Alstonia bark Health Dictionary

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Alstonia Bark: From 1 Different Sources

Australian quinine. Fever bark. Alstonia constricta, F. Muell. Bark.

Action: febrifuge, anti-periodic. Used by Australian aborigines for all kinds of fevers. Contains indole alkaloids.

Other uses: high blood pressure, mild analgesic, intermittent fevers.

Preparations: Thrice daily.

Tea: 1oz to 1 pint water simmered gently 5 minutes: one wineglassful. Liquid Extract: 5-30 drops. Powdered bark: 1-3g. Tincture. 15-60 drops. 

Health Source: Bartrams Encyclopedia of Herbal Medicine
Author: Health Encyclopedia

Alstonia

Alstonia venenata

Apocynaceae

San: Visaghni, Anadana;

Mal: Analivegam;

Tam: Sinnappalai;

Kan: Addasarpa

Importance: Alstonia is a large shrub with straight bole and growing upto about 6m height. The roots are useful in skin diseases, erysipelas, leprosy, cobra bite and other venomous bites, epilepsy, fatigue, fever and otalgia. The fruits are useful in syphilis, insanity and epilepsy. The plant is believed to repel snakes.

Distribution: The plant is distributed throughout India in deciduous forests in areas up to 1800m elevation.

Botany: Alstonia venenata R.Br., belonging to the family Apocynaceae, is a large shrub to small tree up to 6m in height with greyish brown bark and bright yellow hard and woody root. Leaves are simple, arranged in whorls of 3-6, membranous, lanceolate, margins wavy, finely acuminate, main nerves numerous, close, parallel and united by inter marginal nerve. Flowers are white, arranged in terminal sub umbellate cymes or in racemes. Fruits are fusiform with stalked and beaked follicles, tapering at both ends. Seeds are many flattened with a tuft of hair at each end (Warrier et al, 1993). Other important species belonging to the genus Alstonia are the following.

1. A. scholaris R. Br.

This tree is common throughout India. The bark is valuable in debility and after effects of fever, chronic diarrhoea, dysentery and catarrhal fever. The milky juice is applied to ulcers and rheumatic pains, mixed with oil and dropped into ear to relieve earache. Ditanin is the active principle of the bark, possessing powerful febrifuge properties. The bark is astringent, tonic and febrifuge (Nadkarni, 1998).

2. A. spectabilis R. Br.

It is a large evergreen tree seen in tropical forests of Andamans. The bark contains alkaloids such as alstonamine, ditamine, echitamine and echitenine (Chopra et al,1980)

Agrotechnology: The plant is propagated mainly by seeds. Seeds are to be sown on seedbeds and germinated ones are to be transferred to polybags. About three months old seedlings are used for transplanting. If seeds are not available, thin stem cuttings can be planted in polybags and rooted cuttings used. Pits of size 60cm cube are to be taken at 3m spacing, filled with dried cowdung, sand and topsoil and made into a mound. To this mounds seedlings from polybags are to be transplanted. Irrigation is essential during early stages of growth. Application of organic manure every year is beneficial. Regular weeding is to be done. The plant is not attacked by any serious pests or diseases. Flowers are formed in the first year itself. It can be used for medicinal purposes after seven years of growth. Fruits and roots are the economical parts (Prasad et al,1997).

Properties and activity: The plant is a rich source of indole alkaloids. Alkaloids are present in various parts. Stem bark and root contain venenatine, alstovenine, 3-dehydroalstovenine and reserpine. Stem bark contains venoxidine (venenatine Nb -oxide), anhydroalstonatine, kopsinine, venalstonine, venalstonidine(venalstonine-6,7-epoxide), echitovenine and veneserpine. Fruits contain echitovenidine, (+)minovincinine, echitoserpidine, echitoserpine, echitoveniline, 11-methoxy echitovonidine, 11-methoxy (-) minovinicinine, echitoserpiline, (-)vincadifformine, 11-methoxy(-)vincadifformine and venoterpine. Leaves contain echitovenaldine, echitoveniline, alstolenine, deacetylakuammiline, polynuridine, dihydropolynuridine and raucaffrininoline. The yellow tint in bark is because of the presence of 3-alstovenine. A number of indole alkaloids have been further isolated from the plant. In addition to alkaloids fruits contain -amyrin acetate and lupeol ester of -hydroxy acid (Husain et al,1992).

