What are some uses for tree sap (different kinds) - besides maple syrup?

Question

My four year old had some very sticky and "yucky tasting" sap on her hands. She asked me what sap can be used for. Besides syrup from maple sap, I was stumped ... can anyone help me with any historical uses of tree sap? It doesn't necessarily have to be from a maple. Thanks a million!

Answer 1

Saps can be used as solvents.  Pine Sol is based from the terpenoids found in pine saps. Turpentine is a derivative of those saps.

The other answers above are beneficial.  i am just adding to them.

Answer 2

Glue and medicinal poultices are the first that come to mind. some saps were used for torches before we had electrcity. Also as preservatives.

Answer 3

pine sap make gum

Answer 4

Rubber is the main one that comes to mind.  I remember watching the tappers working on the plantations in Malaya as a child.  Each tree had a little cup fitted to a shaped cutout in the bark, to collect the sap, and every so often the tappers would go round emptying the cups into a large container, usually carried on their backs.  Have a look at:

http://www.kew.org/plants/rubber.html