation (bark); for tapeworm, diarrhea, failure to menstruate, and as an antidote for phosphorus poisoning (resin). Not given to patients with kidney disease. Externally for infected wounds and skin problems, such as eczema and psoriasis (bark decoction, resin).
To treat colds, flu, ear inflammation in children, HIV, and AIDS; as a dietary fiber supplement; to stimulate the immune system.
Typical Dose:
A typical dose of larch is approximately 1 tsp larch arabinogalactan powder mixed with water or juice, taken two or three times daily.
Possible Side Effects:
Larch's side effects include flatulence and bloating.
Drug Interactions:
Taking larch with these drugs may interfere with the action of the drug:
Antithymocyte Globuline (Equine), (Atgam)
Antithymocyle Globuline (Rabbit), (Thymoglobulin)
Azathioprine, (Imuran)
Basiliximab, (Simulect)
Beclomethasone
, (Beconase, Vanceril)
Betamethasone
, (Celestone, Diprolene)
Budesonide
, (Entocort, Rhinocort)
Budesonide and Formoterol
, (Symbicort)
Cortisone, (Cortone)
Cyclosporine, (Neoral, Sandimmune)
Daclizumab, (Zenapax)
Deflazacort, (Calcort, Dezacor)
Dexamethasone, (Decadron, Dexasone)
Efalizumab, (Raptiva)
Flunisolide, (AeroBid, Nasarel)
Fluorometholone, (Eflone, Flarex)
Fluticasone, (Cutivate, Flonase)
Hydrocortisone, (Anusol-HC, Locoid)
Loteprednol, (Alrex, Lotemax)
Medrysone, (HMS Liquifilm)
Methotrexate, (Rheumatrex, Trexall)
Methylprednisolone, (Medrol, Depo-Medrol)
Muromonab-CD3, (Orthoclone OKT3)
Mycophenolate, (CellCept)
Pimecrolimus, (Elidel)
Prednisolone, (Inflamase Forte, Pred Forte)
Prednisone, (Apo-Prednisone, Deltasone)
Rimexolone, (Vexol)
Sirolimus, (Rapamune)
Tacrolimus, (Prograf, Protopic)
Thalidomide, (Thalomid)
Triamcinolone, (Aristocort, Trinasal)
Disease Effects:
May interfere with therapies that depend on suppressing the immune system.
Bibliography:
The Encyclopedia of Herbs by Deni Bown Copyright © 1995, 2005. Dorling Kindersley Limited. pg 251.
The Essential Herb-Drug-Vitamin Interaction Guide by Geo. T. Grossberg,MD and Barry Fox,PhD Copyright©2007 Barry Fox,PhD pp.302-303