Bursera Simaruba

Sarg.

Naked Indian (E); Almacigo (P); Carana (CR); Carate (P); Caratero (C); Gumbolimbo (C); Indio desnudo (P); Jinocuavo (CR); Jinote (CR); Resbalamono (C) . Tea is made from the leaves. This may be used to treat venereal diseases and obesity. The gum is used to mend dishes and to caulk dugouts, preventing worm damage. The Choco say that a decoction of the bark applied to the body three times and not washed for a week is depilatory (!). Experiments to prove this failed (!). Some say that this only works when applied before puberty (!). The resin is used to treat wounds, to apply to the navel of the newly born, and to bring boils to a head. Water put in a piece of the wood is used the following day to cure renal afflications (!). Among the Maje Choco, cuts are washed with an infusion of the bark and then ashes of the bark are applied to the wound. The tree is often used as a living fence post (!). Wood of this and related species is supposed to burn green.