 Gumbo-limbo's rapid growth, ease and low cost of propagation, and ecological versatility makes it highly recommended as a "starter" tree in reforestation, even of degraded habitat, and it performs much better overall in such a role than most exotic species.The resin is used as a treatment for gout, while the leaves are brewed into a medicinal tea.Hexane extracts of the leaves have been shown to possess anti-inflammatory properties in animal tests.