Quassia as an Herb

(Picrasma amara)

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.

Quassia is an extremely bitter herb.

Medicinal Uses for Quassia

The bark of the tree is used to treat digestive problems, and is used by the native peoples to treat malaria and dysentery. It is used as an appetite stimulant, and to help those quitting alcohol.

Quassia is shown to be used as/for:

• 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)
• a tonic (tones, balances, strengthens)

Within the United States, Quassia is becoming more well-known and is utilized for stomach, gallbladder, digestive problems, as a laxative, amebicide, insecticide, lice, and intestinal worms.

Quassia is considered one of the best stomach bitters, and is especially useful for those with debility of the stomach.

Cautions

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.

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DISCLAIMER: These pages are presented solely as a source of INFORMATION and ENTERTAINMENT and to provide stern warnings against use where appropriate. No claims are made for any historical herbal treatment. In no way can the information provided here take the place of the standard, legal, medical practice of any country. Some plants are extremely toxic and should be used only by licensed professionals. Some plants used for illness in the past have proven to be ineffective for the problems to which they were applied.