The now widely European larch was not for nothing tree of the year 2012. Its healing properties are partly scientifically proven and supported by many positive testimonials.
Occurrence and cultivation of the larch
The needles of the larch, unlike spruce or pine needles, are very soft and leave a soft carpet after falling. The genus Larix = larch belongs to the pine family and was originally native to the high altitude forests of Siberia, northern and central Europe. Due to the ice ages, the population has been displaced in the high mountains. In the following period, the larch has reconquered the high mountains, also due to its frost resistance. Today, in Central Europe, it is mainly found in the Alps, the Sudetes and the High Tatras. However, it can also be found in low mountain ranges and flat areas flooded with light as a result of cultivation. Unlike other conifers, the larch sheds its leaves in late autumn and hibernates in a bare state like deciduous trees. During this process, the needles change color, losing their autumnal dark green and in some cases turning bright yellow to light brown before reaching the ground. Unlike spruce or pine needles, the needles are very soft and leave a soft carpet after they fall. The trunk of the larch is still smooth and silvery – gray when young, but then develops a thick brownish, reddish bark with age.
Effect and application
Various parts of the plant or components of the larch can be used for medicinal purposes. The first to be mentioned here is turpentine, which is obtained either from the resin of the bark or from shoots and young leaves. Either the resin is processed in its entirety or in individual components into ointment or gel, or the turpentine oil is distilled out. This essential oil is used for both internal and external application. For further processing of the extracted resin to ointment, mostly vegetable fats are used as carrier substance, for gel production hydrocolloid substances. Both can then be applied to the skin, where the blood circulation-promoting, warming and pain-relieving effect can unfold. In this way, for example, rheumatic and neuralgic complaints or hair follicle inflammations can be alleviated. Basically, it is known from the history of folk medicine and the experience of healers that larch extracts are often used for all kinds of skin diseases or skin impurities. The essential oil of turpentine is further developed and used for various purposes. Diluted with steam, it is used for inhalation and helps in respiratory diseases and colds affecting the airways. However, its use is not recommended in acute respiratory diseases because of its irritating effect. Larch oil, mixed with a base oil because of its skin-irritating effect, can be used as a massage agent, as a poultice or for liniments. These forms of application also help with rheumatic and neuralgic complaints, as well as musculoskeletal disorders such as sprains, strains and bruises. Another internal application form is taking the turpentine oil, either as drops or mixed with honey. This helps with bladder problems, bladder stones and intestinal cramps, but also has positive effects on blood pressure and blood composition. But here, too, because of the strong effect, pay attention to the dosage. Bach flower therapy also uses larch extracts as a remedy. There it is the remedy of choice for lack of self-confidence and self-esteem. According to Bach, it should help with fear of failure, fear of new situations, test anxiety and with shyness. Overall, the spectrum of action of larch extracts is wide and it is impossible to imagine naturopathy without it. However, caution is required when using it. Therefore, it is advisable to turn to healing hands for therapy and explore causal causes of disease.
Significance for health, treatment and prevention.
Larch extracts have a wide range of effects in both therapy and prevention. They make an important contribution to the natural maintenance of health. The healing influences on the skin, respiratory system, musculoskeletal system, urinary organs and blood have already been described in the previous section.Because of the blood circulation stimulating, warming, antiseptic and pain-relieving effect, the possible applications are almost unlimited. Used by expert therapists, larch products can replace pharmaceutically manufactured products and provide treatment in a natural way. But also the use in prevention should be considered. Again and again, experience reports show that internal use of larch elixirs, for example for urinary disorders, has a positive effect on the skin and prevents skin changes. The same is true for the consequences of high blood pressure. Larch elixir can lead to regulation of high blood pressure and thus help prevent secondary diseases such as arteriosclerosis, heart attack or stroke. The economic potential through the possible reduction of costs is enormous. Unfortunately, these effects have not yet been sufficiently researched and proven. This is certainly due to the fact that there is no financially strong lobby for the scientific investigation of the effects of such natural remedies. Many users also describe that the effect is better and above all poorer in side effects compared to pharmaceutical products. Gastrointestinal complaints, nausea and headaches occur much less frequently or not at all. The larch has a great therapeutic and preventive potential and can thus make an important contribution in the field of health in the sense of natural medicine. Scientific studies already prove the effect in some areas, but are still pending in many areas of application. Further targeted studies should provide evidence of the positive effects of this plant medicine in the coming years.
