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Arabic Gum, or as it is also called, Acacia Senegal, Gum Anacia, Chaar gund, or char goond, has seen continuous use for centuries. A natural gum made from the hardened sap taken from two species of the acacia tree, it is often reduced or powdered or otherwise diluted for the many uses it provides. Historically cultivated in Arabia, Africa, and West Asia, it was written of by Herodotus as a tool in Egyptian Ebalming as well as by Abu ayd Humayn ibn Ishan al-Ibadi,a famed Arabic physician who described it as an ingredient in poultices or eye compresses. In medieval times it widely saw use in the production of religious texts, providing a key component to the vibrant colors found within illuminated manuscripts as well as, in some cases, a key mix in a blend that allowed gold to be applied by a thin brush in a manner nearly identical to ink. This made it a key component in many occult manuscripts, in helping to maintain the consistency of ink used to inscribe holy seals and words of power, and an such is often viewed as a powerful tool for purification. This is a 2 oz bag of Arabic Gum powder. |