Quinine Tree | Cinchona officinalis
Cinchona, the famous source of quinine, has long been used to treat malaria, fevers, and chills. As a bitter tonic, it stimulates digestion and appetite, while also providing relief for muscle cramps, flu-like symptoms, and headaches. Historically valued for recurrent fevers, it remains important in medicine though pharmaceutical quinine is now used under strict supervision.
Benefits & Uses
Antimalarial & febrifuge: Traditionally used to treat malaria, chills, and recurrent fevers.
Bitter tonic: Stimulates digestion, appetite, and supports overall digestive health.
Muscle support: Helps relieve muscle cramps and leg cramps.
Analgesic & antipyretic: Provides mild pain and fever relief for headaches, flu-like symptoms, and body aches.
Form & Dosage
Bark powder or decoction: 1–2 g daily (short-term use only).
Tincture (standardized): 1–2 ml, 2–3 times daily.
Pharmaceutical quinine sulfate: Used under medical supervision only for malaria treatment.
Parts Used
Bark
Precautions
Not for self-treatment of malaria: Always requires professional medical care.
Toxicity risk: High doses may cause cinchonism (nausea, tinnitus, headache, vision changes).
Avoid use: During pregnancy, breastfeeding, or with heart conditions.
Drug interactions: May interact with anticoagulants, cardiac medications, and other prescriptions.
For more detailed information about the different ways to take herbs, consider taking a course at the HomeGrown Herbalist Online School of Botanical Medicine.
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