Description
Evergreen tree growing to 10 m (33 ft). Has compound oval leaves, small, deep blue star-shaped flowers, and heart-shaped seed capsules.
Habitat & Cultivation
Lignum vitae is native to South America and the Caribbean islands. It grows in tropical rainforests. The tree is felled for its timber, and resin is extracted from the heartwood.
Parts Used
Wood, resin.
Constituents
Lignum vitae contains lignans (furoguaiacidin, guaiacin, and others), triterpene saponins, 18–25% resin, and volatile oil.
History & Folklore
In 1519, Ulrich von Hutten, a German satirist, was said to have cured himself of syphilis after a 40-day regimen involving fasting, profuse sweating, and drinking decoctions of lignum vitae. Furthermore, in 1526, Oviedo, one of the earliest chroniclers of American natural history, wrote that “Caribbean Indians cure themselves very easily” of venereal disease with this plant. For some years, lignum vitae was in great demand in Europe but it slowly fell into disrepute, its use as a cure for syphilis being seen as a long-lasting hoax. However, it is possible that the herb might have some effect if combined with an intensive naturopathic regimen.
Medicinal Actions & Uses
Used in Europe, especially in Britain, as a remedy for arthritic and rheumatic conditions, lignum vitae has anti-inflammatory properties that help to reduce joint pain and swelling. It is also diuretic, laxative, and sweat-inducing and speeds the elimination of toxins, which makes it valuable for treating gout. Tincture of lignum vitae is commonly used as a friction rub on rheumatic areas. Absorbent cotton moistened with the resin may be applied to aching teeth. A decoction of the woodchips acts as a local anesthetic, and is used to treat rheumatic joints and herpes blisters.
Related Species
G. sanctum, which grows in Central America and parts of Florida, and G. coulteri, native to Mexico, are used in the same manner as lignum vitae.
Caution
Lignum vitae is subject to legal restrictions in some countries and is endangered.