Condition
Treatment Support
digestive bitter
Application
tincture, capsules
Quassia
(Picrasma excelsa; P. amara)
Also know as Jamaican quassia
Botanical Information
A large evergreen tree from the Quassia family with fragrant, small yellowish-green flowers in long clusters.
Working with Quassia
Part(s) Used
Bark
Herb Forms
Tincture, bulk herb for tea
Christopher Hobbs:
“Quassia is a bitter herb taken for loss of appetite, worms, and giardia. It is used as a wash to rid the hair of lice.
To make a cold infusion–soak 12 grams of quassia wood shavings in a pint of cold water for 12 hours; strain and drink 1 ounce 3 x daily by itself or in a little ginger tea.
Quassia has a taste of BITTER and a temperature of COLD.”
Historical Uses
Quassia has a long history in traditional medicine, particularly in South America and the Caribbean. Indigenous people used it as a bitter tonic, digestive aid, and to treat malaria and fevers. Its wood and bark were also employed as a remedy for intestinal worms and dysentery.
Modern Clinical Uses (Herbalists & Naturopaths)
Herbalists today use quassia primarily as a digestive aid, anti-parasitic, and to treat stomach complaints such as indigestion, nausea, and bloating. It is also employed to stimulate appetite and relieve gastrointestinal issues. Quassia is sometimes included in treatments for weight loss and to combat gastrointestinal parasites.
Chemistry & Pharmacology
The active compounds in quassia are mainly quassinoids, particularly quassin, which has demonstrated anti-parasitic, anti-inflammatory, and anticancer properties in preliminary studies. Quassia also contains bitter compounds that stimulate digestive enzymes and bile production, aiding in digestion and the breakdown of fats.
Clinical Trials
While quassia’s use in modern medicine remains primarily rooted in herbal and folk traditions, clinical trials are limited. Some studies suggest potential benefits in treating parasitic infections, but results are mixed. There is evidence that quassia has anti-inflammatory and anticancer properties, but further research is needed to fully understand its therapeutic efficacy.
In summary, quassia remains a valuable herb in traditional and alternative medicine for digestive health and parasitic infections, but more research is required to substantiate its clinical applications and long-term safety.
Generated by ChatGPT; edited by Christopher Hobbs
Cautions
Safety
Quassia is generally considered safe when used in moderate amounts (1 gram daily), though excessive doses may lead to nausea, vomiting, or other gastrointestinal issues. There is a lack of comprehensive safety data on long-term use, so caution is advised. It is not recommended for pregnant or breastfeeding women due to limited safety information. Dosage should be individualized, and professional guidance is recommended.
Conditions treated with Quassia
Condition
Treatment Support
Application
Condition
Treatment Support
antiparastitic, digestive stimulant
Application
tincture, tea
Condition
Treatment Support
anti-parasitic
Application
tincture, capsule
Condition
Treatment Support
antiparasitic
Application
tea as a wash
Condition
Treatment Support
antiparasitic
Application
tea as a douche
Condition
Treatment Support
antiparasitic, anthelmintic
Application
tincture
The information given here is designed to help you make informed choices about your health. The information is drawn from numerous sources—both traditional medicine practice, from the clinical experience of many herbalists currently practicing, and supported by decades of scientific research from the author. The research most consulted includes human clinical trials that help to determine the most effective and safe herbs for various needs, the best doses, and types of preparations.
The information offered in this database is not intended as a substitute for any that may have been prescribed by your health practitioner or physician.
