Body gum is linseed oil that has been polymerized. It is used as a stiffing additive when ink is too viscous and "pulls the ink together" when the ink is causing scumming, tinting, and chalking on coated papers. Linseed varnishes #8, #9, and #10 are referred to as body gums. Always check with your ink manufacturer for the compatibility of an additive before modifying your ink.