Jamaica dogwood (Piscidia erythrina/Piscidia piscipula) is best known as a traditional remedy for treating neuralgia (burning or stabbing pain along the course of a nerve), migraine, insomnia, and nervous tension. As early as 1844, Western scientists discovered that Jamaica dogwood had narcotic, analgesic, and sweat-promoting properties. Recent scientific studies have helped substantiate early findings, demonstrating that bark extracts of this plant produce sedative and narcotic effects in animals.

In addition to its medicinal uses, Jamaica dogwood has been a valuable source of charcoal and wood for building boats, and has been used in fish poisons.

Jamaica dogwood is indigenous to Central America, Florida, and the West Indies, and can now also be found in Texas, Mexico, and the northern part of South America. The plant's characteristic pods bear four projecting longitudinal wings. The bark is yellow or grayish brown on the outer surface, and lighter colored or white on the inner surface. The Jamaica dogwood's distinctly acrid and bitter taste causes a burning sensation in the mouth, and the bark gives off an unpleasant odor.

The dried root bark and stem bark are used medicinally to treat a variety of ailments.

Jamaica dogwood is used to treat the following conditions:

• Neuralgia
• Nervous debility
• Insomnia
• Migraine
• Dysmenorrhea (painful menstruation)
• Violent toothache
• Whooping cough

It is also used for these qualities: analgesic, cardiotonic (helps the heart muscle work better), diuretic (promotes excretion of salts and water from the kidney), hypnotic, antispasmodic, and for dilating the pupil of the eye.

The Jamaica dogwood root bark is sold in pieces about one to two inches in length and 1/8 inch in thickness. There is considerable variation in the chemical constituents of Jamaica dogwood from different geographic regions, so it is important to make sure that it contains a maximum quantity of all active ingredients, including jamaicin and lisetin. Jamaica dogwood is also available in liquid extract and tincture forms.

The following are recommended doses:

• Dried root bark: 1 to 4 g (or equivalent in decoction) three times daily
• Fluid extract: (1:1 in 30% alcohol) 1 to 2 ml three times daily; or 2 to 8 ml per day (1:1, 60% ethanol)
• Tincture (1:5 in 45% ethanol): 5 to 30 drops (1 to 2 ml) three times a day

Although Jamaica dogwood is an effective herbal remedy, it has potentially adverse side effects, such as gastric distress and nausea, as well as depression. Only trained and qualified health care providers who understand the pharmacology, toxicology, and proper herbal preparation of this plant should administer it. Under no circumstances should this plant be used during pregnancy and breastfeeding.

No noteworthy interactions (positive or negative) between Jamaica dogwood and conventional medications are known to have been reported in the literature to date.

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