LARCH
Larix europaea
Common name: Larch
Latin name: Larix europaea
Other names: Common Larch, European Larch
Family: Pinaceae
Habitat: Larch is native to mountainous areas of northern Europe, central Europe and Siberia
Description: Larch is a conifer and a deciduous plant. Grows to 50 meters tall. It has needle – like leaves, spirally arranged along the long shoots. Cones are small, egg-shaped.ย Young ones are greenish- white, and mature cones have purple or reddish-brown color.
Parts used: Bark, young shoots, resin, needles.
Useful components: Tannic acid, larixinic acid, turpentine.
Medicinal use: Larch has stimulant, expectorant, diuretic and astringent properties. Used externally, it was shown to be helpful in treating chronic eczema and psoriasis. It promotes drainage of mucus, thus being helpful in treating chronic bronchitis. Used internally, Larch is excellent in cases of hemorrhage and cystitis.
Safety: There are no known contraindications. Still, some herbs could react with certain medication. Therefore, it is advisable to consult your doctor before consumption of any herb.