Quassia Chips

Certified Organic - Brazil

Also Known As – Quassia amana, Bitter wood , picrasma , Jamaican quassia ( P. excelsa), Surinam quassia ( Q. amara ), Amara species , Amargo , Surinam wood , ruda

Overview - Quassia has been used for malaria in the Amazon region. It has been used topically for measles and orally or rectally for intestinal parasites, diarrhea, and fever. The plants have been used as anthelmintics and insecticides. Central Americans have been known to build boxes out of quassia wood, which acts as a natural insect repellent, to store clothing.

Medicinal Uses - Quassia has a variety of uses, including treatment for measles, diarrhea, fever, and lice. Quassia has antibacterial, antifungal, antifertility, antitumor, antileukemic, and insecticidal actions as well. However, efficacy in clinical trials has not been proven.

• An infusion of the wood has been used for fever, rheumatism, and dyspepsia. Taken internally, it kills roundworms, and as an enema it kills pin-worms. The tea is said to destroy appetite for alcohol. Water left standing overnight in a cup made from quassia wood becomes a weak infusion suitable as a bitter tonic for the stomach. An infusion serves as a scalp rinse to counteract dandruff.

• Fore Head Lice: Place 1oz (25 grams) of Quassia chips in a saucepan and pour one pint of boiling water over them. This loosens the oil in the chips. Leave overnight and the next day bring to the boil and simmer for 10-15 minutes. Let it cool and transfer to a spray bottle.

  1 SHAMPOO hair, rinse, apply conditioner.

  2 COMB through with the nit comb.

  3 RINSE off conditioner and towel dry.

  4 SPRAY Quassia solution all over hair.

  5 LEAVE hair to dry naturally.

  6 SPRAY again when it is dry.

  7 SPRAY again the following morning after brushing and repeat over next two days.

  8 YOU can continue to spray as a preventive as Quassia solution creates a bitter, hostile environment for lice.

Other Uses – In manufacturing, quassia is used to flavor foods, beverages, lozenges, and laxatives. The bark and wood have been used as an insecticide.

Parts Used –Wood

Precautions -Quassia should not be used during pregnancy. Quassia has been documented to have an anti-fertility 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.

Suggestions - Steep 1 tsp. quassia wood in 1 cup boiling water. Take 1 cup per day. Also, an infusion may be made by 1 oz. of wood chips or shavings in 1 qt. cold water; let stand for 12 hours; the dose is about 1/2 tsp. 3 times a day. A little ginger, cloves, lemon peel or warm aromatic may be added to render the infusion more palatable.

•  Tincture: a dose is from 2 to 5 drops.

Disclaimer - The information presented herein by Mountain Maus’ Remedies is intended for educational purposes only. These statements have not been evaluated by the FDA and are not intended to diagnose, cure, treat or prevent disease. Individual results may vary, and before using any supplements, it is always advisable to consult with your own health care provider.