Dorothy FarrarLarch
The larch is one of the conifers. In contrast to other softwoods, the larch loses its needles in a similar way to a deciduous tree. It is considered to be a versatile medicinal plant that helps with various skin ailments, among other things. In addition, the essential oils of larch have a diuretic and digestive effect.
General overview
The larch primarily refers to the European larch (Larix decidua), which belongs to the larch genus (Larix). It is part of the pine family (Pinaceae). In 2012, the larch was even voted tree of the year in Germany. It has some therapeutically useful effects.
Occurrence and cultivation
As the name European larch already suggests, the conifer is native to Europe. The tree is mainly cultivated in Austria, Switzerland, France and northern Italy. The larch prefers to thrive in mountains and in northern regions where cool temperatures prevail. The larch can withstand extreme temperatures without any problems, as it is considered undemanding. The deep roots of the tree ensure its water supply. The larch can grow up to an altitude of 2300 meters and is therefore often found in the higher elevations of the Alps, Carpathians and Sudetes.
The growth of the larch is very rapid at first, so that it reaches a pronounced height. In the further course, it then grows in width. In spring the needles grow in clusters. The flat needles reach a length of around two millimeters. A tuft is formed from about 20 needles. The larch flowers appear in April and May. They are red in color and smell pleasant. In autumn they become small cones.
Application and effect
The larch gets its therapeutic effect from the larch turpentine. This is a balm. It is obtained by drilling into the trunk of a tree. Doctors and pharmacists also refer to larch turpentine as Terebinthina laricina. In the larch turpentine there are about 20 percent essential oils . With a share of 70 percent, the share of a-pinene is the largest. Other essential oils are 3-Carene and Borneol. In addition, resin acids such as laricinolic acid can be found in larch.
For use, the essential oil can be mixed with honey . It is used to treat intestinal catarrh, bladder infections and bleeding. Larch essential oil is used externally to treat nerve pain. Oils, ointments, gels and emulsions are used for external therapy. Special plasters are also part of the offer. Larch turpentine, also known as Venetian turpentine, can also be used internally by inhaling it. For this purpose, the user puts a few drops of the oil in hot water. He then inhales the vapors deeply.
Another form of administration of the essential oil is the application of envelopes. To do this, a cloth is dipped in hot water and larch turpentine is added. Various skin conditions can be treated in this way. The recommended duration of application is a maximum of 30 minutes, because the larch active ingredients are considered to be extremely strong. Another application should therefore only take place the next day. Basically, a careful dosage of larch is recommended. The larch is also represented among the Bach flowers , where it is called Larch. She stands for self-confidence and at the same time modesty. In the context of a Bach flower therapy , the larch is considered to be helpful against shyness and fear of failure.
What does the larch help against?
- intestinal catarrh
- respiratory catarrh
importance to health
Few people know that the larch is a proven medicinal plant . Larch turpentine has proven itself as a remedy in folk medicine for a long time. From a scientific point of view, however, not all positive effects could be completely confirmed. Larch essential oils are traditionally used to treat respiratory catarrh. The larch turpentine promotes the release of secretions within the bronchi . However, the irritant effect of the essential oil can be quite strong. For this reason, it is not recommended to inhale concentrated larch turpentine in the case of acute respiratory infections.
The essential oil of the larch is also considered to be effective for the treatment of skin inflammation and boils. Larch turpentine promotes blood circulation. Larch is also used for suppurating ulcers, bladder problems, rheumatism, weeping lichen, gallstones, tapeworms, nerve pain, scabs, bleeding and diarrhea. In addition, larch turpentine is said to promote menstruation in women.
The larch is also used in homeopathy . This uses larch turpentine to treat poisoning by solvents, which manifests itself in the form of uremia. Other indications are burning in the bladder, urinary retention, exhaustion and kidney pain.
If larch is used in excessive doses, there is a risk of side effects such as kidney damage. In addition, impairments of the central nervous system are a possibility.
Hello and welcome to my Health Guide & Encyclopedia! My name is Dorothy Farrar, and I'm the founder and main author of this platform.
My passion for health and wellness started at a young age when I became interested in the connection between the food we eat and the way we feel. This fascination led me to study nutrition and dietetics in college, where I learned about the importance of a balanced diet and the impact of various nutrients on the body.