Herb Introduction
The Liquidambar formosana, commonly known as the Chinese Sweetgum or Fragrant Maple, is a deciduous tree belonging to the Altingiaceae family. It can grow up to 30 meters tall and is known for its distinctive, palmately three-lobed leaves that turn vibrant shades of red and orange in the autumn. The tree's bark is gray-brown, and its branchlets can be either pubescent (hairy) or glabrous (smooth). The buds are ovoid, and the stipules are red. The name Liquidambar comes from the Latin liquidus (liquid) and the Arabic ambar (amber), referring to the tree's fragrant, resinous sap. This resin, or balsam, has a long history of use in traditional medicine.
Names in Different Countries and Terminology
The Liquidambar formosana has a variety of common names across different cultures, reflecting its widespread use and recognition.
English: Chinese Sweetgum, Fragrant Maple
Chinese: 枫香树 (Fēng xiāng shù)
Persian: شیرینژد چینی (Shīrīn-zhad chīnī)
Finnish: Kiinanambrapuu
Japanese: フウ (Fū)
Vietnamese: Sau sau
Sanskrit: Silhak
Unani: Silaaras
The term Silhak or Silaaras is often used in traditional Ayurvedic and Unani medicine to refer to the resinous exudate from the tree, which is highly valued for its medicinal properties.
Availability and External Look
The Liquidambar formosana is native to temperate forests of East Asia, specifically in central and southern China, Korea, Taiwan, Laos, and northern Vietnam. It is widely cultivated as an ornamental tree in parks and gardens globally due to its aesthetic appeal, especially the striking fall foliage.
The tree itself is tall with a straight trunk. Its leaves are a key identifying feature: they are broad, ovate, and have three distinct lobes, with a cordate (heart-shaped) base and serrated margins. The tree produces a globose fruit structure, which is a key identifying feature. This structure is about 3-4 cm wide and contains numerous brown seeds. The bark is gray-brown and can sometimes reach a diameter of one meter.
Healing Properties and Advantages
The various parts of the Liquidambar formosana, particularly the resin (balsam), leaves, and fruits, possess a range of medicinal properties.
Anti-inflammatory: The balsam is known to reduce inflammation, making it useful for topical application on skin irritations and internal use for inflammatory conditions.
Expectorant: It helps to clear mucus from the respiratory system, which is beneficial for coughs and bronchitis.
Antiparasitic and Antiseptic: The balsam has properties that can help fight against parasites and prevent the growth of microorganisms, making it effective for treating skin diseases like ringworm and scabies.
Antimicrobial: It can inhibit the growth of bacteria and fungi.
Astringent: The plant has a constricting or binding effect on tissues, which is useful for treating skin diseases and wounds.
Antihemorrhagic: It can help to stop bleeding.
The tree's versatility is a key advantage, with different parts of the plant being used for various ailments, from skin conditions to respiratory issues.
Uses and Using Way
The different parts of the Liquidambar formosana are used in various ways for medicinal and other purposes.
Resin (Balsam): Used externally as a topical application for scabies, ringworm, and other skin diseases. It can also be used as an inhalation to treat coughs and bronchitis. In traditional medicine, it is used for rheumatic joint pains.
Stems, Leaves, and Fruits: These parts are used to treat a wide range of conditions, including irregular menstruation, lumbago (lower back pain), urticaria (hives), and dysuria (painful urination).
Ornamental Use: The tree's beautiful fall colors make it a popular choice for landscaping in parks, gardens, and along streets.
When used externally, the balsam is typically applied directly to the affected skin area. For respiratory conditions, a small amount can be added to hot water for steam inhalation. Internal uses are often in the form of decoctions or tinctures, prepared under the guidance of a traditional medicine practitioner.
Conclusion
The Liquidambar formosana is a valuable tree with a dual identity: a stunning ornamental plant and a source of powerful traditional medicine. Its resin, known as balsam, has been used for centuries across various cultures for its anti-inflammatory, antiseptic, and expectorant properties. From treating skin ailments like scabies and ringworm to providing relief for respiratory issues and joint pain, the tree's medicinal applications are diverse. Its use in traditional systems like Ayurveda and Unani highlights its long-standing therapeutic value, solidifying its importance in both natural landscapes and the world of herbal medicine.