The root is bitter, astringent, thermogenic, depurative, antitoxic, febrifuge and anodyne. The alkaloid alstovenine in lower doses exhibited monoamine oxidase inhibitor activity, while in higher doses it showed marked central stimulant effect. Veninatine exhibited reserpine like activity. Alcoholic extract of the fruits showed initial activation effect on acetylcholine esterase, followed alternately by inhibition and activation of the enzyme.... alstonia

Cramp Bark

Viburnum opulus. N.O. Caprifoliaceae.

Synonym: Guelder Rose, High Cranberry, Snowball Tree.

Habitat: Cultivated in shrubberies, etc., for decorative purposes.

Features ? Very thin bark, greyish-brown outside with corky growths (lenticels), slight longitudinal crackings, laminate, light brown internally. Fracture forms flat splinters.

Part used ? Bark.

Action: Antispasmodic, nervine.

As the name indicates, in cramp and other involuntary spasmodic muscular contractions. The decoction of 1 ounce to 1 pint of water (simmered from 1 1/2 pints) is administered in 1-2 tablespoon doses.... cramp bark

Alstonia Scholaris

R. Br.

Family: Apocynaceae.

Habitat: Throughout moist regions of India, especially in West Bengal and west-coast forests of southern India.

English: Devil's tree, Dita Bark tree.

Ayurvedic: Saptaparna, Sapta- chhada, Saptaparni, Saptaahvaa, Vishaaltvak, Shaarada, Visham- chhada.

Unani: Chhaatim, Kaasim (Kaasim Roomi, Anjudaan Roomi is equated with Myrrhis odorata Scope.)

Siddha/Tamil: Ezhilamippalai, Mukkampalai.

Folk: Chhitavan, Sataunaa.

Action: Bark—febrifuge, antiperi- odic, spasmolytic, antidysenteric, uterine stimulant, hypotensive; used for internal fevers.

Along with other therapeutic applications, The Ayurvedic Pharmacopoeia of India indicates the use of stembark in phosphaturia and recommends it as a blood purifier.

Alstonia sp. is known as Fever Bark. A. constricta is native to Australia; A. scholaris to Australia and Southeast Asia. The bark of both the species contains indole alkaloids. A. constric- ta contains reserpine (a hyptotensive agent). A. scholaris contains echita- mine, which has also demonstrated hypotensive effects. Though A. schol- aris produces fall in the temperature of human patients with fever, there are conflicting reports about the activity of echitamine against Plasmodium berghei.

Dosage: Stembark—20-30 g for decoction. (API Vol. I.)... alstonia scholaris

Barkarna

(Basque) One who is lonely Barkarne, Barkarnia, Barkarniah, Barkarnya, Barkarniya, Barkarn... barkarna

Winters Bark

Success... winters bark

Angostura Bark

Galipea officinalis Han. German: Cuspabaum. French: Cusparie. Italian: Cusparia. Part used: dried bark.

Action: Aromatic, bitter, anti-periodic.

Uses: South American traditional: diarrhoea, dysentery, intermittent fevers, dropsy.

Preparations: Thrice daily. Powdered bark 0.3 to 1g. Liquid extract: 5-30 drops. Tincture: 10-60 drops. ... angostura bark

Barker, Arthur Fnimh

Consulting Medical Herbalist. President: National Institute of Medical

Herbalists. Author: The Herbal Pocket Prescriber. (Eardley) ... barker, arthur fnimh

Alstonia Venenata

R. Br.

Family: Apocynaceae.

Habitat: Peninsular India.

Folk: Pazh-munipala (Tamil), Addasarpa (Kannada), Palamunpala (Malyalam).

Action: Stembark and fruit— antiepileptic.

The plant is a rich source of indole alkaloids. Major alkaloids in the stem- bark are alstovenine, venenatine, 3- dehydroalstovenine, reserpine (0.0030.3%), venoxidine and kopsinine.

Alstovenine, in lower doses, exhibits monoamine oxidase inhibitor activity; in higher doses, shows marked central stimulant effect (reversal of reserpine effects). Venenatine exhibits reserpine- like profile of activity (sedation, ptosis, reduction in motor activity).

The fruit contains vincadifformine type of alkaloids. Echitovenidine, the major alkaloid, shows monoamine oxidase-inhibitory activity both in vitro and in vivo.... alstonia venenata

