Jamaican Dogwood Tea: The 3 Best Benefits

What is Jamaica dogwood good for? Jamaican dogwood tea has been used to induce sleep, relieve pain and calm anxiety.

As far back as 1844 scientists in the Western world determined that the dogwood plant could be used to relieve those issues.

The most popular way for the treatment to be adminstered back then was by making a tea with the root or bark of the dogwood plant.

Traditional Uses. In Jamaican folk medicine, dogwood tea has been used for treating anxiety, migraines, insomnia, nerve pain, bronchitis, muscle spasms, toothaches and menstrual pain.

Jamaica dogwood tea should preferably be used at night time because of its sedative properties.

To make the tea simply add a teaspoon of crushed dogwood tree bark in a cup of water and boil for approximately 10 minutes. Sweeten to taste.

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What Is Jamaica Dogwood?

Jamaican dogwood trees are fast growing plants that can reach up to 49 feet tall. The tree has thin grey bark with dark scales.

The Jamaica dogwood herbs scientific name is Piscidia piscipula (formerly Piscidia erythrina) is a tropical tree that is endemic to the wider Caribbean region. 

 However it can also be found growing in Mexico, Florida and parts of Texas in the United States.

Common names for Jamaica dogwood include Florida fishpoison tree or fishfuddle. 

The fish related names were given to the Jamaica dogwood plant by early natives of the West Indies.

They discovered that they could use extracts from the plant to sedate fish, making it easier to catch them.

Does Jamaica Dogwood Help Pain?

Some scientific studies of the Piscidia piscipula plant were recently done at Mount Sinai.

The findings from these studies suggest that the bark extracts of the Jamaica dogwood tree may have potential because of the following effect on animals that were tested

Promote sleep

Relieve pain 

Suppress cough

Alleviate smooth muscle spasms

Reduce fever and inflammation

It was noted that the chemical constituents of the herb’s extracts varied based on the geological location it was taken from.

Risks and Side Effects of Jamaica Dogwood Herb

The Piscidia piscipula plant is highly toxic and its use can pose serious health problems.

Therefore the use of Piscidia piscudilia is not recommended for medicinal purposes in humans. 

An overdose of Jamaica dogwood can cause:

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If you experience any of these symptoms or any other sypmtoms after using a Jamaican Doogwood product seek medical help immediately.

If you chose to use this product it should be under the close supervision of a qualified medical professional.

Products made from Jamaica Dogwood should definitely not be given to children.

In fact the use of Piscidia erythrina is not recommended for medicinal use in humans.

So if you choose to use products made from Jamaica dogwood, it should be closely monitored by a qualified medical professional.

Safety Precautions with Piscidia Piscipula

The herb may interact with prescription or non prescription medications. You should definitely talk to your doctor before using this herb.

Pregnant and breastfeeding women should NOT use products that contain extracts of Piscidia piscipula. And elderly persons also need to avoiding using it as well.

Where to Buy Jamaica Dogwood Products

Piscidia pisccipula products can be purchased from online marketplaces such as Amazon. They come in the form of supplements, tincture and root and bark cut into small pieces.

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Disclaimer: Please note any information found on this website is for informational purposes only. Nothing stated or implied should be viewed as medical advice.

Please consult with your professional healthcare provider regarding medical treatment.