Guaiac tree (backout tree). Legends, myths, symbolism, description, cultivation, methods of application

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Guaiac tree (backout tree). Legends, myths, symbolism, description, cultivation, methods of application

cultivated and wild plants. Legends, myths, symbolism, description, cultivation, methods of application

Content

Photos, basic scientific information, legends, myths, symbolism
Genus, family, origin, range, chemical composition, economic importance
Botanical description, reference data, useful information, illustrations
Recipes for use in traditional medicine and cosmetology
Tips for growing, harvesting and storing

Guaiac tree (bacout tree), Guaiacum officinale. Photos of the plant, basic scientific information, legends, myths, symbolism

Guaiac tree (bacout tree)

Basic scientific information, legends, myths, symbolism

Sort by: Guaiacum

Family: Zygophyllaceae (Backout)

Origin: Central and South America, Caribbean

Area: Most types of guaiac trees grow in tropical regions.

Chemical composition: Guaiac wood contains resins, guaiacol, guaiacine, resinous acids, rubbers, and tannins.

Economic value: The wood of the guaiac tree is used as a building material, for the manufacture of furniture, tools and other items. Also, guaiacol and guaiacine are known for their medicinal properties and are used to treat arthritis, rheumatism, coughs and other diseases.

Legends and myths: In the mythology of the Indians of the Caribbean region, the guaiac tree was considered sacred and powerful. According to legend, it was given by the gods to people for healing and protection from evil spirits. In Caribbean folk medicine, guaiac wood has been used to treat various ailments, including syphilis, rheumatism, and respiratory diseases. The plant was considered a symbol of health and healing. Guaiac tree is considered a symbol of strength and power. Its use in interior design stems from the belief in its ability to prevent disease and promote health and strength. In the culture of some peoples, the guaiac tree is associated with protection and security. Its use in meditation and ceremonial rituals is associated with the belief in its ability to protect against evil spirits and preserve life.

Guaiac tree (bacout tree), Guaiacum officinale. Description, illustrations of the plant

Guaiac tree (bacout tree), Guaiacum officinale. Botanical description of the plant, areas of growth and ecology, economic importance, applications

Guaiac tree (bacout tree)

A species of trees of the parnolistnikovye family (Zygophyllaceae).

Tree 6 to 10 m high.

Opposite leaves 2,5-3 cm long and 2 cm wide, leathery, with two pairs of leaflets.

Pale blue five-petalled flowers are collected six to ten in apical umbellate inflorescences.

The fruit is a bright yellow-orange capsule with black seeds.

The wood is very heavy (it sinks in water, since 1 dm3 of its wood weighs 1420 g), unable to split.

The plant is common in dry areas of the northern coasts of South America (Venezuela, Colombia, Guatemala) and the West Indies. It is also cultivated within its natural range in India.

For medicinal purposes, wood, peeled from the bark, is used; it is gray-green to black-green in color, smells good when heated; resinous taste. When chewed, it softens, when oxidized it becomes blue (reaction to the presence of oxidases), when reduced or heated, it becomes discolored. Wood shavings (Lignum Guaiaci) contain about 25% resin, saponins and an essential oil rich in guaiazulene, as well as gum, saponins, oleanolic acid derivatives.

Guaiac resin (Resina Guaiaci) is obtained from crushed wood, usually by boiling in water or by dry distillation. The resin has a red-brown color, dissolves in acetone, alcohol, ether and alkalis, melts at 85 ° C, density - 1,2 g/cm. The most important component of the resin is guaiac resin acid (about 11%), which belongs to lignans, derivatives of diphenylbutene; in addition, it contains about 70% alpha and beta guaiaconic acid, which gives a blue color in the presence of oxidases, a little essential oil, vanillin and a pigment. An alcoholic solution of the resin turns green or blue under the influence of oxidizing agents and was used as a reagent for hemoglobin.

Guaiac tree (bacout tree)

A decoction of wood and a tincture of resin are used for rheumatism and gout.

It has been known in Europe since the beginning of the XNUMXth century and for a long time was a popular remedy for syphilis, rheumatism and gout, swelling of the joints, rheumatic pains, etc.; less commonly used in the treatment of respiratory organs, kidney disease and tuberculosis.

