Lignum Vitae, Guaiacum, Holy Wood

Guaiacum sanctum

Physical Characteristics

Guaiacum sanctum is an evergreen Tree growing to 6 m (19ft) by 6 m (19ft) 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 very alkaline and saline soils. It can grow in semi-shade (light woodland) or no shade. It prefers dry or moist soil. The plant can tolerate maritime exposure.

Distribution

Central America - Costa Rica north to Mexico, Florida and the Caribbean.

Habitats

Edible Uses

None known

Medicinal Uses

Acrid Alterative Antirheumatic Diaphoretic Diuretic Emmenagogue Laxative Stimulant Although considered to be less useful than G. Officinale, in practice the wood and resin from this tree are used medicinally in much the same way as that species[418 ]. In particular, the wood is used as a mild laxative and diuretic. For tonsillitis it is given in powdered form. It is specially useful for treating rheumatoid arthritis, also in cases of chronic rheumatism and gout where it relieves the pain and inflammation between the attacks, and can lessen their recurrence if doses are continued. It acts as an acrid stimulant, increasing the heat of the body and promoting the circulation. When the decoction is taken hot and the body is kept warm, it acts as a diaphoretic, and if cool it works as a diuretic. It is also largely used for treating secondary syphilis, skin diseases and scrofula[418 ]. The resins obtained from wood, bark, leaves, and flowers are used in some pharmaceutical preparations[337 ]. The resin obtained from the heartwood is diuretic and mildly laxative[46 ].

Known Hazards

None known