Quassia for anorexia, dyspepsia and bitter tonic
{ Posted on Sep 27 2006 by hans }
Scientific Name : Picrasma excelsa (Swartz). Planch
Family : Simaroubaceae (Quassia Family)
Common Name : Quassia, quassia wood, Jamaica quassia
Part(s) used : Stem wood
Contains : Alkaloids, terpenoids, coumarins, sterols, thiamine, quassin, an intensely bitter lactone.
Traditional uses Helps improve appetite, ie in cases of anorexia. Helps in dyspepsia. As an enema for expulsion of threadworms. As bitter tonic. (Note: Quassia is very bitter) As an insecticide, pesticides or various anticoagulant therapies.
Special precautions The use of quassia during pregnancy and lactation is best avoided. Excessive use should be avoided.