Chinchona ledgeriana or C. succirubra
Folk Names: Cinchona, Jesuit’s Bark, Peruvian Bark
Description: The Chinchona is an evergreen tree native to Peru and Ecuador, though it is now more widely grown in tropical America, India, and the Orient. The branches bear opposite, elliptic-obovate leaves and fragrant, rose or purple flowers like lilac blossoms. The bark is different colored according to species and may be removed in strips without harm to the tree. It is spongy, with a very slight odor, while the taste is bitter and astringent.
Effects:
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Traditions:
During the 1600s, Spanish Jesuits in Lima, Peru learned that bark extracts from a local
tree in the coffee family (Rubiaceae) called "quina" (Cinchona officinalis) could cure malaria.
Later it was discovered that this "extract" contained the quinoline alkaloid called quinine. They
successfully used this extract on Countess Chinchon, for whom the tree is now named. Today,
quinine trees are grown in plantations. Although many synthetic antimalarial drugs have been
developed, some strains are resistant to the synthetic forms and so naturally derived quinine is
still developed.
Magic:
The bark may be carried for luck and protection from bodily harm and evil.
Known Combinations:
none known
Medical Indications: (Caution:do not use during pregnancy unless delivery is late) Parts
Used: bark
Chinchona contains quinine, effective against malarial infections, as well as a treatment
for headaches, leg cramps and colds. It is an astringent, febrifuge, oxytocic, and tonic. Small
doses relieve fever and indigestion, and it may be used as a mouthwash and gargle for mouth and
throat problems.
Because it stimulates uterine contractions, it should not be used by pregnant women unless it is to induce labor in a delayed birth.
Nutrition:
none
Mercantile Uses:
The trees are grown in plantations as a source of quinine.