Active Compounds:alkaloids, coumarin, quassin, vitamin B1, quassinoid bitter principles
Background: Quassia is a plant that is incredibly bitter. Its bitterness helps to improve the function of the digestive system. Bitter herbs generally improve the production of stomach acid and salivary juices. They also improve the production of bile. Quassia, which gets its name from the healer Quassia who shared its value with Europeans, is a valuable herb for treating fevers and dysentery as well.
Applications:Bitter/Anti-diarrheal/Anti-parasitic
Quassia is primarily used to help stimulate appetite and aid digestion.
Appetite: Quassia helps to stimulate a weak appetite.
Digestive: Quassia helps to improve digestion by stimulating the production of digestive juices.
Diarrhea: Quassia helps to treat diarrhea from dysentery.
Parasites: When used in an enema, quassia can help to remove parasitic worms from the intestines.
Fever: Quassia is sometimes given to treat fevers, particularly from malaria.
Description: Quassia is a tree that grows natively in the tropical regions of the Americas and the Caribbean. It can grow as tall as 100 feet. The gray bark is used for medicinal purposes. It is harvested all year long as needed.
Dosage:
May be used as enema to treat intestinal parasites.
As a decoction, quassia may be used to repel insects.
Safety: Taking too much quassia can cause vomiting and irritation of the digestive tract. Consult your health care provider before beginning use of any herb.
For educational purposes only This information has not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This information is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.