All are native to subtropical and tropical regions of the Americas and are commonly known as lignum-vitae, guayacán (Spanish), or gaïac (French).

Gum guiacum quickly acquired a reputation as a cure for syphilis,[11] a practice Benvenuto Cellini records in his memoirs.

"[13] The detailed engraving, Preparation and Use of Guayaco for Treating Syphilis, published by Philips Galle after a design by the Flemish artist Jan van der Straet, depicts four servants preparing a concoction of gum guiacum for their wealthy master under the supervision of a physician.

The resin is used in chronic gout and rheumatism, whilst the wood is an ingredient in the compound concentrated solution of sarsaparilla, which was formerly much used as an alternative in syphilis.

"[12] A phenolic compound derived from the resin of Guaiacum trees is used in a common test for blood in human stool samples.