OVERVIEW:
Acacia gum is used in a variety of products ranging from ink to ice cream. A water-soluble gum, it is used as a thickener, stabilizer, and emulsifier in foods and is a good source of fiber. In herbal medicine, the gum is used to bind pills and lozenges and to stabilize emulsions. It is also used to produce a medium for applying essential oils, balsams, resins, camphor, and musk. It is used in lotions, creams, pomades, shampoos, body washes, balms, and cosmetic products like mascara.
LATIN:
Acacia senegal (L.) Willd.
ORIGIN:
Sudan
CULTIVATION:
Organic
PARTS USED:
The Gum
WHAT'S COOKING:
Rose, Pistachio & Cardamom Ice-Cream
Gomme (or gum) syrup
Gumdrops
Acacia (Gum Arabic) Powder
Specific: No known precautions.
General: We recommend that you consult with a qualified healthcare practitioner before using herbal products, particularly if you are pregnant, nursing, or on any medications. Keep all herbs out of reach of children and pets.For educational purposes only. This information has not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This information is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.
Store herbs and spices in tightly capped containers and keep away from heat, moisture and direct sunlight. Here are the suggested shelf lives of each spice category:
- Ground spices and blends (nutmeg, cinnamon, turmeric): 4 to 8 months
- Herbs (basil, oregano, parsley): 1 to 2 years
- Whole spices (cloves, peppercorns, cinnamon sticks): 4 years
- Seeds: 4 years (except for poppy and sesame seeds, which should be discarded after 2 years)
- Extracts: 4 years (except for vanilla, which will last forever)
