Jamaican Dogwood Extract

Species Name: Piscidia erythrina

Also Known As: Jamaica dogwood

Jamaican dogwood extract comes from a plant native to Central America and Florida.

It also grows in the West Indies. It is also found in some areas of Mexico and Texas and in South America. The plant has pods that have four projecting wings to them.

The Jamaican dogwood’s bark is yellow or gray in color and is white inside. When tasted, it has a very strong bitter and acidic taste to it and creates a burning sensation in the mouth.

The bark also has a foul smell to it. To make the extract, the root bark is primarily used.

Home Remedies Using Jamaican Dogwood Extract:

Benefits of Jamaican Dogwood Extract:

Jamaican dogwood extract has been used as a traditional remedy for hundreds of years. It has been used to treat a myriad of conditions including nerve pain, nervous tensions, anxiety, insomnia and fear. In 1844, scientists learned that the plant also had pain relieving benefits and could help a person to produce sweat.

It is also an effective sedative, anti inflammatory treatment and has anti spasmodic effects when used on animals. It can help with reducing the pain from a toothache and help those who are suffering from an asthma attack to gain control of their breathing.

It is important to note that this plant does have a potential toxicity that needs to be carefully monitored. In fact, throughout South and Central America, it is commonly used as a fish poison.

It contains rotenone that is used to kill fleas, lice and larvae in many insecticides. Because of these concerns, it is necessary to discuss using this herbal remedy with your doctor before doing so. It is also highly recommended that only the approved dosage is used according to the directions provided.

When used properly, it can help to reduce fevers, reduce the pain and cause of inflammation and relieve coughs. It also is able to reduce muscle spasms and promote healthy sleep. Jamaican dogwood extracts are best used in a fluid extract form, but the product is sometimes available as a solid extract as well.

Side Effects of Jamaican Dogwood Extract:

Due to the components within this herb that can lead to toxicity, it is very important to limit use to what a doctor recommends.

Overdoses can cause numbness and tremors. It can also cause excessive sweating which can lead to dehydration. It should not be used by pregnant women or by children.