Benefits Of Pygeum Bark Tea

Try an herbal tea from Africa - pygeum bark tea. Despite its bitter, slightly unpleasant taste, this tea is becoming quite popular. It has plenty of health benefits which will surely help you stay healthy. Find out more about pygeum bark tea and give it a try! About Pygeum Bark Tea Pygeum bark tea is made from the bark of the pygeum tree, an evergreen tree which belongs to the rose family. It grows in central and southern Africa, although it has become endangered due to the large demands for the tree’s bark. A mature tree can be as tall as 25m. The bark is black-brown and scaly, with alternate, simple and long dark green leaves. The flowers bloom from October to May; they are androgynous and greenish-white. The fruit is red-brown, rather wide but not big (about 1cm) and has two lobs, with a seed in each one. The fruit can be used as food both for humans and animals. The wood can be used to make tools, or build homes. How to prepare Pygeum Bark Tea There are two ways in which you can make pygeum bark tea. One involves chopped bark; add it to a cup of freshly-boiled water and let it steep for 10-15 minutes. For the other, you can use the powdered form of the pygeum; you add it to a cup of boiled water, letting it steep for 3-5 minutes. Pygeum bark tea is known to be pretty bitter. If the taste is too much for you, sweeten it with milk, honey or fruit juice. Pygeum Bark Tea Benefits A few important active constituents that are transferred from the pygeum bark to the tea are: beta-sitosterol, ursolic acid, oleanic acid and ferulic acid. Pygeum bark tea can be drunk by men, as it has important health benefits for them. It is often added in the treatment for benign prostatic hyperplasia. It is also recommended in the case of male infertility, as it increases the quantity and quality of the sperm. It can even be used as an aphrodisiac, as it enhances the sexual performance. Pygeum bark tea is used to treat urinary tract infections (cystitis, prostatitis); it also increases the urinary function. You can drink pygeum bark tea if you’ve got symptoms of bronchitis, influenza, or various other respiratory infections. This tea will also help you if you’ve got a fever. An interesting benefit is related to hair: drinking pygeum bark tea is quite useful in the treatment for hair loss. The infusion can be applied on wet hair, after it’s been washed with shampoo. Try it if you’ve got these problems. Pygeum Bark Tea Side Effects If you’re pregnant or breast feeding, it is best not to drink pygeum bark tea; it can affect the baby in both cases. Also, it’s safer not to give it to children, either. It might neutralize the effects of various types of medication. Make sure you talk to your doctor first if you’re taking any kind of medication; he will tell you if it’s safe or not to drink pygeum bark tea. Also, drinking too much pygeum bark tea might not be good for you. It might lead to stomach discomfort, diarrhea, constipation, nausea, dizziness, headaches, or visual disturbances. Don’t let its bitter taste scare you - pygeum bark tea is good for your health. It is especially recommended for men, but it can be useful for women, as well.... benefits of pygeum bark tea

Butternut Bark Tea Is Good Against Constipation

Butternut Bark tea has a long history in healing ailments like constipation, but not only. It is said that native Americans discovered its medicinal properties and used the plant to treat toothaches. Butternut Bark Tea description Butternut, or white walnut or oilnut, is a small tree, commonly found in the Midwestern and Northeastern regions of the United States. It grows on hillsides or streambanks. The butternut tree is valued for its nuts as well as for the lumber. To treat toothaches, Native Americans used the oil of the butternut tree. Medicinally, only the inner bark of the root is used. Butternut Bark tea is the resulting beverage from brewing the abovementioned plant. Butternut Bark Tea brewing To prepare Butternut Bark tea:
  • boil a teaspoon of the bark in a cup of water
  • let it steep for 3 to 5 minutes
Butternut Bark tea can also be purchased in powdered form and taken with cold water. Butternut Bark Tea benefits Butternut Bark tea has been successfully used to:
  • relieve constipation
  • expel parasites
  • help in the treatment of gallbladder disorders
  • help in the treatment of hemorrhoids
  • help against certain skin diseases
  • protect the liver
  • cleanse the blood
  • cleanse the colon
Butternut Bark Tea side effects Butternut Bark tea intakingis not recommended in case of gallstones. Also, pregnant and nursing women should ask their doctor before consuming it. Butternut Bark tea is a natural remedy against constipation and parasites, being also useful in case of skin diseases.... butternut bark tea is good against constipation

