Eastern larch, tamarac

Its needles, which are rich in vitamin C, are used to prepare a herbal tea used to prevent or treat colds. Its resin makes a good chewing gum and digestive aid. It can be mixed with paraffin and used as a hair creme. The inner bark is effective against infections in wounds and burns. Used as a plaster, it stops haemorrhaging, reduces pain and keeps bacteria out of wounds. Larch wood is water and rot resistant, and was once used in building boats, barns, log houses, pilings and crates.