Heartwood
Synopsis of heartwood
Heartwood refers to the dense, inner, non-living core of a tree’s trunk, which forms as the tree matures and older layers of xylem cells die and become infused with resins, tannins, essential oils, and other secondary compounds. While heartwood is a structural component that gives the tree strength and durability, in herbal medicine, the term “heartwood” often points to the medicinal inner wood of specific trees such as sandalwood (Santalum album), pine (Pinus spp.), or pau d’arco (Tabebuia spp.).
Medicinal heartwoods are used for their aromatic, antimicrobial, astringent, anti-inflammatory, and tonic properties, depending on the species. Common applications include:
- Sandalwood heartwood: Used in Ayurvedic and Unani medicine for cooling fevers, calming the mind, promoting urinary tract health, and reducing inflammation. Rich in santalols, it is valued for sedative, antiseptic, and diuretic actions.
- Pau d’arco heartwood: Derived from South American Tabebuia trees, traditionally used for immune support, fungal infections, and inflammatory disorders. Contains lapachol and beta-lapachone, compounds with potential antimicrobial and anticancer properties.
- Pine heartwood (or resinous inner bark): Known for antiseptic and expectorant properties, used in traditional herbalism to treat respiratory and skin infections.
Heartwoods are usually prepared as decoctions, tinctures, or powders, requiring prolonged boiling or extraction due to their dense, woody nature.
Historical Use
The medicinal use of heartwood has roots in Ayurveda, Traditional Chinese Medicine, Amazonian herbalism, and European folk medicine. In Ayurveda, heartwoods like sandalwood were used to cool Pitta dosha, reduce heat and inflammation, and calm mental restlessness. The practice of grinding sandalwood into a paste for topical and ritual use also reflects its dual role as medicine and spiritual purifier.
In Amazonian and Andean traditions, the heartwood of trees like pau d’arco and jatobá has been used for infections, wound healing, and cancer support, passed down through generations of forest healers.
In European monastic and folk herbalism, heartwood and bark from trees like oak, elm, and pine were valued for their astringency, antiseptic properties, and strengthening effects, particularly in cases of infection, fever, or convalescence.
Today, heartwood continues to be used selectively in botanical medicine, particularly in immune, respiratory, urinary, and inflammatory protocols, offering a strong, grounding source of plant resilience and defense. Its role reflects a deep respect for the core strength of medicinal trees across cultures and healing systems.
Heartwood is used for these health conditions
Arthritis (Traditional)
Asthma (Traditional)
Backache (Traditional)
Bronchitis (Traditional)
Cough (dry) (Traditional)
Cough (general) (Traditional)
Cough (spastic) (Traditional)
Cuts (Traditional)
Diabetes (Traditional)
Diarrhea (Traditional)
Dyspepsia (Traditional)
Eczema (Traditional)
Fever (Traditional)
Gastritis (Traditional)
Infection (Traditional)
Infection (bacterial) (Traditional)
Inflammation (Traditional)
Insomnia (Traditional)
Jaundice (adults) (Traditional)
Kidney Stones (Traditional)
Skin (infections) (Traditional)
Skin Care (general) (Traditional)
Stress (Traditional)
Ulcers (Traditional)
Wounds and Sores (Traditional)
