I woke up with a sharp pain in my hip and, after briefly forgetting and then remembering that I am actually a herbalist with a cupboard full of plant allies, I went looking for help.

Jamaican Dogwood was the plant that held out its branch… or perhaps I should say, its bark.

Now, this is probably not a plant you’re growing in your garden here in Ireland. Jamaican Dogwood prefers warm climates and grows best along the coastlines of Jamaica, Florida, and parts of South America.

Its Latin name is Piscidia piscipula, and the parts we mainly use are the bark and roots.

Why “Fish Fuddle”?

One of its common names is fish fuddle, referring to its traditional use by Indigenous peoples. The leaves, branches, and root bark were tossed into water to temporarily paralyse fish, making them easier to catch.

Thankfully for humans, the constituents responsible for this effect are only toxic to cold-blooded creatures.

How I Use Jamaican Dogwood

I use Jamaican Dogwood primarily in tincture form for its anti-inflammatory and pain-relieving properties. It helps reduce pain and muscle spasms and is one of the closest herbal equivalents we have to over-the-counter anti-inflammatories.

It can be helpful during flare-ups of tendonitis, carpal tunnel syndrome, rheumatoid arthritis, fibromyalgia, and chronic fatigue.

Jamaican Dogwood tends to work best when combined with other anti-inflammatory herbs such as St John’s Wort, Meadowsweet, and White Willow.

A number of clients have found it particularly helpful for impinged nerves or sciatica, as well as for relieving neck and jaw tension.

Oil, Too

While I mainly use Jamaican Dogwood as a tincture, I also keep some infused into an oil, which can be applied directly to areas of pain. I’ve used the oil myself on my jaw before bed, gently massaging a few drops around the area to ease jaw tension.

Because of its antispasmodic effects, it can also be very helpful for spasmodic coughs that keep you awake at night. ( I would apply the oil to chest before bed and then keep a bottle of tincutre beside the bed)

For me, Jamaican Dogwood was also a gentle (and slightly humbling) reminder that I am, in fact, a herbalist. Standing in the kitchen, wincing while the kettle boiled, I briefly considered suffering dramatically through the day before remembering I have shelves of jars specifically made for moments like this. Instead of powering on, I listened, took a sip, and let the plant do the heavy lifting. It turns out the real medicine that morning was equal parts Jamaican Dogwood and remembering to use the things I teach other people to use.

Contraindications

As with all strong plant medicines, there are a few things to be mindful of.

• Avoid during pregnancy and lactation
• Not suitable for those with heart conditions
• Jamaican Dogwood can potentiate (increase the effects of) alcohol, recreational drugs, and sedative or hypnotic medications

If in doubt, always check in with a qualified herbalist before using.

Love Laura & her painless hip x