guaiacum wood

• Dichtes, schweres Holz der Bäume der Gattung Guaiacum aus der Karibik und dem tropischen Amerika, bekannt für seine Härte, seinen Harzgehalt und seine historische Verwendung im Schiffbau, für Werkzeuggriffe und in der Volksmedizin.

A dense, heavy wood from trees of the genus Guaiacum, native to the Caribbean and tropical America, known for its hardness, resin content, and historical use in shipbuilding, tool handles, and traditional medicine.

1. Dense tropical woodC2formal

   A very hard, heavy, and resinous wood from trees of the genus Guaiacum, native to the Caribbean and Central America.

   Dichtes Tropenholz

   • Guaiacum wood is prized for its durability and was historically used in shipbuilding.
   • The wood's natural oils make it resistant to rot and insects.
   • Artisans carve intricate objects from guaiacum wood due to its density.

2. Historical medical useC2formal

   The wood or its resin was historically used in folk medicine to treat various ailments, such as syphilis and rheumatism.

   Guajakholz

   • In the 16th century, guaiacum wood was imported to Europe as a treatment for syphilis.
   • The resin of the guaiacum tree was used in traditional remedies for joint pain.
   • Modern medicine no longer uses guaiacum wood due to its toxicity and lack of proven efficacy.