Evidence supporting the use of: Jamaican Dogwood
For the health condition: Insomnia

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Synopsis

Source of validity: Traditional
Rating (out of 5): 2

Jamaican Dogwood (Piscidia piscipula) has a long history of traditional use as a sedative and sleep aid, particularly in Caribbean and North American herbal medicine. Indigenous peoples and folk healers have used the bark of this tree to address insomnia, nervous tension, and pain. The traditional rationale is based on its perceived calming and pain-relieving properties.

Despite this longstanding use, scientific validation is limited. Animal studies suggest that compounds in Jamaican Dogwood, such as rotenone and isoflavones, may exert sedative and antispasmodic effects, but human data are virtually nonexistent. Moreover, the plant contains potentially toxic constituents, and documented cases of adverse effects (including nausea and respiratory depression) have raised concerns about its safety. Major pharmacological texts and clinical reviews typically cite the lack of rigorous trials and caution against its use due to the risk profile.

In summary, while there is a rich tradition supporting the use of Jamaican Dogwood for insomnia, high-quality scientific evidence is lacking. Its use persists mainly on the basis of historical practice rather than robust clinical data.

More about Jamaican Dogwood
More about Insomnia

Other ingredients used for Insomnia

5-Hydroxytryptophan (5-HTP)
amino acids
ashwagandha
waterhyssop
benegut perilla (proprietary)
black cumin
Indian frankincense
rice
calcium
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cassia bark
chamomile
cherry
Chinese salvia root
cinnamon
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fennel
GABA (gamma aminobutyric acid)
gooseberry
gotu kola
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heartwood
hops
jujube
kava root
kudzu
l-tryptophan
lactium casein decapeptide
lavender
maca
magnesium
magnolia
marine lipid
melatonin
moringa
motherwort
ophiopogon root
orange
passionflower
perilla
phytocannabinoids
pollen
polygala root
quail egg
reishi mushroom
rose oil
saffron
sage
scrophularia root
skullcap
valerian root
vitamin B6
zinc
catnip
tangerine
anise
blackboard tree
lingzhi
lingusticum wallichii
morus
silk tree
chrysanthemum
amber
ganoderma
lotus seed
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purslane
aster root
peach
wood betony
goji berry
soursop
Aralia
Agastache
Alpha-terpineol
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Apigenin
Anamu
Albizia
Agarwood
Anemone
Alpha lactalbumin
Agrimonia pilosa
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Atractylone
Betony
Black Seed
Baikal Skullcap
Blackthorn
Balsam
Bayleaf
Big Quaking Grass
Banyan
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Borassus Palm
Borassus aethiopum
Bupleurum
Centella triterpenes
Chinese Silkvine
Clary sage
Clerodendrum trichotomum
Cactus
Cyathula
Citron
Carry Me Seed
Cannabinol
Cymbopogon Martini
Calea zacatechichi
Centella asiatica
Capitate Valerian
Corktree
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Cannabidiol
Calamus
Cherimoya
Corydalis
Carthamus
Clerodendrum indicum
Dragonhead
David's Milkberry
Doxylamine succinate
European Elder
Erodium cicutarium
Elk antler
Elephant's Head
Embelia
Flueggea suffruticosa
Ficus religiosa
Ficus simplicissima
Fringed Pink
Frankincense
Gelsemium
Geraniol
Giant Blazingstar
Glycine
Gardenia jasminoides
jasmine
Lotus
Lily
Little ironweed
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Milk Protein
Mimosa
Orchid
Poppy
Rose
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walnut

Products containing Jamaican Dogwood

We currently have no products on Caring Sunshine that contain this ingredient.