Bulk Herbs: Quassia Bark
Quassia amara
Size: 1 oz package
Format: C/S
Plant Part: Bark
Also Known as: Bitter Wood, Jamaica Quassia, Bitter Ash, Hombre Grande, Amargo
Origin: Mexico
Imagine tasting an herb that's almost unbearably bitter. It probably doesn't sound appealing, but it can help you in more ways than you imagine. The bitterness of quassia bark is one of its most essential attributes.
Bitter herbs tend to be generally good for the digestive system. Imagine the feeling in your mouth when you even think of something bitter or sour. Does your mouth begin to salivate? If you're like most people, it does. Bitter herbs help you produce more saliva and stomach acids, which helps your digestive system function properly.
Its ability to improve your digestive system makes it an excellent all-around herb. In particular, quassia bark is a good herb for stimulating the appetite. While many people do everything they can to suppress their appetites, there are cases when one would need to stimulate them. For example, if you're undergoing chemotherapy or radiation that is causing you to lose your appetite, or if you're suffering from another illness, you may want to give quassia a try.
If you have problems digesting food once you've eaten it, quassia can help you digest it better. It can also help you get relief from diarrhea caused by dysentery. This is a great way to ensure that your food passes through the digestive system at the proper rate and that you get the best nutrition from your food.
If you live in a region where malaria is common, quassia chips can help reduce your fever. While this isn't its most common use, it's undoubtedly a good herb for those who suffer from fevers due to this serious illness.
Quassia bark may help prevent some malaria infections because it works as an insect repellent. To prevent bug bites, you must use it as a decoction and apply it to areas of the body.
Finally, quassia bark works to kill parasites. However, it must enter the body through an enema to work directly on the intestines to get this benefit. Taking quassia orally will destroy its anti-parasitic properties before it gets to the parasite. While this may not be the most pleasant experience of your life, neither is having an intestinal parasite.
Quassia may be used as a decoction to treat digestive problems. This bitter herb is a good friend when fighting intestinal issues.
Active Compounds: Alkaloids (indole & β-carbonite), steroids (β-sitosterol, βsitosterone, camp sterol & stigmasterol), triterpenes, and bitter principles of quassinoids
Actions: Antibacterial, antifungal, antifertility, antitumor, antileukemic, and insecticidal
Indications: Lice, Rosacea (gel), scaly skin (gel), diabetes, appetite stimulant, fever, intestinal worms, indigestion, constipation.
Precautions: Safe when applied to the skin but can irritate mouth, throat, and digestive tract when taken internally. It can lower blood sugar levels and can affect those with diabetes. In large amounts, it can disrupt the digestive and intestinal tract. It interacts with the following medications: Lanoxin, diuretics (water pills), diabetic medications, antacids, and medications that reduce stomach acids. Not safe for pregnancy. We recommend that you consult with a qualified healthcare practitioner before using herbal products, particularly if you are pregnant, nursing, or taking any medications.
Magick Uses: Quassia is used in witchcraft for spells of love and happiness. It can be substituted for Abre Camino for road-opening magick. In conjuring, it is used for controlling/dominating work.