Quassia: The Amazonian Bitterwood

Deep in the lush rainforests of Central and South America grows an unassuming yet powerful plant - quassia (Quassia amara). This small evergreen shrub has been used by indigenous tribes for centuries for its incredible medicinal properties.

What is Quassia?

The "amara" in its species name means "bitter" in Spanish, and that's an understatement. Quassia bark contains some of the most intensely bitter compounds found in nature, around 50 times more bitter than quinine. But this extreme bitterness disguises quassia's healing potential. All parts of the plant - bark, wood, leaves, and roots - are loaded with bioactive compounds like quassin and neoquassin.

Beneficial Effects

1. Digestive Tonic

The bitter principles in quassia act as a tonic for the entire digestive system. They stimulate the production of digestive enzymes and bile, helping break down foods more efficiently. It also alleviates problems like indigestion, bloating, and constipation.

2. Antimalarial

Quassia has a long history in treating fevers and malaria, especially in the Amazon region where it grows.

3. Blood Sugar Regulation

Studies have found that quassia bark extracts can help lower elevated blood glucose levels and increase glucose tolerance, making it a promising natural therapy for diabetes management.

4. Anthelmintic

The bitter quassinoids in quassia are toxic to intestinal worms and other parasites like lice. Quassia preparations have been used for centuries as a safe, effective anthelmintic to expel parasites from the body.

How to use Quassia

Bark or wood chips

One of the most popular ways to take quassia is as a tea, using the bark or wood chips:

• Bring water to a boil
• Add 1 tsp of quassia bark or chips per cup of water and let steep for 5-7 minutes.
• Strain and drink! Add honey or lemon, if desired.

Powdered Bark

The powdered bark can also be added to smoothies, baked goods, or encapsulated.

A Few Cautions

While quassia has a long history of safe use, there are a few precautions to keep in mind. Excessive doses may irritate the digestive tract and cause vomiting. Pregnant/breastfeeding women should avoid quassia due to its oxytocic effects. Those with conditions like ulcers, Crohn's, or diabetes should consult their doctor before using quassia, as it may lower blood sugar levels.

How to purchase 

Evergreen Herbs provides premium-grade Herbs in a variety of forms and quantities to suit your needs. We encourage you to take advantage of significant savings with our Bulk Buy program. As always, all our herbs are organic and examined by a 3rd party-certified laboratory to ensure the highest quality.

	Quassia Powder (Cuasia En Polvo)
	Quassia Chips (Cuasia)