Sweet gum trees grow all over the South. Most folks know them only for the spiky brown balls that drop every fall and make a mess of the yard. What almost nobody knows is that those same balls hold one of the richest natural sources of shikimic acid in North America. The same compound the pharmaceutical industry extracts from star anise grows wild right here in Alabama.
We harvest the green sweet gum balls by hand from our land in Opp, Alabama, then slow-extract them in small batches. The result is a full-spectrum, whole-plant tincture. You get shikimic acid plus the full range of the tree's natural compounds, the way Southern and Native American herbalists have used it for generations.
Traditional Use
Sweet gum has a long history of traditional use in Southern and Native American herbal medicine. Shikimic acid has been studied for decades and is used as a starting compound in the pharmaceutical industry. Our extract is a whole-plant herbal tincture, not a drug. Traditionally used as part of a wellness routine, especially through the colder months.
How to Use
Take 1 to 2 dropperfuls (30 to 60 drops) in water up to three times daily as part of a wellness routine. Shake well before use. New to herbal tinctures? Start with a lower dose.
What's in It
Green sweet gum ball (Liquidambar styraciflua) extract in grain alcohol and distilled water. Hand-harvested from our land in southern Alabama. We add nothing else.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is shikimic acid?
Shikimic acid is a natural plant compound found in sweet gum trees, star anise, and a few other plants. It has been studied for years as a natural plant compound of interest in the pharmaceutical industry. We bottle it in whole-plant form, not as an isolated chemical. We make no medical claims.
Is this the same as Tamiflu?
No. Tamiflu is a lab-made drug built from a modified form of shikimic acid. Our extract is a whole-plant herbal tincture. It is not a drug, and we do not mean it as a stand-in for one. We make no medical claims.
Where are the sweet gum balls harvested?
From our land and the woods around us in southern Alabama. We pick them green and by hand. We work in small batches. We do not buy from outside suppliers.
Why green sweet gum balls instead of dried?
Shikimic acid runs highest in the green, unripe seed pods. Dried brown balls have lower concentrations. We pick at the green stage to get the most out of each ball.
Which size should I choose?
The 1 oz is a good starting point for anyone new to this tincture. The 2 oz is the better value for ongoing use, roughly 5 to 6 weeks at twice-daily dosing.
Are these statements FDA-evaluated?
No. These statements have not been evaluated by the FDA. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. We make no medical claims. Consult your healthcare provider before use, especially if pregnant, nursing, or taking medications.
Read the full sweet gum tree story, or learn more about natural sources of shikimic acid.
