Jamaica Dogwood (Piscidia piscipula) is well known as a traditional remedy for treating migraine and neuralgia (severe stabbing nerve pain). It has been used primarily as a remedy for insomnia, anxiety, fear, and nervous breakdown, dysmenorrhea (painful menstruation), violent toothaches and menstrual cramps. The bark decoction of Jamaica dogwood has been used as an herbal remedy to help relieve coughs. For insomnia it is best combined with hops and valerian and it may be combined with black haw as a natural treatment for dysmenorrhea. It has been used to promote sweating, to relieve muscle spasms and as a remedy to reduce fever and inflammation. It contains a substance known as ‘rotenone’ that is used in insecticides to control lice, fleas and larvae. The component rotenone is not considered to be toxic to warm-blooded animals, including humans.