Quassia Bark
Quassia bark is an intensely bitter bark used traditionally as a digestive bitter to support appetite and stomach comfort. In small amounts it can help “wake up” digestion, but it’s not a daily long-term tonic. Because it’s very potent and often used in concentrated preparations, it deserves conservative dosing and strong cautions—especially for pregnancy and GI sensitivity.
Key Benefits
- Classic digestive bitter to support appetite (supportive)
- May support sluggish digestion and post-meal heaviness (supportive)
- Traditionally used short-term for digestive reset routines
- Can help reduce cravings for sweets for some (supportive, bitter effect)
Common Issues It May Help With
- Low appetite (supportive)
- Sluggish digestion (supportive)
- Bloating after meals (supportive)
- Sugar cravings (supportive)
How To Use (Simple)
- Best used as a very small-dose bitter infusion/tincture before meals. Tea is extremely bitter—start with tiny amounts and follow product directions. Use short-term and reassess.
Taste / Notes
Extremely bitter, drying, barky.
Evidence Level
Bitter herbs have traditional and some physiological support for stimulating digestive secretions and appetite, but clinical evidence for specific outcomes varies by product and dose.
Cautions
Avoid during pregnancy/breastfeeding. Use caution with ulcers, gastritis, or severe reflux—bitters can aggravate irritation. Avoid high doses and long-term daily use. If symptoms persist or include severe pain, vomiting, or blood in stool, seek medical care.
Interactions
May increase stomach acid/secretions—use caution with reflux/ulcer medications If taking multiple prescriptions and using concentrated extracts, consult clinician Separate from medications by 1 hour if using strong bitters that upset the stomach
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