Of particular value is the heartwood of the guaiac tree - backout. It has the highest density of 1300-1450 kg / m3 among all types of trees, is one of the heaviest, sinks in water, wear-resistant, difficult to process.

A large amount of resins gives the wood lubricating properties, especially when immersed in water. Due to these properties, backout is used in shipbuilding as propeller shaft bearings.

In mechanical engineering, it is used for the manufacture of various kinds of templates, turning products.

Backout is also used to make bowling balls and skittles, various mallets, mortars and pestles, and knife handles. In addition, decorative veneer for furniture is made from backout.

The flower of the guaiac tree is the national symbol of Jamaica.

Guaiac tree (bacout tree), Guaiacum officinale. Recipes for use in traditional medicine and cosmetology

cultivated and wild plants. Legends, myths, symbolism, description, cultivation, methods of application

Ethnoscience:

For the treatment of rheumatism: mix guaiac tree root powder with oil and apply on sore joints. This will help reduce the inflammation and pain associated with rheumatism.
For the treatment of arthritis: take a few guaiac leaves and boil them in boiling water. Filter and drink the resulting infusion several times a day to reduce the symptoms of arthritis.
For the treatment of cough: Mix guaiac bark powder with honey and take this mixture several times a day to reduce coughs and soothe the airways.
For the treatment of skin diseases: take a few guaiac tree leaves and grind them, then mix with a little oil. Apply this mixture to the affected skin to reduce inflammation and itching.
For headache treatment: Mix guaiac bark powder with a little peppermint or lavender oil. Massage this mixture on your temples and forehead to relieve tension and headaches.

Cosmetology:

Massage oil: add a few drops of guaiac oil to almond oil or other massage oil and use to massage your body. This oil will help improve blood circulation and hydrate the skin.
Body cream: use guaiac oil as a base for your body cream. This cream will help hydrate the skin and improve its texture.
Acne Treatment: mix guaiac bark powder with honey and apply on pimples. This remedy will help reduce inflammation and speed up healing.
Mask for the face: Mix guaiac bark powder with a little honey and apply on face. Leave on for 15-20 minutes, then rinse with warm water. This mask will help hydrate the skin and improve its texture.
Skin care product: add a few drops of guaiac tree oil to your daily skin care routine. This will help hydrate the skin and reduce inflammation.

Attention! Before use, consult with a specialist!

Guaiac tree (bacout tree), Guaiacum officinale. Growing tips, soil and light selection, seeding depth and spacing, plant care; preparation tips; storage tips

cultivated and wild plants. Legends, myths, symbolism, description, cultivation, methods of application

The guaiac tree (Guaiacum officinale) is a tree native to the tropical regions of the Caribbean and South America.

Tips for growing, harvesting and storing guaiac trees:

Cultivation:

The guaiac tree prefers sunny locations and fertile soil that drains well.
The plant can survive on different types of soil, but prefers soils with low acidity.
The plant can withstand drought, but grows best in moist conditions.
The planting depth of the seeds should be equal to twice the height of the seed.
Guaiac tree seeds should be planted at a depth of about 2-3 cm in fertile soil.
It is recommended to plant guaiac tree seeds at a distance of 3-5 meters from each other to provide enough space for the plant to grow.
The guaiac tree needs regular watering and fertilization to grow healthy and strong.
The plant also needs pruning to remove damaged or diseased branches.

Workpiece:

A valuable component of guaiac wood is wood, which is used in furniture production and to create tools. In order to harvest wood, it is necessary to cut a tree, but before that, you must obtain the necessary permits and follow the rules of afforestation.
For medical purposes, wood, roots and resin of the guaiac tree are used.
For harvesting roots and wood, it is necessary to wait for the fruits to ripen and then dig up the plant.
To collect the resin, it is necessary to make an incision on the bark of the tree, after which the resin will flow out to the surface.

Storage:

Guaiac wood can be stored in a dry and cool place to maintain its qualities.
It is recommended to avoid storing wood in damp conditions to avoid the possibility of mold or fungal infections.
To preserve the quality of wood and roots, it is recommended to store them in a cool and dry place where there is no direct sunlight.
Guaiac resin should be stored in airtight containers at room temperature.

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