• Root Infusion can be used to reduce malarial fever.
• Bark is boiled and the water drunk as an anti-diarrheal, as an anti-dysenteric, and as an antimalarial.
• Softened inner bark is boiled, and the water drunk to treat colds, by the Guyana Patamona.
• Bark and leaves are boiled, and the water drunk as an anti-pyretic.
• Wood chips are decocted in lotions for persistent venereal ulcers.
• Infusion of wood and fresh roots is used for refractory fevers, tonic, aperitive and febrifuge.
• Stem is used in remedies for diseases of the spleen, liver (cirrhosis), and urinary tract.
• Bark used as a blood purifier and for treating weak eyes of alcoholics.
• In Surinam, stem is used to make bitters for reducing a fever.
• Quassia has been shown to encourage the secretion of gastric juices, increase the appetite and aid digestion.
• It has been used successfully in the treatment of anorexia nervosa and is also used in the treatment of malaria and fevers.
• All parts of the plant can be used on their own or in combination to restore the appetite, stimulate digestion and combat fevers, including malaria.
• Tea made from the infused leaves is used to bathe the skin of measles patients.
• It is also used as a mouthwash after tooth extractions.
• Decoction of the bark is used as a blood purifier and to treat malaria, diarrhea and dysentery.
• Decoction of the inner bark is used to treat colds.
• Stem and bark are used in remedies for treating diseases of the spleen, liver (cirrhosis), and urinary tract.
• Bark is used for treating the weak eyes of alcoholics and, macerated in rum, as a vermifuge.
• Combined with the macerated stem of Tinospora crispa in rum, cognac or absinthe, it is used to make a beverage for treating diabetes and albuminuria.
• Decoction of the wood is used in lotions as a wash for persistent venereal ulcers.
• Decoction of the bark and leaves is used as a wash to rid the skin of external parasites such as agouti lice and as a treatment for measles and smallpox.
• Infusion of Quassia is also used as a lotion for pediculosis.

Ayurvedic Health benefits of Quassia

• Rheumatism: Use externally an infusion of bitter Quassia wood.
• Alcoholism: Prepare a tea of bitter Quassia leaves and drink one cup regularly. It kills the appetite for alcohol.
• Dandruff: Take bitter Quassia wood. Soak it in some water overnight. Now use this water as a scalp rinse for dandruff.
• Stomach Problems: Take a cup made from Quassia wood. Put some water in it and leave overnight. Next morning drink it in empty stomach. It is a good bitter tonic for stomach.
• Tonic: Take a cup made of Quassia wood. Fill it with water and leave overnight. It becomes a good bitter tonic for the stomach.
• Worms: Add one tbsp of Quassia wood in one cup of boiling water and steep for 15 minutes. Take one cup regularly for a week.

Culinary uses

• Bitter principle found in the bark and wood is used as the basis of Angostura Bitters, which is used as a flavoring in gin-based drinks.
• It is also used as a substitute for hops when brewing beer.

Other Facts

• Crushed leaves placed on body reputedly act as a mosquito repellent.
• Decoction of bark and leaves used as a wash to rid skin of external parasites such as agouti lice.
• amara is used as insecticide, in traditional medicine and as additive in the food industry.
• Extracts of Quassia wood or bark act as a natural insecticide.
• Extracts of Q. amara wood or bark are also used to flavor soft drinks, aperitifs and bitters which can be added to cocktails or to baked goods.
• All parts of the plant, but especially the bark and young stems, can be used as an insecticide.

Precautions

• Excessive use may cause vomiting.
• Long term use should be avoided.
• Do not use during pregnancy (may cause uterine colic).
• Use over prolonged periods of time may lead to weakened vision and total blindness.

Ingredients

1 lb

Quassia (amara quassia) Chips C/s

From Jamaica