<P> Lac is harvested by cutting the tree branches that hold sticklac . If dye is being produced, the insects are kept in the sticklac because the dye colour comes from the insects rather than their resin . They may be killed by exposure to the sun . </P> <P> On the other hand, if seedlac or shellac is being produced, most insects can escape because less coloured pale lac is generally more desired . </P> <P> The use of lac dye goes back to ancient times . It was used in ancient India and neighbouring areas as wood finish, skin cosmetic and dye for wool and silk . In China it is a traditional dye for leather goods . Lac for dye has been somewhat replaced by the emergence of synthetic dyes, though it remains in use, and some juices, carbonated drinks, wine, jam, sauce, and candy are coloured using it . </P> <P> Lac is used in folk medicine as a hepatoprotective and anti-obesity drug . It is used in violin and other varnish and is soluble in alcohol . This type of lac was used in the finishing of 18th - century fowling guns in the United States . </P>

Lac which is used as sealing wax is produced by