Guaiac Wood

Guaiac Tree: Description, Use in Medicine and Homeopathy

The guaiac tree, or Guaiacum, is a member of the Zygophyllaceae family and is native to tropical America. Two species of this tree, Guaiacum officinale and Guaiacum sanctum, have evergreen leaves and can reach heights of up to 15 meters. Guaiacum officinale primarily grows on the coasts of Colombia, Venezuela and the Lesser Antilles, while Guaiacum sanctum can be found in Jamaica, Cuba, Haiti, the Bahamas and the coast of Florida.

Guaiac tree wood, also known as Guaiaci lignum (formerly: Lignum Guaiaci), is the most common form of medicinal use of this plant. To obtain raw materials, 5 mm thick bark is removed from cut trees, and the trunk is sawn into large pieces. The wood is so heavy that it sinks in water. Its dark core contains many resinous substances. The wood is surrounded by a narrow yellow zone of sapwood. Heavy blocks of wood, weighing up to a hundredweight, are processed in turning workshops; for example, bowling balls are made from guaiac wood. And medicinal raw materials are obtained from waste from wood processing, such as sawdust, shavings, etc.

The active substances in guaiac wood include resins, essential oil and saponins. In the Middle Ages, guaiac wood was considered the best remedy for syphilis, which is why guaiac wood received another name - “French wood”, since syphilis and gonorrhea were called “French” diseases. Currently, sexually transmitted diseases are treated with more effective means, but guaiac wood is used to treat metabolic disorders, mainly as part of mixed teas. Such teas are used especially successfully as blood purifying and antirheumatic infusions. The composition of the active ingredients confirms the feasibility of such use. In the foreground here, in addition to being a mild diaphoretic and diuretic, it also has an activating effect on the kidneys and liver.

Analyzing raw materials only by the composition of active ingredients, we can conclude that there are better products in all areas of its application. However, it is wrong to conclude from this that guaiac wood has no place in medicine and homeopathy. On the contrary, it has its own unique properties and can be effective in certain cases.

In homeopathy, guaiac wood is used to treat arthritis, rheumatism, osteochondrosis and other diseases of the musculoskeletal system, as well as to treat skin diseases such as eczema and psoriasis. Homeopathic remedies based on guaiac wood can be effective for these diseases due to its anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties.

Guaiac wood can also be used to treat coughs and bronchitis, as it has mucolytic properties, that is, it helps to liquefy and remove mucus from the lungs. In addition, guaiac wood may be beneficial for improving bowel function as it has laxative properties.

However, as with any medication, you should consult your doctor or homeopath before using guaiac wood to determine dosage and possible side effects.