- Region
- North America
- Origin
- North America
North America · Herb · № 587
Larix occidentalis
Herb · North America
Western larch
Larix occidentalis
Traditionally attributed effects: stimulating, prebiotic; improves digestion and gut flora, strengthens the immune system, studied in tumours, helps with middle ear infections in children.
Safety notes
Traditional use is no proof of effectiveness; if you are pregnant, breastfeeding, taking medication or have a medical condition, consult a doctor or pharmacist.
Preparation
Tea: 1 tsp per cup, 10 min, 1–2 cups a day; powder (arabinogalactan): 1–3 tsp in 180 ml water 1–3 times a day; tincture 1 dropperful 1–3 times a day.
Use in traditions
Indigenous peoples of north-western North America ate the sweet gum of the larch and used resin and bark for wounds, coughs and tuberculosis. Arabinogalactan, a fibre sold as a food supplement and prebiotic, is extracted from the wood.
Applications
Use by tradition
How different herbal traditions describe this herb. Amounts are traditional guidelines checked for obvious errors; they are not medical advice. For poisonous plants no dosage is given on purpose.
Western herbalism
Attributed effects
Stimulating, prebiotic; improves digestion and gut flora, strengthens the immune system, studied in tumours, helps with middle ear infections in children.
Preparation and amount
Tea: 1 tsp per cup, 10 min, 1–2 cups a day; powder (arabinogalactan): 1–3 tsp in 180 ml water 1–3 times a day; tincture 1 dropperful 1–3 times a day.
- Ways to prepare herbs
- Tea (infusion)TincturePowder and kitchen