Witnessed by: TCM
Sweetgum (Liquidambar formosana), of the Altingiaceae family. Large deciduous tree with maple-like leaves; native range: southern China, Taiwan and Indochina. Globally recognized as lu lu tong (路路通) in Chinese, and Taiwan sweetgum fruit, all-roads-open fruit in English. The part used is mature spiny infructescence (fruit ball). Light woody globe covered in short spines, riddled with small openings, bitter and faintly aromatic.
In this cross-tradition database, we analyze how this substance operates across world medicine systems — tracking its traditional tastes, temperatures, tissue affinities, post-digestive effects, and planetary correspondences across Ayurveda, Unani, and Western herbalism.
SWEETGUM
IDENTITY
Name
- Common
- sweetgum
- Scientific name
- Liquidambar formosana Hance
- Family
- Altingiaceae
Form
- Part used
- mature spiny infructescence (fruit ball)
PROPERTIES
Nature
Taste
how the plant declares itself on the tongue
- TCM
- bitter
Temperature
- TCM
- neutral
Affinity
where in the body it travels
Organs / channels
- TCM
- Liver · Kidney
PRACTICE
Virtue
Actions
- TCM
- invigorates the blood, moves qi, unblocks the channels and collaterals, promotes urination, dispels wind-damp
Cautions
- Contraindications
- contraindicated in pregnancy; caution in blood deficiency without stasis and in profuse menstruation
- Toxicity
- no significant toxicity in normal use
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