Bitterwood (Picrasma excelsa syn. Picraenia excelsa)

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Botanical Information

• Family: Simaroubaceae
• Common Names: Bitterwood, Jamaica Quassia, Bitter Ash
• Parts Used: Bark, Wood

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Description

Picrasma excelsa, commonly known as Bitterwood, is a tropical tree native to the Caribbean, particularly Jamaica and Hispaniola. It is a well-known bitter tonic, traditionally used to stimulate digestion, support liver function, and combat intestinal parasites. The wood and bark are rich in quassinoids, which give it its extreme bitterness and therapeutic effects.

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Historical and Traditional Uses

• Used in Caribbean and South American medicine as a digestive stimulant and liver tonic.
• Traditionally employed for expelling intestinal parasites.
• Used as a natural insect repellent and bittering agent for beverages.
• Historically included in herbal bitters formulas to promote appetite and bile production.

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Constituents

• Quassinoids (excelsin, picrasmin)
• Alkaloids
• Bitter glycosides
• Tannins
• Lignans

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Actions

• Bitter tonic
• Digestive stimulant
• Antiparasitic
• Antimicrobial
• Antimalarial
• Hepatoprotective (Liver support)

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Medicinal Uses

1. Digestive Health:
Bitterwood is a powerful digestive stimulant, improving bile flow, appetite, and digestion.

2. Liver Support and Detoxification:
Used to enhance liver function, detoxify the body, and support metabolic health.

3. Antiparasitic Properties:
Traditionally used to expel intestinal worms and parasites.

4. Fever and Malaria Treatment:
Historically used for treating fevers, particularly malaria and tropical infections.

5. Appetite Stimulation:
Bitterwood is a well-known herbal remedy for poor appetite and digestive sluggishness.

6. Insect Repellent:
Infusions of the bark have been used as a natural insect repellent.

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Preparation and Dosage

⚠️ Note: Due to its extreme bitterness, it is often prepared as an infusion or tincture rather than consumed directly.

Infusion (Tea from Bark or Wood Chips):

• 1 tsp of dried bark or wood per cup of hot water. Steep for 10-15 minutes. Drink before meals to stimulate digestion.

Tincture:

• 2-5 ml taken up to twice daily.

Poultice (Topical Use):

• Crushed bark applied externally for skin infections or inflammation.

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Precautions and Contraindications

• Pregnancy and Lactation: Avoid due to its strong bitter and stimulating effects.
• Gastrointestinal Sensitivity: May cause irritation in individuals with ulcers or acid reflux.
• Excessive Use: Can lead to nausea or digestive discomfort.
• Interactions: May enhance the effects of medications that stimulate digestion or bile production.

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Energetics (Traditional Medicine Perspectives)

• Traditional Caribbean Medicine: Used as a liver cleanser and digestive tonic.
• Traditional Western Herbalism: Cooling and drying; stimulates digestion and detoxification.
• Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM): Clears heat and dampness, supports digestion, and expels toxins.

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Combinations

• For Digestive Support: Combine with gentian and dandelion root.
• For Liver Health: Combine with milk thistle and burdock root.
• For Antiparasitic Use: Combine with wormwood and black walnut.

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Harvesting and Storage

• Harvesting: Bark and wood are sustainably harvested and dried for medicinal use.
• Drying: Air dry in a well-ventilated area away from direct sunlight.
• Storage: Store dried bark and wood in airtight containers away from moisture and heat.

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Modern Research

Studies confirm Picrasma excelsa’s digestive, antiparasitic, and hepatoprotective properties, reinforcing its traditional applications.

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Bitterwood remains a valuable herb in both traditional and modern herbal medicine, particularly for digestive health, liver detoxification, and parasite control. Due to its potency, it should be used in moderation.