evidence: Here in the southern US there is a tree called the Sweet Gum Tree. Liquidambar styraciflua is a large tree that is valued for its pretty leaves and hard spiky fruits. Its the fruits that I am interested in because they are a source of shikimic acid which is the active ingredient in medicines like Tamiflu®. That’s right, green sweet gum balls can be made into a tincture that can help kill viruses in your body. Its right up there with Elderberry Tincture and Oregano Tincture . [...] Pick enough green sweet gum balls to fill at least a clean, sterilized glass jar that has a tight fitting lid.