Jamaican Quassia (Picrasma Excelsa) Bark Tincture

Both are liquid extracts of the same Picrasma excelsa bark; only the solvent differs. This tincture uses organic alcohol with vegetable glycerin and water, the classic conventional method that yields a concentrated extract with a long shelf life. The alcohol-free version is a glycerite made with vegetable glycerin and purified water instead, for those who prefer to avoid alcohol. Both are extremely bitter. Choose the tincture for a traditional alcohol-extracted format; choose the glycerite if you prefer no alcohol. The bark inside is identical - and so are the safety cautions, which apply to both.

No - they are two different plants that share the name "quassia," so it helps to be clear. Jamaican quassia is Picrasma excelsa, a tree from Jamaica and the Caribbean; the other, often called Surinam quassia or "true" quassia, is Quassia amara, a shrub from South America. Both are in the Simaroubaceae family, both are called bitterwood, and both contain the intensely bitter quassinoid compounds, which is why they have long been used interchangeably in commerce as "quassia wood." But they are botanically distinct species. We label ours clearly as Jamaican quassia (Picrasma excelsa) bark so it is not confused with Quassia amara, which we list separately.

Shake well first. Use the number of drops and the frequency shown on the label, in a little water, tea or juice, or as directed by your practitioner. It is very bitter, so dilute it well. Do not exceed the suggested serving - larger amounts can irritate the stomach and cause vomiting, and it is not meant for long-term continuous use. Because this is an alcohol tincture, adding it to water also softens the taste. Because of the pregnancy, menstruation and fertility cautions below, please read the safety information before use. Store in a cool, dry place away from direct light.

Please read this carefully. Quassia is used as a bittering flavor in foods and is regarded as safe in those small amounts, but a concentrated extract has several specific cautions. Pregnancy: do NOT use it during pregnancy - it may cause uterine colic. Menstruation: it should not be used by menstruating women, for the same reason. Fertility: quassia has been reported to have antifertility effects, so avoid it if you are trying to conceive. Overuse: it is a strong bitter irritant - taking large amounts can irritate the digestive tract and cause vomiting, and prolonged overuse has been linked to weakened vision, so keep strictly to the suggested serving and to short-term use. Nursing: consult a qualified healthcare practitioner before use if you are breastfeeding. Do not use it to self-treat any medical condition - see a qualified doctor instead. Do not give it to infants or young children. If you take any medication or have a medical condition, consult a qualified healthcare practitioner before use. Keep out of reach of children. This tincture contains alcohol and should be stored in a cool, dark place. These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.

Made in the USA by Hawaii Pharm LLC, Honolulu, HI, with domestic & imported ingredients.

We offer a 30-day return policy. Returns are free and accepted by mail.

U.S. delivery takes 1 to 5 business days by USPS Priority Mail, UPS or FedEx; USPS Ground Advantage can take 10+ days.