Benefits of Sweetgum Tree Fruit

Storax or sweet gum is a tree that grows throughout the United States. Its roots, stems and fruit are used in herbal medicines.

Function

• Chemicals within the sweet gum fruit and other extracts from the tree seem to have antibacterial properties, according to RxList.

Uses

• Sweet gum is used in alternative medicine to treat conditions including cancer, colds, cough, diarrhea, epilepsy, parasitic infections, scabies and sore throats. It is also used to clean wounds.

Features

• Sweet gum is generally safe for use in small amounts. It is important to avoid using sweet gum fruits or other extracts on broken skin.

Risks

• Sweet gum fruit and other extracts have the potential to cause a number of side effects including diarrhea or skin rashes. When taken by mouth or allowed to enter the bloodstream through broken skin, sweet gum poses a risk for kidney failure, according to RxList.

Considerations

• If you are pregnant or nursing, avoid taking sweet gum fruit or other extracts from the tree because of possible adverse effects to your baby.