American sweetgum (Liquidambar styraciflua) is not listed in Haliburton Flora nor in VASCAN, but has been planted as an ornamental tree in southern Ontario. You may find it in some yards on your southern travels. It looks like some strange dainty leaved maple. But its closest native relation is witch hazel.
Edible Uses of American Sweetgum
The only “edible” use for sweetgum is that the gum can be chewed. It gets its Latin name from that “liquid amber”.
Medicinal Uses of American Sweetgum
Sweetgum is primarily said to support these body systems:
- Digestive
- Respiratory
Medicinal tags include Antimicrobial, Antiseptic, Astringent, Diuretic, Expectorant and Stimulant. See Medicinal tag key for more information.
Common usage is the resinous amber coloured gum chewed for coughs. The oriental species (Liquidambar orientalis) is used more in herbal medicine and its dried balsam is more commonly called “storax”. The name storax has been used interchangeably by some. The oriental species seems to have a wider range of uses too (e.g. integumentary, urinary).
Alternative Uses of Gum Tree
In Appalachia, folks used sweetgum twigs dipped in whiskey as toothbrushes.
Growing Alternatives
For my fellow Ontarians, a similar looking native tree or shrub is striped maple. Or any native maple.
WARNINGS
And the Usual Cautions:
1) Most medicinal herbs, if edible, are meant to be eaten in moderation, even sparingly. Some require extra preparation. Tannins are toxic if consumed in excess. Before taking any new supplements, you should consult with a healthcare professional.
2) A vast amount of these herbs are diuretic. (See the Medicinal tags above to check if this featured herb is one of them!) Diuretics are generally safe, but they can be risky for people with other medical conditions or who take certain medications. Please consult your doctor if you have any health conditions.
3) People can be allergic or sensitive to nearly any plant; try new herbs one at a time at your own risk. For instance, saponins commonly cause stomach upset.
4) For serious medicinal use, I must recommend receiving a diagnosis and working with a reputed health care provider. I generally do not post specific treatments and dosages because I think that is best between you and your health care provider, and ideally monitored.
5) Anyone pregnant, nursing, or taking prescription drugs should talk to a health care professional before adding new food items to their diet.
6) Many plants have look-a-likes, and sometimes they are poisonous.
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REFERENCES
My new favourite foraging book is Sam Thayer’s Field Guide to Edible Wild Plants: of Eastern and Central North America (The Sam Thayer’s Field Guides) Paperback – June 1, 2023 and this plant IS featured as one of the edible wild plants in this area. I highly recommend this guide for your bookshelves!
Liquidambar styraciflua Linnaeus – Database of Vascular Plants of Canada (VASCAN)
Indian Herbalogy of North America: The Definitive Guide to Native Medicinal Plants and Their Uses
The Herb Book: The Most Complete Catalog of Herbs Ever Published (Dover Cookbooks)
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