Guaiac

Basic Information

Biological name (genus and species):
Guaiacum officinale, G. sanctum
Parts used for medicinal purposes:
Stems
Chemicals this herb contains:
Guaiaconic acid
Guaiaretic acid
Resin (See Glossary)
Saponin (See Glossary)
Vanillin

KNOWN EFFECTS

Irritates gastrointestinal tract. Increases perspiration. Tests for oxidizing enzymes to detect blood in stool or urine.

Miscellaneous information:
When added to a stool specimen, hydrogen peroxide and guaiac establish the presence or absence of blood. This test is a useful screening procedure to detect malignant and non-malignant disorders of the intestinal tract.

UNPROVED SPECULATED BENEFITS

Treats arthritis. Treats scrofula. Treats constipation. Reduces edema.

WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS

Don't take if you:
Are pregnant, think you may be pregnant or plan pregnancy in the near future. Have any chronic disease of the gastrointestinal tract, such as stomach or duodenal ulcers, esophageal reflux (reflux esophagitis), ulcerative colitis, spastic colitis, diverticulosis, diverticulitis.

Consult your doctor if you:
Take this herb for any medical problem that doesn't improve in 2 weeks. There may be safer, more-effective treatments. Take any medicinal drugs or herbs including aspirin, laxatives, cold and cough remedies, antacids, vitamins, minerals, amino acids, supplements, other prescription or non-prescription drugs.

Pregnancy:
Dangers outweigh any possible benefits. Don't use.

Breast-feeding:
Dangers outweigh any possible benefits. Don't use.

Infants and children:
Treating infants and children under 2 with any herbal preparation is hazardous.

Others:
None expected if you are under 45, not pregnant, basically healthy, take it for only a short time and do not exceed manufacturer's recommended dosage.

Storage:
Keep cool and dry, but don't freeze. Store safely away from children.

Safe dosage:
At present no "safe" dosage has been established.

TOXICITY

Comparative-toxicity rating not available from standard
references.
For symptoms of toxicity: See Adverse Reactions, Side Effects or Overdose Symptoms section below.

ADVERSE REACTIONS, SIDE EFFECTS OR OVERDOSE SYMPTOMS