- Origin
- Caribbean and northern South America. Guaiacum officinale
Central America and the Caribbean · Herb · № 167
Guaiacum officinale
Herb · Central America and the Caribbean
Lignum vitae
Guaiacum officinale
The resin and wood were used for rheumatic complaints and gout; guaiac resin is still used in the guaiac test for blood in stool. There is no modern evidence for its classic uses.
Safety notes
May cause digestive upset and rashes. Use caution with blood thinners. The tree is threatened and listed in CITES Appendix II.
Preparation
Wood chips as decoction or resin as tincture; today mainly of historical interest. No dosage is given here.
Use in traditions
The Taíno of the Caribbean used the wood medicinally. In the 16th century it became an expensive remedy for syphilis in Europe, against which it did not work. The name lignum vitae means 'wood of life'. The extremely hard wood was used for ship bearings.
Applications
Use by tradition
How different herbal traditions describe this herb. Amounts are traditional guidelines checked for obvious errors; they are not medical advice. For poisonous plants no dosage is given on purpose.
Herbal medicine worldwide
Attributed effects
Antirheumatic, anti-inflammatory, promotes circulation.
Preparation and amount
Heartwood.