Cramp Bark Tea Benefits

Cramp Bark is one of the wonder herbs, best suited for women’s needs. The Cramp Bark tea is one of the most effective methods for preventing and easing menstrual problems, as well as other female related issues. It has long been recognized for its antispasmodic, astringent and sedative properties. About Cramp Bark Tea Native to Europe and Africa, Cramp Bark has been introduced to North America and it grows in a wide range of zones. The plant takes its name from the ability to ease cramping. Also called Viburnum opulus or guilder rose, it is a very pretty shrub, blooming with white flowers. The ripe red berries are rich in vitamin C, but are poisonous if uncooked. The fruit is edible in small quantities and has a very acidic taste; it can be used to make jelly. It is however very mildly toxic, and may cause vomiting or diarrhea if eaten in large amounts. Barks represent the raw material for making herbal products. The flowers can be used as well in a decoction for external use. Cramp Bark tea is a uterine sedative, aiding in menstrual cramps, afterbirth and postpartum pains. It helps to prevent a miscarriage, as well as internal hemorrhagin. The following are some of the active constituents of cramp bark tea: hydroquinones, coumarins, tannins, scopoletin, and resins. Brew Cramp Bark Tea Cramp bark tea is a muscle and nerve relaxant. If you want to prevent cramps, drink 2 cups of cramp bark tea daily, starting a week before your period will begin. Prepare the tea by steeping a teaspoon of the herb or a teabag in a cup of boiled water for about 7 minutes. Strain, add a sweetener and enjoy it. Benefits of Cramp Bark Tea Apart from aiding in the female problems, many herb experts consider cramp bark tea as the best remedy for muscle pains and body aches associated with movement. Cramp bark tea may help relieve pain from cramps, especially in the leg or neck. It may also help uterine cramps or period pains. It may help in facilitating an easy labor to women giving birth by building up the uterine muscles. Cramp bark tea may help relax tense muscles especially if applied topically as a skin ointment or lotion. Cramp bark tea may lower blood pressure. This tea may be used in the treatment of asthma. This kind of tea is very helpful in relieving constipation, colic or irritable bowel syndrome. Cramp bark tea may help fight arthritis. Cramp bark tea may offer relief from tension headaches. Side effects of Cramp Bark Tea Apparently, there aren’t any known side effects or drug interactions for cramp bark tea, nor are there any documented reports of toxic reactions to the herb. However, not many studies on this plant have been conducted and, consequently, some precautions must be taken, especially because the fruits are potentially toxic. In spite of its many benefits for women, do not take this tea if you suspect you are pregnant. Cramp bark tea is very healthy and if your physician approves it, you can safely drink up to three cups a day.... cramp bark tea benefits

Barberry Bark

Berberis vulgaris L. French: Vinettier. German: Berberize. Italian: Berberi. Indian: Zirishk. Stem bark.

Action. Liver stimulant, cholagogue, antiseptic, alterative. Tonic to spleen and pancreas, antemetic, digestive tonic. Hypotensive. Mild sedative and anticonvulsant. Uterine stimulant. Anti-haemorrhagic, Febrifuge, Anti-inflammatory, Anti-diarrhoeal, Amoebicidal, Bactericidal.

Uses: Sluggish liver, jaundice, biliousness, gastritis, gallstones, itching anus, ulcerated mouth, malaria, sandfly fever, toxaemia from drugs and environmental chemicals. Shingles, bladder disorders, leucorrhoea, renal colic. Old gouty constitutions react favourably. Cholera (animals). Leukopaenia due to chemotherapy.

Combinations. With Yarrow for malaria. With Gelsemium for pain in the coccyx (tailbone). With Fringe Tree bark for skin disorders.

Contra-indications: pregnancy, diarrhoea.

Preparations: Thrice daily.

Decoction: 1 teaspoon to each cup cold water left to steep overnight. Half-1 cup. Liquid Extract: BHP (1983) 1:1 in 25 per cent alcohol. Dose (1-3ml).

Tincture: BHP (1983) 1:10 in 60 per cent alcohol. Dose (2-4ml).

