guaiacum wood

• Bois dense et lourd provenant des arbres du genre Guaiacum, originaires des Caraïbes et de l'Amérique tropicale, réputé pour sa dureté, sa teneur en résine et son usage historique dans la construction navale, les manches d'outils et la médecine traditionnelle.

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.

   bois de gaïac

   • 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.

   bois de gaïac

   • 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.