Jamaican
Dogwood
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.