Jamaican dogwood is a tree found in North America, but it is native to the West Indies. It is a large tree, growing up to 40 feet tall. Traditionally, Jamaican dogwood is used for nerve pain, as well as migraine headaches and insomnia, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center. Because it is a potentially toxic herb and has the capacity to cause side effects, consult your doctor before taking Jamaican dogwood.
History
Jamaican dogwood is not recommended for human use, though it has been used historically to treat nerve pain, according to the UMMC. It has been used throughout Central America to poison fish. It contains a substance known as rotenone, which has been used as an insecticide, though it is believed to be non-toxic to humans, according to the UMMC. If you choose to take Jamaican dogwood despite the potential dangers, do so only under your doctor's supervision.
Nerve Pain
Nerve pain is when you experience pain along the pathway of a specific nerve. It is generally felt in the same location each time. You may experience a sharp, stabbing pain, burning sensation or throbbing pain that either comes and goes or is constant. Scientists discovered the pain-relieving effects of Jamaican dogwood as early as 1844, according to the UMMC.
Precautions
Jamaican dogwood can be toxic. Toxicity symptoms include numbness, tremors and sweating. Seek immediate medical attention if you experience toxicity symptoms after taking Jamaican dogwood. Jamaican dogwood is available in supplements that use other herbs. Use extreme caution when combining Jamaican dogwood with other herbs. You should not take Jamaican dogwood if you are pregnant or nursing. Children should not use Jamaican dogwood. Jamaican dogwood may cause other unknown side effects; sufficient human studies are lacking.
Interactions
Specific Jamaican dogwood interactions are unknown, but that does not mean that there aren't any. Dogwood exerts sedative effects on your central nervous system, says the UMMC, so it may increase the effectiveness of sedative medications, such as medications for insomnia and anxiety. You should not take Jamaican dogwood if you have anxiety of insomnia, even if you are not currently prescribed sedative medication, says the UMMC. You should not take Jamaican dogwood if you are elderly.
