Family Name: Pinaceae

Introduction

Tamarac was used by both the Native Americans and the Eclectics to stimulate the body to heal itself, whether taken internally or applied externally. There are a number of members of the Pine family with this capacity and this is certainly one Pine of interest.

Notes from the Eclectic Physicians

Notes from the Eclectic Physicians

1854; King J; (Materia Medica) – LARIX AMERICANA
Properties and Uses . – A decoction of the bark of this tree is said to be laxative, tonic, diuretic, and alterative, and is recommended in obstructions of the liver, rheumatism, jaundice, and some cutaneous diseases; a decoction of the leaves has been employed, in piles, hemoptysis, menorrhagia, diarrhea and dysentery, and externally in cutaneous diseases, ulcers, burns, etc. In dropsy, combined with spearmint, juniper berries and horseradish, it has proved valuable. Dose of decoction, from two to four fluidounces, two to four times a day.

1898: Felter and Lloyd: LARIX AMERICANA – TAMARAC
Action, Medical Uses, and Dosage – A decoction of the bark of this tree is said to be laxative, tonic, diuretic, and alterative, and is recommended in obstructions of the liver, rheumatism, jaundice, and some cutaneous diseases; a decoction of the leaves has been employed in piles, hemoptysis, menorrhagia, diarrhoea, and dysentery, and externally in cutaneous diseases, ulcers, burns, etc. In dropsy, combined with spearmint, juniper berries, and horseradish, it has proved valuable. Dose of the decoction, from 2 to 4 fluid ounces, 2 to 4 times a day.