Lignum Vitae, Guaiacum, Guayacan

Guaiacum officinale

Physical Characteristics

Guaiacum officinale is an evergreen Tree growing to 10 m (32ft) by 10 m (32ft) at a slow rate. See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 10. Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils and prefers well-drained soil. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils and can grow in saline soils. It cannot grow in the shade. It prefers moist soil and can tolerate drought. The plant can tolerate maritime exposure.

Distribution

Northern S. America - Colombia, Venezuela, the Guyanas to the Caribbean.

Habitats

Edible Uses

The resin obtained from the tree is used for flavouring cakes and chewing gum[301 ]. It is also added to edible oils to prevent acidification[301 ].

Medicinal Uses

Alterative Antirheumatic Diaphoretic Emmenagogue Skin Stimulant The wood is officinal in many Pharmacopoeias, and owes its medicinal properties to the presence of the resin, which is also official[346 ]. Both resin and the wood possess stimulant, diaphoretic, and alterative properties, though the resin has a much stronger action[346 ]. The resin is also regarded as an emmenagogue[346 ]. It is a useful remedy in the treatment of chronic forms of rheumatism ; also in syphilitic and gouty affections, scrofula, skin diseases, dysmenorrhoea, and other uterine affections[346 ]. The resin is applied to the tooth for treating a toothache, and also applied externally to bring relief in cases of rheumatism[303 ].

Known Hazards

None known