Herbier des Anciens — Detailed NotebookFR · EN
logwood
Haematoxylum campechianum
Read before use: the information below describes traditional and informational uses — it does not replace the advice of a healthcare professional. If in doubt, during pregnancy or breastfeeding, when taking medication, or for use in children, seek advice before use.
Enhanced precautions for this plant: Never exceed small quantities: logwood is rich in tannins and coloring compounds that can irritate the digestive tract at high doses. Strongly discouraged during pregnancy and breastfeeding due to traditional use linked to female cycles, which is not scientifically documented and potentially hazardous. Avoid in children and when taking medication, particularly anticoagulants, without advice from a healthcare professional. Prolonged or high-dose use is not recommended without supervision, as modern toxicity data is limited.
Decoction — Wood chips or heartwood splinters (duramen)
Traditional logwood decoction
Wood chips were gently boiled in water for about fifteen minutes, then the preparation was filtered and allowed to cool before consumption. This method, inherited from Creole and Mayan practices, requires professional advice before any use, as the concentration of active principles varies greatly depending on the preparation. Dosage must be validated with a healthcare professional or recognized pharmacopoeia before use.
Where to find it
Sourcing the plant
Logwood grows wild in coastal forests and wetland areas of Central America and the Caribbean; its dried wood is sometimes available from specialized herbalists or merchants of dye woods.
Harvest season
When to harvest
The wood is traditionally harvested from mature trees, outside the flowering period, often during the dry season to facilitate drying of the heartwood.
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