Gum arabic is a natural product of the Acacia senegal tree, occurring as an exudate from the trunks and branches. It is normally collected by hand when dried, when it resembles a hard, amber-like resin normally referred to as 'tears'. Gum arabic is widely used in the food industry, as an emulsifier, thickener, flavour encapsulator and thickening agent.
Grieve's classic 'A Modern Herbal': It is employed as a soothing agent in inflammatory conditions of the respiratory, digestive and urinary tract, and is useful in diarrhoea and dysentery. It exerts a soothing influence upon all the surfaces with which it comes in contact. Gum Acacia is an ingredient of all the official Trochisci, and various syrups, pastes and pastilles or jujubes. Gum Acacia is highly nutritious. During the time of the gum harvest, the Moors of the desert are said to live almost entirely on it, and it has been proved that 6 oz. is sufficient to support an adult for twenty-four hours. In many cases of disease, it is considered that a solution of Gum Arabic may for a time constitute the exclusive drink and food of the patient.
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