The efficacy and function of white gum

We are all familiar with white gum. White gum is not only edible but also has very high medicinal effects. Eating white gum regularly can play a very good health-preserving and health-care role.

[Other names] Liquidambar resin (Tang Materia Medica), maple resin (Tongdian), white glue (Rumen Shiqin), rue (Bencao Yuanshi), glue fragrance (Pharmacology of Chinese Medicine).

[Source] It is the resin of Liquidambar formosana of the Hamamelidaceae family. Choose a thick and strong tree that is more than 20 years old, chisel off the bark between July and August, and chisel a hole every 15 to 20 cm from the root. The resin that flows out is harvested between November and March of the following year. Sun dry or dry naturally. Prevent mixing of mud, sand and other objects.

【Original morphology】 The plant morphology is detailed in the entry for "Lulutong".

[Habitat distribution] Produced in Zhejiang, Jiangxi, Fujian, Yunnan and other places.

[Properties] The dry resin is in the form of elliptical or spherical particles of varying sizes, and some are in the form of blocks or thick flakes. The surface is light yellow and translucent. The texture is crispy and easy to break. The cross section has a glassy luster. The smell is light and becomes stronger when burning. The best ones are crispy, free of impurities, and have a strong aroma when burned.

[Chemical composition] Among the volatile oil components of the resin, cinnamic acids account for about 6.4%, terpenes account for about 84.4%, and other components account for 9.2%.

[Processing] "Compendium of Materia Medica": "When using (white gum incense), boil it in stupid water for twenty times, put it into cold water, knead it for dozens of times, and dry it before use."

【Properties and flavors】 ① "Tang Materia Medica": "Tastes bitter, flat, non-toxic."

[Meridian] ① "Leigong Paozhi Yaoxing Jie": "enters the spleen and liver meridians."

【Functions and indications】Promote blood circulation, cool blood, detoxify and relieve pain. It is used to treat carbuncle, scabies, urticaria, scrofula, wounds, toothache, vomiting blood, and nosebleed.

【Usage and Dosage】 For external use: grind into powder and sprinkle, mix and apply or make into ointment and apply. For internal use: in pills or powder, 1 to 2 qian.

【Note】 "Depei Materia Medica" states: "It is not suitable for internal use."

[Additional prescription] ① For treating various sores: take 2 qian each of white glue incense and light powder, mix with lard and apply. ("Ren Zhai Zhi Zhi Fang")

【Excerpt】 《*Dictionary》

This article introduces to us what white gum is. We know that white gum has a very high medicinal effect, but we must remind everyone that white gum is generally not to be eaten indiscriminately, otherwise it will cause serious consequences. I hope everyone will treat it with caution.