American Sweetgum (Liquidambar styraciflua): Health Benefits and Easy Ways to Use It at Home

The American sweetgum tree is easy to recognize: tall, strong, with star-shaped leaves that turn red and orange in the fall. But most people know it for something else — those spiky seed balls that drop all over the ground. What many people don’t know is that this tree has been used in traditional medicine for generations. From the sticky sap to the green seed pods, this tree has more to offer than you’d expect.

25 Benefits of the American Sweetgum Tree

Helps the body fight viruses
Green seed balls have a natural compound also found in antiviral medicines.
Boosts the immune system
Homemade tinctures are used to help your body stay strong when you’re getting sick.
Eases cold and flu symptoms
Some people use sweetgum to relieve coughs, sore throat, and chills.
Opens up the lungs
Can help you breathe easier when you’re congested.
Loosens mucus
May make it easier to cough up phlegm.
Cleans small cuts and scrapes
The sticky sap has been used like a natural antiseptic.
Soothes irritated skin
Mixed with oils, the sap can calm itchy or inflamed skin.
Relieves mild pain
Some people used sweetgum to help with small aches or sore muscles.
Keeps bugs away
Crushed green seed balls are believed to help repel insects.
Used as natural incense
The dried sap smells pleasant when burned.
Creates a calming scent
The smell of the resin is warm and grounding.
Helps small wounds heal
Traditionally used to support healing of minor skin injuries.
Lowers fever (folk remedy)
Some older remedies used it to help cool down the body during fever.
Reduces stress
The scent or tea made from parts of the tree is believed to have relaxing effects.
Great for crafts
The seed balls are often used in natural holiday decorations.
Helps compost breathe
The seed pods let air flow through compost piles.
May help with digestion
Chewing the resin was believed to settle the stomach.
Soothes toothache (folk use)
Resin was once pressed near the tooth to ease pain.
Relieves sore throat
Gargling tea made from the bark was used for throat pain.
Calms itchy bug bites
Crushed green balls may help stop the itch.
Natural chewing gum
Hardened sap was chewed by Native Americans and early settlers.
Freshens the air
Burning resin was believed to clean the air in a room.
Mild tea from the bark
A weak tea was sometimes made for flu-like symptoms.
Shines and protects wood
Some people mix the resin into homemade wood polish.
Fights mild skin fungus (folk remedy)
Resin was sometimes used to treat small fungal spots.

How to Use Sweetgum at Home

🧪 1. Make a Tincture to Help Fight Cold and Flu

What you need:

Green sweetgum seed balls (not brown and dry)
High-proof alcohol (like vodka)
A clean glass jar with lid

Steps:

Rinse and lightly crush the green seed balls.
Fill a jar halfway with them, then cover with alcohol.
Close the jar and store it in a dark place for 4 to 6 weeks.
Shake it every few days.
Strain the liquid and store it in a dropper bottle.

How to use: Take 10–15 drops in water or tea when you feel a cold coming on. Do not use every day, just for a few days at a time.

💧 2. Make a Natural Healing Salve

What you need:

Dried sweetgum resin (from the tree’s bark)
Olive oil or coconut oil
Beeswax

Steps:

Heat the resin and oil together on low heat until the resin melts.
Strain out any pieces of bark.
Add beeswax and stir until melted.
Pour into small jars and let cool.

How to use: Apply to small cuts, dry skin, or bug bites.

🔥 3. Burn as Natural Incense

What you need:

Dried resin
A heat-safe burner or charcoal disc

Steps:

Place resin on a lit charcoal disc or incense burner.
Let the smoke rise and fill the room.

Why: The smell is calming and earthy — some say it helps with focus and relaxation.

🦷 4. Chew the Resin Like Gum

What you need:

Dried resin from the bark

Steps:

Pick off clean, amber-colored pieces of hardened sap.
Let them dry out fully.
Chew like regular gum (don’t swallow it).

Why: This was used in the past to freshen breath and calm mild tooth pain.

🦟 5. Make Bug Repellent Sachets

What you need:

Crushed green seed balls
Dried herbs (like mint or lavender)
Small cloth bags or pouches

Steps:

Mix crushed seed balls with herbs.
Fill each cloth bag and tie shut.
Place near windows, closets, or drawers.

Why: Believed to keep bugs and moths away naturally.

🍵 6. Brew a Soothing Tea (Only if You Know What You’re Doing)

What you need:

Small amount of bark from young branches
Water

Steps:

Simmer 1 teaspoon of bark in a cup of water for about 10–15 minutes.
Let it cool and strain.

Why: Some people drink this to help with flu symptoms or mild pain. Only use small amounts, and not for long.

⚠️ Before You Try Any of This

These are old remedies passed down over time — they haven’t been fully tested by modern science.
Don’t use if you’re pregnant, breastfeeding, or have health problems.
Never eat the dry brown seed balls. Only the green ones are used.
Always test a small amount first to make sure you’re not allergic.
When in doubt, ask a professional.

⚠️ Disclaimer

The information in this article is provided for educational and informational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. Always consult with a qualified healthcare provider before using any plant or natural remedy, especially if you are pregnant, nursing, taking medication, or have a medical condition. The author and publisher are not responsible for any adverse effects or consequences resulting from the use of any suggestions or preparations described. Use at your own risk.

The American sweetgum tree may seem like just another yard tree with annoying spiky balls, but it has a long history of natural use. Whether you want to make a homemade salve, tincture, or just enjoy its scent, this tree can offer more than you think — if you know how to use it.