Gleditsia triacanthos

Among Native peoples of the United States, the bark of Gleditsia triacanthos (honey locust) has been recorded in several different preparations. The Cherokee of the southeastern woodlands prepared a mild tea by steeping shredded bark in hot water and drank it as an expectorant for coughs and colds (Moerman, 1998). The Lenape of the mid‑Atlantic region made a maceration of the same bark, soaking the material in cool water for several hours and then applying the liquid as a wash for cuts, sores and other skin irritations (Moerman, 1998). The Iroquois of the northeastern woodlands boiled the bark in water for fifteen minutes, producing a decoction that was taken internally for sore throats and mild gastrointestinal upset (Moerman, 1998). The Cherokee also crushed fresh bark into a moist poultice and applied it directly to wounds to aid healing (Moerman, 1998).

A simple preparation that follows these historic methods is a bark decoction that can be used as a gentle tea. Measure 10 g of dried, chopped bark, add it to 500 mL of water, bring the water to a gentle boil, then simmer for 15–20 minutes. Strain the liquid and let it cool to a drinking temperature. The finished decoction may be taken warm, up to three cups per day, and can be sweetened if desired. Because the bark is rich in tannins, it should not be used by pregnant or nursing women, and people on blood‑thinning medication should consult a health professional before regular use. Excessive intake may also reduce iron absorption, so it is best consumed with food.

Phytochemical analyses of Gleditsia triacanthos bark consistently report high levels of condensed tannins (proanthocyanidins), flavonoids such as quercetin and kaempferol, phenolic acids like caffeic and gallic acid, and triterpenoid saponins. These compounds have documented astringent and antioxidant activity and align with the traditional uses of the bark as a tea, decoction, maceration and poultice.

Today, honey‑locust bark appears in limited commercial herbal supplements and teas, and recent pharmacological work (Li et al., 2021; Zhang et al., 2020) continues to examine its antioxidant and anti‑inflammatory properties, confirming the enduring relevance of this native tree in both traditional and modern health practices.

Wood and fiber:
The wood is moderately heavy and hard (ovendry density typically ~0.68–0.73 g/cm³), ring-porous, and yellow-brown with distinct, light-colored rays. It is noted for good strength and durability and is used in heavy-duty applications such as posts, ties, poles, and tool handles, as well as for furniture and turned articles. Natural decay resistance is attributed to extractives.

Industrial and craft applications:
Thorns harvested from thorned varieties have been reported historically as darning aids, though such use is minor and non-commercial.

Properties relevant to use:
Ring-porous ring structure and above-average density support structural durability; the color and ray figure contribute to appearance-grade uses.

Sustainability and sourcing:
The species is widely cultivated in North America and commonly sourced from urban-tree removals as well as managed stands for specialty lumber.

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