Piscidia Species, Fish Poison Tree, Jamaica Dogwood, May Bush

The sap and bruised bark from this tree helps relax smooth muscles in the body. Good for stomach cramps and menstrual cramps. My grandmot...Read Moreher told me when I was first learning to forage that it also helps regulate menstrual flow in women. Why she would inform a young boy with this info was beyond me at the time, maybe she saw a doctor in me. Sadly, I've forgotten how to make the tonic. A crime unto myself and humanity.

A slow-growing hardwood tree, various parts of it (bark, branches, leaves) were used by native Carribean fishermen to poison or stupefy f...Read Moreish, making them easier to catch.