Synopsis

Source of validity: Traditional
Rating (out of 5): 2

Sweetgum (Liquidambar styraciflua) has a history of traditional use in treating skin infections and wounds. Native American tribes and early settlers in North America used the resin, known as storax or sweetgum balsam, as a topical remedy for cuts, sores, and various skin ailments due to its sticky, protective, and mildly antiseptic properties. The resin was sometimes applied directly to wounds to form a barrier against infection and promote healing. Historical texts from the 18th and 19th centuries make note of these uses, and the plant’s aromatic gum was considered beneficial for its soothing and antimicrobial effects.

However, modern scientific studies on sweetgum’s effectiveness for skin infections are limited. While laboratory research has identified some mild antibacterial and antifungal activity in extracts from sweetgum leaves and resin, these findings are preliminary and have not been robustly translated into clinical practice. The primary support for sweetgum’s use in skin infections, therefore, comes from ethnobotanical records and folk medicine traditions rather than rigorous scientific validation. The evidence rating reflects the reliance on traditional knowledge with minimal modern clinical confirmation.

More about sweetgums
More about Skin (infections)

Other ingredients used for Skin (infections)

Other health conditions supported by sweetgums

Products containing sweetgums