The Health Benefits of Jamaican Dogwood

Jamaica is considered to be one of the most beautiful countries in the world, with some of the most medicinal herbs, Jamaica has deep roots in bush medicine and herbal healing.

One revered herb that comes to us from the Jamaican bush doctor is Piscidia erythrina commonly known as Jamaican Dogwood and has been used as a traditional remedy for treating nerve pain, migraine, insomnia, anxiety, fear, and nervous tension although this herb is potentially toxic.

This herb also contains a substance known as rotenone that has been used in insecticides to control lice, fleas, and larvae.

Jamaican dogwood is native to Central America, Florida, and the West Indies but has now grown in other parts of the world.

Despite serious safety concerns, Jamaican dogwood is used for anxiety and fear, for sleep problems (especially sleeplessness due to nervous tension), and as a daytime sedative.

Jamaican Dogwood

The bark is anti-inflammatory and antispasmodic and can be used in cases of dysmenorrhoea (painful periods). Jamaican dogwood is a strong analgesic that can be used along with other herbs to treat the musculoskeletal pain of arthritis and rheumatism.

The plant’s characteristic pods bear four projecting longitudinal wings. The bark is yellow or greyish brown on the outer surface, and lighter coloured or white on the inner surface.

Jamaica dogwood’s distinctly acrid and bitter taste causes a burning sensation in the mouth, and the bark gives off an unpleasant odour. This herb in the form of tea is normally consumed, to make its tea just add one teaspoon of dried Jamaican dogwood into water that is boiling.

Allow the combination to steep for about five to seven minutes and then strain and pour the tea into a cup. If you need to you can add some honey to truly enrich the taste of this tea.

You should completely avoid Jamaican dogwood if you are pregnant or nursing and it should not be given to children. Jamaican dogwood may trigger any number of other side effects that aren’t known to us as the herb lacks quality research studies for the time being.