Guaiacwood

Botanical name: Guaiacum officinale / Guaiacum sanctum
Botanical family: Zygophyllacceae

Note: Base

Part of plant used: Tree

Origin: Guaiacwood originally comes from South America and is also found in The Bahamas and Florida. Being a resin, the consistency of Guaiacwood is solid at room temperature and will need to be heated before use. Guaiacwood is a useful fixative often used in perfume making and is also a popular ingredient for soaps.

Description: Strong and earthy aroma with vanilla undertones.

Properties and Indications:

• Can act as a diuretic as well as a laxative so is very useful for sluggish systems
• Helpful in easy pains of rheumatoid arthritis
• Promotes sweating so is very good for expelling toxins in the blood
• Good for gout sufferers
• Useful for colds and sore throats
• Helpful for vaginal dryness in menopause
• Can ease heavy and painful menstruation
• Known as an aphrodisiac

Contra-indications:

• Can be so relaxing that it causes sleepiness and lethargy therefore not to be used when concentration is required!

Blending:

• Benzoin, Bergamot, Citronella, Geranium, Grapefruit, Lavender, Lemon, Patchouli, Rose, Ylang Ylang

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