2024 Author: Jasmine Walkman | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-12-16 08:29
The quinine tree / Cinchona / is a genus of about 25 species of plants belonging to the Brooch family. These are large evergreen shrubs or small trees that reach a height of 5-15 minutes.
The henna tree is known in English-speaking countries as "Peruvian bark". Its leaves are simple, arranged opposite. The leaves are elliptical or ovate in shape, reaching a length of 50 cm. They are bright green, leathery and shiny, resembling those of coffee, but larger. Our marigolds, gardenia and the world-famous coffee tree belong to the same Brooch family.
The colors of the quinine tree are pink, gathered on paniculate apical inflorescences and strongly resemble those of our lilac. The fruits of the quinine tree are dry and are oblong boxes, from which, after cracking, gray-brown, winged and wrinkled seeds are released.
The quinine tree is located in the humid forests of the tropical countries of South America - Bolivia, Ecuador, Peru and Venezuela. It is found mainly on the eastern slopes of the Andes, between 800 and 3200 meters above sea level. The quinine tree grows singly in moist places among other trees. Due to its great importance, it is cultivated artificially not only in South America, but also in other continents where there are suitable conditions - Indonesia, Africa and others.
History of the quinine tree
In the 17th century, the wife of the Viceroy of Peru, Anna del Chin-chon, became very ill. Indian healers managed to cure it completely with the help of a decoction of the bark of an unknown local tree. Approximately one hundred years later, in honor of this woman, the plant was given the scientific name Cinchona.
The quinine tree has saved millions of people from death due to fever and malaria, so it enjoys great respect around the world, but especially in the tropics. For centuries, the plant has been used by Peruvians and Incas not only for malaria, but also to treat fever and digestive problems.
Composition of quinine wood
The composition of the miracle tree includes tannins, glycosides, quinic acid, bitter alkaloids / quinidine and quinine /, bitter triterpene glycosides. Alkaloids reach up to 15%.
Selection and storage of quinine wood
For medical purposes, the bark of young branches and stems of the tree is peeled, and for industry, the bark of thick stems and crowns is taken. Vertical incisions are made, which are up to 50 cm long, and horizontal incisions up to 10 cm, after which they are hammered out and separated from the tree.
After peeling the bark is dried in the sun for about 3-4 days, and then in an oven at 80 degrees. Dried bark should have an astringent and very bitter taste. It is packed in bags and stored in a ventilated and dry place.
The quinine tree can be found in the form of quinine water, tablets and various extracts. The products of quinine tree can be found in pharmacies or specialty stores. Store them according to the instructions on the package.
Benefits of quinine wood
The main healing effect of quinine is to suppress the thermoregulatory centers that are located in the brain and thus lower the temperature in fever caused by malaria or other causes.
Quinine reduces the excitability of the heart muscle, but its main and most important action is its antimalarial properties. That is why the quinine tree is especially revered in the tropics.
Quinine is actually a cytoplasmic poison, but it is eliminated from the body very quickly after it has carried out its valuable healing effect. Some of its ingredients have a local anesthetic effect (reduce or eliminate pain), while causing dilation of peripheral blood vessels.
The quinine tree it is used mainly in the form of tablets, less frequently as a solution and powders, the solution being administered by injection if necessary.
Quinine water nourishes the hair roots, while stimulating the growth of strong and healthy hair. After washing, quinine water is rubbed into the base of the hair, after which no washing is necessary.
The various medicines extracted from the bark of the quinine tree are carrying out a real revolution in the fight against malaria, which has been a scourge on all warm and humid areas of the earth.
1 tbsp. of the herb is boiled in 600 ml of water for about 15 minutes. Drink 1 tablespoon three times daily before meals. If you want you can sweeten the decoction with a little honey.
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