Common Name: Sweet gum
Latin Name: Liquidambar styraciflua
Family: Hamamelidaceae (Witch hazel family)
Parts used: green balls, leaves, bark, resin
Tissue or system affinity: lungs, throat, joints, immune system
Taste: aromatic, slightly bitter
Energetics: warming, slightly drying
Actions: anti-viral, expectorant, astringent, drawing
Uses: topically, the resin can be used to draw out infection; topically, the green balls can be crushed and infused in oil to make an oil or salve for cold, clammy arthritic joints; internally, the green balls and leaves in tincture or tea form can be used to expectorate phlegm from the body during a cold or flu; internally, the green balls and leaves can be used as a tincture (preferred) or tea to combat viruses
Other info: Sadly, sweet gum is often referred to as a “trash tree” because it grows fast as a first succession tree to recover damaged land. It is far from that and a great medicine and plays a special role in our environment to repair and regenerate disturbed areas (especially after logging).
Lindsay Kolasa 
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