Origin
The name Quassia was believed to be from a man named Quassi of Surinam who first discovered the therapeutic effects of the Quassia Wood to reduce fever. He revealed his discovery to a Swedish historian, Daniel Rolander, in 1756. Specimens of the Quassia Wood were taken to Europe and were discovered to have many medicinal properties for the cure of fevers, gastrointestinal illnesses and many other ailments

Description

Quassia Wood (Picraena excelsa) is also known as Bitter Wood, Jamaica Quassia, Bitter Ash and Quassia Lignum. It is native to the island of Jamaica, the West Indies and is also found in Surinam and Guiana. It is a small tree that can grow from 50 to 100 feet in height. It has a grayish bark which is smooth in texture and has small yellow green flowers.

Quassia Wood is made from the trunk and the branches of the Quassia tree and these are the main parts of the plant that are used for medicinal and therapeutic purposes. This tree has volatile oils, tars, minerals, salts and nitrates that make it an effective insecticide. Quassia Wood is found as the main component in various over the counter and commercial insecticide brand

CONSTITUENTS


The active constituents of quassia wood are amaroid compounds like quassin, neoquassin, isoquassin and 18 hydroxy quassin.

Uses

Ancient UsesThe Quassia tree was treated with great honor in the ancient cultures of the West Indies. Medicines and drinks were drunk from goblets that were made from Quassia Wood because it was believed that drinks would be much more potent. Water left for a few minutes in a Quassia Wood goblet turned bitter and was used to remedy many illnesses of the gastrointestinal system.

Modern Uses

During modern times, the discovery of the many properties of the Quassia Wood have led to its use in the treatment of fevers, colds, coughs and the flu. Because of its anti inflammatory properties, the Quassia Wood is used for the treatment of rheumatism. Joint pain, swelling, redness and immobility are also reduced with preparations made from this tree.

The Quassia Wood is also a treatment for intestinal worms. It can remove roundworms and pinworms. There are also studies regarding the effectiveness of the Quassia Wood to deter alcoholism; water left overnight in a cup with chips made from this tree creates a bitter tonic that is said to remedy alcohol intoxication. Lotions and shampoos made from Quassia Wood are used to treat dandruff, lice and many other skin and hair conditions. The wood from this tree is also used as a bug spray for plants. It is also an effective bug killer at home and in the garden.

Pharmaceutical Prepration

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  The bark of the quassia tree may be used internally as well as externally to treat different ailments. While it may be ingested as a cold infusion and tincture, externally the medication may be used as an enema.Cold Infusion: To prepare an infusion with the wood of the quassia tree, add approximately half to one teaspoonful of the tree’s bark in one cup of cold water and leave it to soak for a night. For best results, the infusion should be drunk thrice every day.
  Enema: A cold infusion prepared with one part of the quassia wood to 20 parts of water may be used as an enema and applied through the rectum into the bowels for effective results.
  Tincture: Half or one ml of the tincture prepared with the bark of quassia tree may be ingested thrice every day.

 Side Effects

Quassia Wood preparations and supplements are not meant for pregnant and breastfeeding women. It is also not intended for very young children and babies.

Because of its very sour to bitter taste, it should be sweetened with sugar. It is also important to consult your doctor or naturopathic specialist regarding the use of Quassia Wood for your particular ailment or illness as it may cause adverse drug reactions with any medications you may be taking currently. If used as an insecticide, make sure everyone stays out of the home and open windows to air the room after spraying. Never spray directly onto eating utensils and personal items.

Dosing

The appropriate dose of quassia depends on several factors such as the user’s age, health, and several other conditions. At this time there is not enough scientific information to determine an appropriate range of doses for quassia. Keep in mind that natural products are not always necessarily safe and dosages can be important. Be sure to follow relevant directions on product labels and consult your pharmacist or physician or other healthcare professional before using.

References

 

*Villalobos, R.; D. Marmillod, R. Ocampo (1997) –

*“Amargo”. Retrieved 4.11.2012-

*Ökologischer Landbau. Retrieved 3.11.2012.

*S. Bertani; E. Houël, D. Stien, L. Chevolot, V. Jullian, G. Garavito, G. Bourdy E. Deharo (2006).-

*Villalobos, R.; D. Marmillod, R. Ocampo (1997)-

*tropilab. Retrieved 3.11.2012.-

*Claire, Daniel. “Agroecological Growth Patterns of Cultivated Bitterwood (Quassia amara) on the Northwestern Caribbean Slope of Costa Rica.”. Retrieved