The bark comes from an originally South American tree that now grows everywhere in the tropics. In reality, it is several mutually related woods.
Chincona has been known historically as the amazing malaria medicine, quinine, that changed the way the disease was treated, after it was discovered in America.
Today, it is used mostly in composite preparations for liver conditions and enlargement of the spleen, for loss of appetite and weakened digestion, for nocturnal spasms and irregular pulse, and for severe fever and alcohol poisoning. An ingredient in tonic water.
Abuse can cause a discolouring of the iris (it turns green), and a lowered activity in the reticuloendothelial system causing a decreased immune reaction. Incompatible with substances that contain salicylates.
Must not be used during pregnancy and in all cases, not for longer periods of time.
Dosage
0.1 to 0.25 g. of dried bark, 3 times a day. No dosage must be more than 0.25 g.
