August 20, 2007: Oldest gum

[manephelien]

Originally Posted by Aliantha

Wasn't birch bark used as a pain killer at some time during human history? Is it possible someone had a tooth ache and was chewing on it for relief?

Not birch bark, but willow bark certainly. The scientific name of various willow species is Salix, and from the bark you get salicylic acid, which is further treated chemically to make acetylsalicylic acid which is used in Aspirin.

My grandmother told me that as a kid she and her friends used to chew on pine resin. She was born in 1913 and there was little candy, never mind chewing gum available.

Xylitol is birch sugar, refined from birch sap. It is used as a sweetener in sugarfree gum, and has the property of combating caries rather than causing it.

[xoxoxoBruce]

I've chewed pine resin. Ya gotta get it good and dirty before it stops sticking to your teeth.