logwood
- Origin
- North America
- Part used
- See detailed notebook
- Tradition
- Traditional ethnobotany
Logwood, a thorny tree of the coastal forests of Central America and the Caribbean, was long prized for its dark red wood, the source of a precious dye as early as the sixteenth century. The Maya peoples and the Creole communities of the Antilles also credited it with medicinal properties, passed down from generation to generation through decoctions of wood and bark.
Traditional uses
Traditional support for intestinal trouble
A decoction of logwood was used in the Caribbean and Central America to ease digestive disorders, particularly diarrhea, because of the wood's high tannin content.
Traditional dye and skin use
The dye extracted from the heartwood, hematoxylin, served not only to dye textiles but also, in certain folk traditions, in external applications for its astringent properties.
A folk remedy for fevers
In Creole folk pharmacopoeia, a light decoction of wood shavings was sometimes given to help with feverish states, always alongside other care.
An old traditional regulating use
Certain rural traditions of Central America report a use of logwood tied to women's cycles, a use poorly documented scientifically today and to be approached with great caution.
Before you use it
Never exceed small amounts: logwood is rich in tannins and coloring compounds that can irritate the digestive tract at a high dose. Formally discouraged during pregnancy and breastfeeding because of a traditional use tied to women's cycles, scientifically undocumented and potentially risky. Avoid in children and if undergoing medical treatment, particularly anticoagulants, without the advice of a health professional. Prolonged or high-dose use is not recommended without supervision, as modern toxicity data are limited.
The detailed notebook
- Prepared as a paste or decoction
- Traditional duration of use
- Known contraindications
- Related species and their uses
Where to find it
Partner herbalists — available with the detailed notebook.
Sources
PFAF