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Information about the herb Guaiacum Resin
Guaiacum officinale, also known as Pockwood is part of the Zygophyllaceae plant family. West Indian Islands, Mexico, Central America, North Coast of South America.
Botanical Name: Guaiacum officinale
Plant Family: Zygophyllaceae
Common Names: Guaiac, Guayacan, Lignum Vine, Lignum vitae, Pockwood, Wood of Life
History: In the 16th century Guaiacum wood was used for syphilis, but the resin is preferred these days
Tradition: Used in Ayurvedic Indian medicine
Plant Constituents of Guaiacum Resin
Contains:
- fragrant volatile oil (1% from bark of tree)
Action:
- Acrid Stimulant [an agent that excites or quickens the activity of physiological processes] increasing body heat and circulation
- Alterative [an agent capable of favorably altering or changing unhealthy conditions of the body and tending to restore normal bodily function, usually by improving nutrition]
- Antioxidant [contributing to the oxidation of free radicals which are believed to contribute to premature aging and dementia]
- Antiseptic [an agent for destroying or inhibiting pathogenic or putrefactive bacteria]
- Diaphoretic [an agent that promotes perspiration] if a decoction is taken hot and the body kept warm]
- Diuretic [agent that increases the secretion and expulsion of urine] if a decoction is taken cold and the body kept cool]
- Expectorant [an agent that promotes the discharge of mucous and secretions from the respiratory passages]
- Laxative (mild) [an agent promoting evacuation of the bowels, a mild purgative]
Medicinal Parts Used: Resin (obtained from the Guaiacum Tree), wood
Guaiacum is used for:
Bacterial Conditions
- secondary syphilis
Blood Conditions
- blood putrefaction, combined with Sarsaparilla
- purifies blood
Genitourinary Conditions
- gout (relieves pain and inflammations between attacks and can reduce recurrence)
Respiratory Tract Conditions
- tonsillitis
Other
- chronic rheumatism
- rheumatoid arthritis
- scrofula
Other Uses:
- antioxidant in packaged and canned foods
Dosage:
Recommended dosage is as follows:
- 1.0- 2.0mL 3 times a day of 1:1 fluid extract
Drug Interactions
You should not use Guaiacum Resin without first talking to your health care professional if you are currently being treated with any of the following medications:
- None Known
Global Herbal Supplies has Guaiacum Resin available in the following forms
Information given by our website is provided for informational purposes and is not meant to substitute for the advice provided by a physician or other medical professionals. You should not use the information given for diagnosing a health problem or disease. If you have or suspect that you have a medical problem, promptly contact your health care provider. The above information is just a guide to general circumstances and in no way should it contradict the advice that you have been given by your naturopath, medical doctor or specialist.
