Jatobà

Jatoba

Common name

Jatoba, copal, red locus, locust, copinol, Brazilian cherry, stinking tree, kawanari, guapinol, Algarrobo, rode locus, rodi loksi.

Family = Leguminosae (Fabaceae).

Overview

Jatoba is a huge canopy tree growing up to 130 feet tall; the crown is spreading and sometimes the base develops buttresses. It produces small red flowers and an oblong brown pod containing 3 - 4 seeds with a pulp that is edible.

Red locus is also a very beautiful reddish-brown wood from the tropics. It is hard, heavy and very strong; bends well, glues well and therefore used for furniture, shipbuilding, cabinetwork, etc.

In traditional medicine, the smooth gray bark of the Jatoba tree is regarded as a natural energy tonic. It has anti-bacterial and anti-fungal properties.

At the base of the tree, a light natural yellow resin (copal) can be found; it is used in the production of varnish. Upon burning it has the smell of pine and it is also employed in traditional medicine.

Tea made from the bark is used against intestinal parasites and indigestion.

Health Benefits of Jatoba

Jatoba, officially known as Hymenaea courbaril, is a tall rainforest canopy tree. Some Jatoba trees reach towering heights of 90 feet.

It is sometimes known as ‘stinking toe,’ as its seedpods are reminiscent of large toes and have a pungent odor. The tree sports white flowers that are pollinated by bats.

Traditionally, jatoba bark and resin have been used for a large variety of purposes – ceremonial, functional and medicinal. Ceremonially, the jatoba resin has been a part of love potions and wedding ceremonies and burned as incense.

The resin has also been used as a pottery glaze, and the durable and termite-resistant wood – which does not rot even after the tree dies – is often used in construction and carpentry.

Since ancient times, Jatoba has been used in natural remedies for ailments including coughs and bronchitis, diarrhea, ulcers, vomiting, hepatitis, prostatitis, chronic pelvic pain syndrome (CPPS) and bladder infections. In the US, it is often marketed as an energy tonic.

The fact that jatoba wood does not rot or mold clued researchers into its potential as a fungus fighter. Indeed, jatoba can be used to help cleanse the body of candida and other fungus-related problems. It is sometimes applied as a topical salve to help heal athletes foot and nail fungus, among other fungal infections.

Jatoba also has notable antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties. A study performed at the University of Brasilia in Brazil found that the phytochemicals, including phytic acid, in jatoba could help reduce swelling and irritation. It may also be beneficial in combating a wide array of harmful organisms, such as bacteria and viruses.

The most common way to use Jatoba is by steeping the bark in boiling water to make a tea. It is also sold as a tincture at health food stores, which is a more concentrated form. Always make sure you choose organic, pure jatoba, without any additives or preservatives, as these detract from the health benefits.

As it is a potent remedy, be sure to check with a health professional before beginning a regimen with Jatoba. No toxic effects of jatoba have been found in research so far, but it’s always best to check with someone familiar with your individual body chemistry, medical history, and needs just to be sure.

Our planet’s rainforests are filled with unique trees and plants, many of which have celebrated healing properties. The jatoba tree is just one of the many reasons why we should increase our efforts to protect our precious rainforests from further harm.