GUMBO LIMBO TINCTURE
Family: Burseraceae
Genus: Bursera
Species: simaruba
Synonyms: Bursera gummifera, Elaphrium simaruba
Common Names: Gumbo limbo, West Indian birch, Tourist Tree
Parts Used: Bark, resin
Main Actions: Anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, analgesic
Other Actions: Antioxidant, astringent
Description: Gumbo limbo is a tropical tree with a distinctive red, peeling bark, reaching heights of up to 15 meters. Its leaves are pinnate, and it produces small greenish-white flowers.
Tribal and Herbal Medicine Uses: Used in traditional medicine for treating wounds, and inflammation. Gumbo Limbo has been used to treat digestive problems such as a stomach upset, diarrhea and dysentery. It is also used to treat edema and malaria, as well as used by women to induce a miscarriage. Used internally, it can also treat backaches, urinary tract infections, colds, flus and fevers. Gumbo Limbo is used topically for sunburns, skin sores, measles, rashes and insect bites. Its bark is a known antidote to the chechen tree, which often grows in the same habitat and can cause extreme rashes much like poison ivy.
Plant Chemicals: Terpenoids, flavonoids, phenols
Biological Activities and Clinical Research: Limited research suggests anti-inflammatory and wound healing properties.
Current Practical Uses: Used in herbal medicine and landscaping.
Main Preparation Method: Decoction, poultice
Main Actions: Anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, analgesic
Main Uses: Treating wounds, inflammation, gastrointestinal issues
Properties/Actions Documented by Research: Anti-inflammatory, wound healing
Other Properties/Actions Documented by Traditional Use: Antimicrobial, analgesic
Cautions: None reported in moderate use
Traditional Preparation: Bark decoction or resin poultice
Contraindications: None reported
Drug Interactions: No known interactions
Recommended dosage: 2.5ml taken in a small glass of water or juice 2 x daily on an empty stomach for better absorption.