Herbarium of the Ancients — Detailed Record

Tabernaemontana crassa

Read before use: the information below describes traditional and informational uses — it does not replace the advice of a healthcare professional. In case of doubt, pregnancy, breastfeeding, ongoing treatment, or use in children, seek advice before use.

Enhanced precautions for this plant: This plant contains indole alkaloids whose effects and toxicity remain incompletely documented: medical advice or consultation with an experienced traditional practitioner is essential before any use. Latex and bark must be kept out of reach of children; their internal use is not recommended without supervision. Strictly avoid during pregnancy and breastfeeding, due to the lack of safety data and botanical relationship with species having uterine activity. Do not combine with other treatments or alkaloid-containing plants without advice from a healthcare professional, in the absence of data on interactions.

Decoction — Trunk bark

Bark decoction

The dried bark is traditionally scraped then boiled at length in water. This preparation, reserved for supervised use, should not be improvised due to variable alkaloid content. Dosage must be validated with a healthcare professional or recognized pharmacopoeia before use.

Topical application — Latex

Fresh latex application

The latex is collected by bark incision then applied directly, in small quantity, to the affected skin area. Prolonged contact or application to deeply damaged skin is not recommended without specialized advice. Dosage must be validated with a healthcare professional or recognized pharmacopoeia before use.

Where to find it

Sourcing the plant

Tabernaemontana crassa is found in the wild in humid forests and undergrowth areas of West and Central Africa; it is rarely offered in Western herbalist shops and remains primarily known to local traditional practitioners.

Harvest season

When to harvest

The bark is preferably harvested during the dry season, while the latex can be collected year-round by trunk incision.

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