- Origin
- North America (Caribbean, Jamaica)
Central America and the Caribbean · Herb · № 319
Picrasma excelsa
Herb · Central America and the Caribbean
Quassia
Picrasma excelsa
Traditionally attributed effects: expels worms, bitter.
Safety notes
Traditional use is no proof of effectiveness; if you are pregnant, breastfeeding, taking medication or have a medical condition, consult a doctor or pharmacist.
Preparation
Wood chips as a cold infusion; externally as a wash. No dosage is given here.
Use in traditions
The name comes from the related Surinamese quassia (Quassia amara), which Linnaeus named after Kwasi, an enslaved healer who used it against fever in the 18th century. Jamaican quassia later became the cheaper substitute. Cups made of quassia wood gave water a bitter taste as a stomach remedy, and the extract was used against lice and as a bittering agent in drinks.
Applications
Use by tradition
How different herbal traditions describe this herb. Amounts are traditional guidelines checked for obvious errors; they are not medical advice. For poisonous plants no dosage is given on purpose.
Herbal medicine worldwide
Attributed effects
Expels worms, bitter.
Preparation and amount
Wood.
- Ways to prepare herbs
- Tea (infusion)