Guaiac (Guaiacum officinale) is a tree. The wood and sap (resin) of the tree are used to prepare medicinal extracts.
As a flavoring agent, guaiac wood is used in foods and in edible oils and fats. In the laboratory, guaiac resin is used in tests for finding hidden blood in urine and stool.
People use guaiac wood and resin for conditions such as muscle and joint pain and for preventing gout, but there is no good scientific evidence to support these uses.
Is It Effective?
There is interest in using guaiac wood for a number of purposes, but there isn't enough reliable information to say whether it might be helpful.
Is it Safe?
When taken by mouth: Guaiac wood and guaiac resin are used as flavorings in food. But there isn't enough reliable information to know if higher doses are safe. Higher doses have been reported to cause some side effects, including diarrhea and stomach and intestinal problems. Guaiac wood and guaiac resin can also cause skin rashes.
Special Precautions & Warnings:
Pregnancy and breast-feeding: There isn't enough reliable information to know if guaiac wood is safe to use when pregnant or breast-feeding. Stay on the safe side and avoid use.
Lithium
Interaction Rating=Moderate Be cautious with this combination.
Guaiac wood and resin might have an effect like a water pill or "diuretic." Taking guaiac wood and resin might decrease how well the body gets rid of lithium. This could increase how much lithium is in the body and result in serious side effects. Talk with your healthcare provider before using this product if you are taking lithium. Your lithium dose might need to be changed.
There are no known interactions with herbs and supplements.
There are no known interactions with foods.
There isn't enough reliable information to know what an appropriate dose of guaiac wood might be. Keep in mind that natural products are not always necessarily safe and dosages can be important. Be sure to follow relevant directions on product labels and consult a healthcare professional before using.
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