Jamaican Dogwood
(Piscidia erythrina)
Also know as Fish poison tree
Botanical Information
A small deciduous tree in the Pea family, with pink, lavender, or sometimes white pea-like flowers native to the Carribean.
Working with Jamaican Dogwood
Part(s) Used
Bark
Herb Forms
Tincture.
Affects
Jamaican dogwood is used as a sedative and anodyne, its main indication being for insomnia caused by pain or nervous tension, especially in the aged. It is also reported effective for neuralgia, migraine, cramping pain during menstruation, sciatica, earache, migraine, and is a specific for toothache. The herb is sometimes recommended for relieving pain and discomfort of whooping cough, combined with other herbs.
Jamaican Dogwood has a taste of BITTER, ACRID and a temperature of WARM.
Cautions
For larger doses than 1 dropperful, it is best to consult an herbalist or qualified health care practitioner; can be toxic in excessive amounts.
