Jamaican Dogwood, also known as the Florida Fishpoison Tree and Fishfuddle, is a deciduous tree commonly found in the West Indies and North America. It is a tall, thin tree which boasts various medicinal properties as well as a selective poison that typically does not affect humans. Some may experience adverse reactions to this poison, however, so it is important to take it slowly in moderation and to ask a doctor if it is appropriate to use.
Due to this possible risk, the jamaican dogwood tree is generally reserved for use as an insecticide and fish poison (as its alternate name suggests). Nonetheless, it has been used for many years as a form of traditional medicine to heal nerve pain. Most people dry the bark and steep it in hot water to make a tea.
What is Nerve Pain?
This type of pain is very distinct from others and is recurring. Nerve pain is a lasting problem that returns to the same area frequently, producing prolonged (but intermittent) sensations of burning, intense stabbing pain, or throbbing pain. This herb has been used to treat nerve pain for almost two centuries.
How to Make Jamaican Dogwood Tea
Aside from pain relief, this tea is known to relax the drinker and act as a light sedative. It also causes the body to sweat more, making it a great way to detoxify the body in the event of illness. It may have been used as far back as Mayan civilization, though its popular usage is more recent.
To make this tea, follow these simple steps:
- Collect and dry Jamaican Dogwood bark.
- Boil a cup of water.
- Break up the bark into small pieces and add one teaspoon to the cup of water.
- Steep the bark for seven minutes.
- Strain the tea into a cup (or another container for storage).
- Add flavoring if desired.
The resulting tea may also act as a sleep aid if taken just before bed.
Possible Dangers
Even in the case that one is not allergic to this herb or does not exhibit negative reactions right away, ingesting too much of it causes serious problems. Numbness, excessive sweating, and uncontrollable tremors are early warnings of toxic levels in the bloodstream; if any of these occur after consuming any form of this herb, you may need to go to the emergency room. If the effects are mild and you are able to see your doctor the same day, the emergency room will not be necessary. If you are unsure whether or not it will conflict with your current medication or supplements, share your concerns with your doctor beforehand.
Finally, children, the elderly, and women who are pregnant or breastfeeding should absolutely not consume Jamaican Dogwood. Its effects can be fatal in some cases if used improperly, and it has still not been fully researched.
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