General Herb Information *Note: Bianca Rosa® Guaiacwood Pure Essential Oil is not to be taken internally.
Guaiacwood Guaiacum officinale L.
Family: Zygophyllaceae.
Other Names: Guaiac; lignum vitae; bois de gaiac, bois de vie (French); Guajakholzbaum, Schlangenholz (German); guaiaco, legno Santo (Italian); guajacum, palosanto (Spanish).
Description: Guaiac is an evergreen tree (up to 10 m in height), with compound leaves ending in a pair of leaflets, deep blue flowers and small fruit capsules. Both G. officinale and G. sanctum are used as a source of the product.
Origin: Central and South America (West Indies and the north coast of South America). The trees are felled for their timber, which is used not only medicinally but also for construction work.
Parts Used: The heartwood and sapwood, usually in the form of wood shavings (Lignum vitae, Guaiaci lignum), or the resin obtained by heating the wood (Guaiaci resina). Lignum vitae is one of the hardest of all commercial timbers, and has a specific gravity of 1.333. It was formerly used to make bowls for lawn bowling.
Uses and Properties: The wood shavings are used for decoctions taken internally to treat rheumatic complaints (chronic rheumatism and rheumatoid arthritis). The resin is said to be a circulatory stimulant and is also used externally to rub into painful joints and to treat skin disorders. In former times, decoctions were mixed with mercury as a cure of syphilis.
Active Ingredients: The resin contains numerous lignans (including alpha-guaiaconic acid, guaiaritic acid, dehydroguaiaretic acid, guaiacin and isoguaiacin together with various furanolignans and an enedione lignan. Essential oil obtained by steam distillation contains mainly guajol, which can be converted by semisynthesis to guaiazulene, a valuable aromatherapy compound. Phytosterols and triterpene saponins are also present.
Pharmacological Effects: The resin is stated to have anti-rheumatic, anti-inflammatory, diuretic, mild laxative and diaphoretic properties. Guaiazulene is similar to chamazulene in its antiphlogistic activity. One of the lignans (known as meso-nordihydroguaiaretic acid) is thought to induce renal lithiasis. The resin is used in food products as a powerful antioxidant (the activity is ascribed to alpha-guaiaconic acid.
Status: Traditional medicine; Pharm.; Comm. E+.
Directions
All pure essential oils should be used with care. Do not apply directly into skin. A 2% dilution of essential oils to a base of carrier oil or lotion is recommended for all skincare and massage preparations.
Ingredients
100% Pure Guaiacwood Essential Oil
Cautions
Avoid contact with sensitive areas, such as eyes. Citrus oils are photosensitive and should not be applied prior to sun exposure. During pregnancy, use only with advise from a trained aromatherapist. For external use only. Keep all bottles out of reach of children.
Label Information
USAGE: Add 1-3 drops of Bianca Rosa® essential oil to every 5 mL (1 tsp.) of carrier oil for massage or skin care needs. Add 5-15 drops (depending on strength desired) to bath water. Add a few drops of oil to a water-filled spray bottle to create a refreshing room spray, or add to diffusers to create warm room scent. CAUTIONS: Always do a test patch when applying oils to the skin (particularly citrus oils) to determine if itching, soreness, or redness develop. Store away from heat and light. Keep away from eyes, nose, and mouth. Bianca Rosa® essential oils are for EXTERNAL USE ONLY.
Additional Information
Essential Oils by RedSafari.com are 100% Pure Natural Essences derived from the highest quality fruits, flowers, leaves, spices, herbs and roots. Our essential oil distillers and growers are located around the world, operating ethically, organically and chemical-free.
RedSafari.com Essential Oils Are Not Tested On Animals.
These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Products are intended to support general well being and are not intended to treat, diagnose, mitigate, prevent, or cure any condition or disease. If conditions persist, please seek advice from your medical doctor. The essence of the current American rule on Traditional Uses is, as stated by FTC, "Claims based on historical or traditional use should be substantiated by confirming scientific evidence, or should be presented in such a way that consumers understand that the sole basis for the claim is a history of use of the product for a particular purpose."
