Pinaceae
Larch Bark
Larix decidua
✓ Generally Safe
Caution in Pregnancy
Native to: Central European Alps, Carpathians
Also known as: European Larch, Common Larch, Larix
Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA
Parts Used
BarkResin
Therapeutic Uses
Immune support (arabinogalactan), respiratory catarrh, wound healing (topical astringent), UTI. Arabinogalactan from larch: pharmaceutical immunomodulatory fibre supplement.
Herbal Actions
Immunomodulator (arabinogalactan), expectorant, astringent, diuretic, antioxidant
Active Constituents
Polysaccharides (arabinogalactan — from bark, primary immunomodulatory), flavonoids (quercetin, kaempferol, taxifolin), resin acids, catechin, proanthocyanidins
Preparation Methods
💊 Capsule☕ Herbal Tea
Traditional Preparation Notes
| Herbal Tea | 2 tsp dried bark per 250ml, simmer 15 min, 3x daily |
| Tincture | Arabinogalactan powder: 1.5g 2x daily. Bark tea: 3x daily. |
| Notes | Larch arabinogalactan (LAG): prebiotic and immunomodulatory — sold as dietary supplement. Combination with probiotics enhances immune effect. One of few deciduous conifers. |
Safety Information
Safety Rating
✓ Generally Safe
Pregnancy
Caution in Pregnancy
Drug Interactions
None known
Contraindications: Avoid in pregnancy at high doses. Generally very safe.
Side Effects: GI bloating (arabinogalactan fermentation). Very well tolerated.