Quinine, named Cinchona officinalis in the scientific world, belongs to the Rubiaceae family. Qui...
Quinine, named Cinchona officinalis in the scientific world, belongs to the Rubiaceae family.
Quinine is extracted from the bark of the cinchona (Quina Quina) tree. It was properly named long after its medicinal attributes were discovered and were commonly referred to as Jesuits' bark, cardinal's bark, or sacred bark.
The bark from the chinchona is first dried and then powdered before using it as a medicine. This bitter compound extracted from cinchona bark is largely found in South America, Central America, the Islands of the Caribbean, and in a few western coastal areas of Africa.
Quinine largely became popular in the 16th century for its parasite-killing properties during the malaria outbreak. The discovery of quinine by the Quechua people was entirely accidental and proved life-saving during the malaria epidemics throughout history.
Parts Used: Bark
Wildcrafted
Country of Origin: Mexico
Benefits and Uses
- Digestive issues
- Regulate bowel movements
- Diseases transferred to by animals via ticks
- Leg cramps
- Restless legs
- Boosts immunity
- Overcome Zinc deficiency
- Internal hemorrhoids
- Varicose veins
- Anti-parasitic
- Infectious diseases
Active Ingredients
- Quinine Sulfate
- Anhydrous alkaloid
- Flavonoids
- Quinidine
- Quinamine
- Cinchonine
- Cinchonidine
- Chinotannic acid
- Quinovic acid
- Phytosterols
Traditional Uses
Quinine was used largely by the indigenous people to treat fevers, upset stomachs, and diarrhea.
Modern Uses
In the modern world, quinine is used for fever relief, as well as joint pain and muscle cramps. According to studies, quinine is used to ease muscle cramps, most commonly nighttime leg cramps.
Fun Fact
The discovery story of quinine differs greatly. According to one widely believed legend, it was discovered accidentally by a feverish Native Indian lost in an Andean jungle. Mislaid and thirsty, he took a drink from a stagnant pool and found it bitter. The surrounding Quina Quina trees made him suspect that the water was contaminated and he had been poisoned. Shockingly, his fever abated. Gradually, this knowledge spread and quinine was begin to be used as a natural medicine for different types of fevers.
* This statement has not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, mitigate, or prevent any disease. Results may vary based on individual user and are not guaranteed.
