Quassia Bark
Also known as- as: Quassia amara, amargo, bitter ash, bitterholz, bitterwood, bois amer, bois de quassia, crucete, quassia, cuassia, fliegenholz, guabo, hombre grande, jamaica bark, kashshing, maraubā, marupā, palo muneco, pau amarelo, quassia amarga, quassiawood, ruda, simaruba, simarubabaum, quassiaholz, quassia de cayenne, quassie, quina, simaba, Suriname wood
Introduction
Quassia is indigenous to Brazil, Peru, Venezuela, Suriname, Colombia, Argentina, and Guyana where it is used extensively for fevers, malaria, parasites, digestive problems, and gallbladder and liver disease. The herb is extremely bitter, the name amargo means "bitter" in Spanish. Quassia is shown to be analgesic (pain-reliever), antitumorous, antiviral, gastro protective, insecticide, larvicide, muscle relaxant, sedative, antibacterial, antilithic (prevents kidney stones), antispasmodic, antivenin, carminative (expels gas), febrifuge (reduces fever), liver and gallbladder bile stimulant, digestive stimulant, hepatoprotective (liver protector), hepatotonic (tones, balances, strengthens liver functions), hypoglycemic, sialogogue (increases saliva), and a tonic (tones, balances, strengthens).
Constituents
Quassin (gives Quassia it's bitterness), phytochemicals quassimarin and simalikalactone D. Quassimarin has demonstrated antileukemic and antitumorous properties in various studies, and simalikalactone D has been documented to have antimalarial, antiviral, antitumor, and anticancer activities. Other quassinoids have demonstrated anti-amebic actions in vivo and in vitro.
Parts Used
Wood, leaves
Typical Preparations
Usually taken in the form of an infusion, in capsules, or tincture.
Summary
In the Amazon rainforest, Quassia is considered a tonic, and is used for malaria, fevers, as a bitter digestive aid, an insecticide, for liver and gallbladder problems, snake bites, back spasms, hepatitis, as a blood cleanser, mild laxative, for diarrhea, intestinal worms, dysentery, dyspepsia, excessive mucus, expelling worms, intestinal gas, stomachache, anemia, for liver and gastrointestinal disorders, tuberculosis, kidney stones, and for gallstones.
Within the United States, Quassia is becoming more well-known and is utilized for stomach, gallbladder, digestive problems, as a laxative, amebicide, insecticide, for lice, and to expel intestinal worms. Quassia is considered one of the best stomach bitters, and is especially useful for those with debility of the stomach or intestinal structures, and inactivity of the secreting organs. David Hoffman recommends it as an excellent remedy for dyspeptic conditions, to stimulate production of saliva and digestive juices, and to increase the appetite (as well as for lice infestations and threadworms). He also notes, "It may safely be used in all cases of lack of appetite such as anorexia nervosa and digestive sluggishness."
Precautions
Quassia should not be used during pregnancy. Quassia has been documented to have an antifertility effect in studies and men undergoing fertility treatment or those wishing to have children should avoid using this herb.Large amounts of Quassia can irritate the mucous membrane of the stomach leading to nausea and vomiting.
