ABSTRACT
As suggested by the references to ague and quinine in the common names, this is a venerable remedy for fevers, malarial and otherwise (Roig 1945, Liogier 1974, Ayensu 1981, Morton 1981, Beauvoir et al. 2001). Throughout the Caribbean, the tree is used as a tonic and febrifuge (leaves, roots, bark), and against diarrhea. Roots are boiled with Chiococca alba and the decoction used to alleviate gas and menstrual cramps. That tea is used against colds and tuberculosis, and to increase the appetite (Roig 1945, Ayensu 1981). In Hispaniola, the wood is rarely used, but a red dye is extracted from the flowers (Liogier 1974). Haitians consider a decoction made from leaves and bark effective against fever, indigestion, dysentery, intestinal worms, and anorexia (Beauvoir et al. 2001). Caribs on Dominica soak the wood chips to make a bitter drink to alleviate appetite loss. Sap from the bark is put on lesions from yaws (framboesia) (Hodge and Taylor 1957). Among the Warao of Guyana, it is used to “bitter the blood” (Reinders 1993).
