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Piscidia erythrina (Leguminosae)
JAMAICA DOGWOOD, FISH POISON BARK
The bark of this small Central
American tree or shrub is used by herbalists for neuralgia, headache, period
pains, and insomnia. It should be used only under the supervision of a
qualified practitioner.
Jamaica dogwood is poisonous to fish,
which has led to a curious fishing technique in South America that involves scattering its
crushed leaves and branches in rivers to stun fish so that they can be collected by hand.
It also contains rotenone, which is used as an insecticide. Native to Central America,
it is a small tree or shrub with longitudinal wings on its pods.
PARTS USED
Bark.
ACTIVE INGREDIENTS
Isoflavones, including lisetin and jamacin; rotenoids,
including rotenone, milletone, and isomilletone; piscidic acid; tannins.
ACTIONS
Relieves pain; sedative; reduces muscle tension and spasm.
MEDICINAL USE
Used to treat neuralgia (nerve pain), headache, period pains, and insomnia.
PREPARATIONS
Tincture.
CAUTION
Use only when prescribed by a qualified practitioner.
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