Gelsemium sempervirens vs Piscidia piscipula

Side-by-side comparison of medicinal herbs

Herb

Gelsemium sempervirens

Analgesic

Analgesic

Gelsemium sempervirens

❌ Not recommended in pregnancy

❌ Not recommended while nursing

Piscidia piscipula

❌ Not recommended in pregnancy

❌ Not recommended while nursing

Description

Southeastern US vine; small doses historically used for neuralgia; extremely toxic.

Caribbean medicinal tree; traditional fish anesthetic and powerful analgesic, especially for dental pain.

Active Compounds

gelsemine, sempervirine, gelseverine, gelsemoidine, koumine

ichthynone, jamaicin, piscidic acid, rotenone, isoflavonoids, piscidin

Traditional Uses

neuralgia, migraine, fever historically

neuralgia, toothache, insomnia, anxiety, dysmenorrhea

Modern Uses

historical analgesic - too toxic for modern use

analgesic, sedative, antispasmodic, anxiolytic

Adult Dosage

Professional use only in homeopathic doses

2-4ml tincture up to 4 times daily

Contraindications

self-treatment - toxic, respiratory depression risk

pregnancy, CNS depressants, liver disease, heart disease

Side Effects

respiratory failure, paralysis in overdose

dizziness, numbness, excessive sedation

Drug Interactions

0 known interactions

Reviewed by: HerbAlly Editorial Team, Medical herbalists and healthcare professionals

Sources: WHO Monographs · NCCIH · PubMed · Commission E