Also Known As:

Piscidia, West Indian Dogwood.

Scientific Name:

Piscidia erythrina; Piscidia communis.

Family: Fabaceae/Leguminosae.

People Use This For:

Jamaican dogwood is used for anxiety and fear, as a daytime sedative, for

neuralgia, migraine, insomnia (especially sleeplessness due to nervous tension), and painful periods.

Safety:

No concerns regarding safety. No reports of harm with therapeutic doses.

Children: Refer to a Medical Herbalist.

Pregnancy and Lactation: Refer to a Medical Herbalist.

Effectiveness:

There is insufficient Scientific information available about the effectiveness of Jamaican dogwood.

Mechanism of Action:

The applicable part of Jamaican dogwood is the root bark. Animal studies have

shown that an extract of Jamaican dogwood has sedative effects, marked cough

suppressant and fever lowering activities, and also anti-inflammatory and antispasmodic action on smooth muscles. (29,30)

Adverse Reactions:

None reported with therapeutic doses.

Interactions with Herbs & Supplements:

Herbs and Supplements with Sedative Properties: May enhance therapeutic and adverse effects.

Interactions with Drugs:

None reported. As above may enhance the effects of anxiolytic drugs.

Interactions with Foods:

None known.

Interactions with Lab Tests:

None known.

Interactions with Diseases or Conditions:

None known.

Dosage/Administration:

Dr Clare’s Blends: Dose 455mgs per day. 1.5mls 1:3 Tincture.

No typical dosage.

Specific References: JAMAICAN DOGWOOD

29. Newall CA, Anderson LA, Philpson JD. Herbal Medicine: A Guide for Healthcare Professionals. London, UK: The Pharmaceutical Press, 1996.

30. Leung AY, Foster S. Encyclopedia of Common Natural Ingredients Used in Food, Drugs and Cosmetics. 2nd ed. New York, NY: John Wiley & Sons, 1996.