Jamaican Dogwood Bark

Jamaican Dogwood Bark is crude cut bark of the Piscidia piscipula tree, sold unprocessed for traditional herbalism. It is a rough, tan-brown bark with a bitter, woody smell, for people who simmer their own tea, make tinctures, or blend it into an evening formula. Offered in 4oz, 1LB and 10lb sizes.

At a glance

• Crude cut bark of the Piscidia piscipula tree, unprocessed
• Isoflavones jamaicin and ichthynone, with rotenone and related rotenoids, tannins and organic acids
• Simmer 1 teaspoon of cut bark per 8 oz of water for 5 to 10 minutes; no caffeine
• Potent evening botanical; offered in 4oz, 1LB and 10lb

The herb. Piscidia piscipula is a legume tree in the Fabaceae family native to Jamaica, the Florida Keys, the Caribbean and Central America. The name means fish-killer: islanders dropped crushed bark into tidal pools to stun fish. Its isoflavones and rotenoids give the pronounced body-focused heaviness the bark is prized for, and the tannins give a dry, bitter cup with no caffeine.

Dosage and use. There is no fixed serving, so start small. Bark releases best simmered: use 1 teaspoon of cut bark per 8 oz of water, simmer 5 to 10 minutes, strain and drink a half cup first. Wait a full hour before more, because the effect builds slowly and lingers. Once you know your response, keep to a single evening cup and no more than 2 teaspoons per 8 oz, often blending a small amount with milder herbs. Users describe a heavy, mellow, melty calm that settles into the muscles rather than the head, which is why it lives in nighttime blends, not daytime. For a concentrated form, see our Jamaican Dogwood Extract; for a gentler evening herb, try Organic Passion Flower.

Side effects. Jamaican dogwood is potent and dose-related. Too much can bring drowsiness, numbness or tingling, nausea, sweating, tremor or a slowed pulse. If any appears, stop for the day and cut the amount next time.

Interactions and cautions. Do not combine with alcohol, sedative medications or other heavy calming herbs. Not for use in pregnancy or while nursing, not for children, and not for anyone with a heart condition. Do not drive after use. Consult a healthcare professional before use if you take any medication, and use under professional supervision.

Ingredients and storage. Jamaican Dogwood Bark (Piscidia piscipula). Store sealed in a cool, dark, dry place; cut bark keeps well for two years or more.

Common questions

• How do you make Jamaican dogwood bark tea? Simmer 1 teaspoon of bark per 8 oz of water for 5 to 10 minutes, strain, and start with half a cup.
• How strong is Jamaican dogwood compared with passionflower? Much heavier and more body-focused, which is why we suggest small amounts and evenings only.

Disclaimer. These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. Jamaican dogwood is a traditional botanical, and traditional use does not establish that it will produce any particular result. Consult your healthcare provider before use if you take any medication or have a medical condition. Use at your own risk and keep out of reach of children. Formulated by Healing Herbals, run by a practicing herbalist of 13+ years.