Quassia known by?

Amargo, Bitter-Ash, Bitter Wood, Bitterwood, Bois Amer, Cuasia, �corce de Quassia,
Jamaican Quassia, Palo de Cuasia, Pao Tariri, Picrasma, Picrasma excelsa, Quassia
amara, Quassia Amer, Quassia Bark, Quassia de Jama�que, Quassia de Surinam, Ruda,
Surinam Quassia, Surinam Wood.

wood is used as medicine.

anorexia, indigestion, constipation, and fever.

worms; as a tonic or purgative; and as a mouthwash.

Some people apply quassia directly to the scalp for lice.

Rectally, quassia is used for treating worm infestations.

flavor foods, beverages, lozenges, and laxatives.

The bark and wood have been used as an insecticide.

Lice. Early research suggests that applying quassia tincture one time can kill head
lice. However, the lice might come back. Some research shows that two applications
within one week might be more effective than a single application.

Appetite loss (anorexia).

Indigestion.
Constipation.
Fever.
Intestinal worms.
Other conditions.

Quassia contains

chemicals that might increase stomach acid and bile secretions, perhaps accounting
for appetite stimulant and digestive effects.

Other chemicals may have activity against bacteria, fungi, and mosquito larvae.

safety concerns?
Quassia is LIKELY SAFE when taken by mouth in food amounts. But quassia is POSSIBLY
UNSAFE when taken by mouth in medicinal amounts. It can cause side effects such as
irritation of the mouth, throat, and digestive tract along with nausea and
vomiting. In very large doses, it could cause abnormal heart function; however,
most people throw up before they get a high enough dose to cause heart problems.
Long-term use can cause vision changes and blindness.

Quassia is POSSIBLY SAFE when used on the skin.

Special Precautions & Warnings:

Pregnancy and breast-feeding: Quassia is LIKELY UNSAFE when taken by mouth during
pregnancy or breast-feeding. It can cause cell damage and nausea.

There is not enough reliable information about the safety of applying quassia to
the skin or scalp you are pregnant or breast-feeding. Stay on the safe side and
avoid use.

Digestive tract problems or diseases, such as stomach or intestinal ulcers, Crohn's

disease, infections, and many other conditions: In large amounts quassia can
irritate the digestive tract. Don't use it if you have one of these conditions.

Are there any interactions with medications?

Digoxin (Lanoxin)
Interaction Rating: Moderate Be cautious with this combination.
Talk with your health provider.
Quassia is a type of laxative called a stimulant laxative. Stimulant laxatives can
decrease potassium levels in the body. Low potassium levels can increase the risk
of side effects of digoxin (Lanoxin).

Water pills (Diuretic drugs)

Interaction Rating: Moderate Be cautious with this combination.
Talk with your health provider.
Quassia is a laxative. Some laxatives can decrease potassium in the body. "Water
pills" can also decrease potassium in the body. Taking quassia along with "water
pills" might decrease potassium in the body too much.

Some "water pills" that can decrease potassium include chlorothiazide (Diuril),
chlorthalidone (Thalitone), furosemide (Lasix), hydrochlorothiazide (HCTZ,
HydroDiuril, Microzide), and others.

Antacids
Interaction Rating: Minor Be cautious with this combination.
Talk with your health provider.
Antacids are used to decrease stomach acid. Quassia may increase stomach acid. By
increasing stomach acid, quassia might decrease the effectiveness of antacids.

Some antacids include calcium carbonate (Tums, others), dihydroxyaluminum sodium

carbonate (Rolaids, others), magaldrate (Riopan), magnesium sulfate (Bilagog),
aluminum hydroxide (Amphojel), and others.

Medications that decrease stomach acid (H2-blockers)

Interaction Rating: Minor Be cautious with this combination.
Talk with your health provider.
Quassia might increase stomach acid. By increasing stomach acid, quassia might
decrease the effectiveness of some medications that decrease stomach acid, called
H2-blockers.

Some medications that decrease stomach acid include cimetidine (Tagamet),

ranitidine (Zantac), nizatidine (Axid), and famotidine (Pepcid).

Medications that decrease stomach acid (Proton pump inhibitors)

Interaction Rating: Minor Be cautious with this combination.
Talk with your health provider.
Quassia might increase stomach acid. By increasing stomach acid, quassia might
decrease the effectiveness of medications that are used to decrease stomach acid,
called proton pump inhibitors.

Some medications that decrease stomach acid include omeprazole (Prilosec),

lansoprazole (Prevacid), rabeprazole (Aciphex), pantoprazole (Protonix), and
esomeprazole (Nexium).

Dosing considerations for Quassia.

The appropriate dose of quassia depends on several factors such as the user's age,
health, and several other conditions. At this time there is not enough scientific
information to determine an appropriate range of doses for quassia. Keep in mind
that natural products are not always necessarily safe and dosages can be important.
Be sure to follow relevant directions on product labels and consult your pharmacist
or physician or other healthcare professional before using.