Ceiba Pentandra

The word Ceiba is of Arawak origin and it means "type of tree and marine algae".

Occurrence

Central America and South America. Caribbean Antilles. Asia. Africa.

Economical Uses

The wood is used traditionally to fabricate boats, and the cotton of the seed has many economical uses such as to isolate sound and temperature. The seeds produce an oil that is used for recipes, to make soap and fertilizers.

Historical background

For many indigenous tribes throughout tropical America and Africa, Ceiba is an extremely important and sacred tree.

For the Tainos, the Ceiba connected the underworld and the heavens, its roots connected them to the world of the ancestors and the spirits, its branches connected them to the great spirits of the sky. A conductor of energy, it holds the spirits of the jungle. Offerings were placed by the Tainos carefully on the roots, before they entered its shade, permission and blessings were asked for. The Tainos also placed their hands on the tree to receive strength and resistance. Placing their forehead on the tree gave them answers to questions.

Ceiba trees were used as gathering places, now, they are common in the middle of plazas (public park squares) in Latin America.

Medicinal Uses

All parts of the tree are documented for medicinal uses.

The cortex is used to treat wounds, acne, rheumatism, convulsions. Macerated to aid in milk production for mothers. Used as a diuretic, and aphrodisiac. In decoction, for stomach aches, diarrhea, diabetes heart diseases, asthma, ulcers and hemorrhoids.

Stems are considered anti-inflammatory and are used for tumors, and tooth aches.

Leaves are used for burns, wounds, acne, rashes and other skin conditions. For flatulence, 8 leaves are infused in one liter of water and drank three times a day for 8 days.

The flowers are used in a decoction against constipation, and applied externally as paste for headaches.

"Ceiba Tree" by LollyKnit is marked with CC BY 2