Powdered bark, dose, 1-2g. ... barberry bark

Walnut Bark Tea Diarrhea Treatment

Walnut Bark Tea has been known for years thanks to its curative properties. This tea is astringent, purgative, laxative, a good vermifuge and it has many other styptic properties. This tea can be from the leaves of the Walnut Bark tree, also known as juglans regia, that grows almost everywhere, from the south of China to the Balkans. The tree grows up to 25-30 meters long (75-90 feet) and it has a rather short trunk, with a 2 meters diameter (6 feet). It has big green leaves (about 30- 40 cm/ 1-1.3 feet) and yellow flowers that turn into fruits in the fall. The fruits are also green, with a thin brown layer covering the hard seeds. Walnut Bark Tea Properties The main properties of Walnut Bark Tea involve the ability to treat many health conditions, such as gingivitis, mouth infections, bad breath, constipation, cough, inflammation and impotency. Also, the Walnut bark leaves, applied topically, are a great remedy for damaged hair. The entire tree is used in many areas of interest: the wood is considered as being reliable and long lasting, thanks to its vermifuge property, the fruits are a great nutritional source, offering support in almost any type of diet and the seeds are used to treat some affections of the digestive track. Walnut Bark Tea Benefits Aside from its digestive system benefits, Walnut Bark Tea proves to be a good choice when it comes to: - Detoxification and bowel movements, thanks to its acids and amino-acids - Flushing out worms and other parasites out of your system - Diarrhea and dysentery (as an adjuvant to your traditional treatment) - Treating your sore throat, an inflammation in your tonsils or other conditions of the respiratory system - Treating mouth soreness, herpes or some skin conditions, such as eczema or irritation. How to make Walnut Bark Tea Infusion If you want to make Walnut Bark Tea, you’ll need Walnut Bark leaves. You can also use the fruits, but the tea will have a very unpleasant taste (the amino-acids are much more concentrated in the fruits). Use a teaspoon of freshly picked or dried leaves for every cup of tea you want to make, put it in a teapot and add boiling water. Wait for 15-20 minutes (the leaves are quite woody, so they need more time to release their natural benefits), take out the leaves and drink it hot or cold. If you’re thinking about keeping it in your refrigerator, don’t let it stay there for too long. Make a new bottle of tea every 3 or 4 days. Walnut Bark Tea Side Effects When taken properly, Walnut Bark Tea has no side effects. However, taking too much tea can cause rashes, irritated skin and hives. If you’ve been drinking Walnut Bark Tea for a while and are experiencing some of the symptoms mentioned above, see a doctor as soon as possible and don’t try to cure it yourself! Walnut Bark Tea Contraindications If you’re pregnant or breastfeeding, it’s better to avoid taking Walnut Bark Tea. There isn’t enough information that could lead you in the right direction when it comes to these situations. However, keep in mind that Walnut Bark Tea has purgative and laxative properties and these may interfere with your pregnancy. If you still want to start a treatment based on Walnut Bark Tea, talk to your doctor first. If your general health is good, there’s no reason to avoid Walnut Bark Tea. Save yourself a lot of money by treating your bad breath or your mouth soreness at home. Natural remedies, natural health. Try Walnut Bark Tea and enjoy the wonderful benefits of this tea!... walnut bark tea diarrhea treatment

Bayberry Bark

Wax Myrtle. Myrica cerifera L. Root bark. German: Wachsgagel. French: Cirier. Spanish: Arraya?n. Italian: Mirica cerifera. Indian: Ka?iphala. Malayan: Maru tam toli.

Action. Diffusive circulatory stimulant, Deobstruent, Tonic. Astringent (local). Diaphoretic (in hot infusion). Bactericidal, Spermatocidal.

Uses: Mucous colitis, diarrhoea. Congestive catarrhal conditions of mucous membranes. Leucorrhoea, prolapse of the womb. Tuberculosis diathesis. To stimulate a sluggish circulation. Colds and fevers to promote sweating. Nasal polypi (powdered bark snuff). Bleeding from lungs, stomach and bowels. Candidiasis (douche). Leg ulcers (dusting powder). Diphtheria (local application to throat).

An essential ingredient of Dr Thomson’s Composition powder. Combination: with Turkey Rhubarb, Goldenseal, Slippery Elm or Fenugreek seeds for chronic stomach/intestine disorders and irritable bowel syndrome.

Preparations: Thrice daily.

Decoction: 1 teaspoon powdered bark to each cup water; remove vessel when boiling point is reached: dose, quarter to half a cup.

Liquid extract BHP (1983). 1:1 in 45 per cent alcohol: dose, 0.6-2ml. Powdered bark, dose 0.6-2g.

Poultices, powdered bark for ulceration.

Peerless Composition Essence (Potter’s). Ingredient. ... bayberry bark

Cinchona Bark

Peruvian bark. Jesuit’s bark. Cinchona officinalis L. Source of the alkaloid quinine used in the treatment of malaria. German: Chinabaum. French: Quinquina. Italian: China. Part used: stem-bark and root.

Constituents: quinoline alkaloids, (quinine is extracted from the bark) resin, tannins, glycosides.

Action: anti-protozoal, anti-cramp, anti-malarial, appetite stimulant, bitter, febrifuge, tonic.

Uses: Cinchona was named after the Countess of Cinchona, wife of the Viceroy of Peru who was cured of a malarial fever with the powdered bark. News of her recovery spread like wildfire through the high society circles of Europe which started a world demand for the bark.

Its temperature-reducing effect is felt by other fevers with shivering chill and violent shaking. Enlargement of the spleen due to abnormal destruction of blood cells. Iron-deficient anaemia. Atrial fibrillation of the heart. Alcoholism. Debility. For recovery from excessive diarrhoea, loss of blood and exhausting liver and gall bladder conditions. Persistent flatulence. Polymyalgia. Loss of appetite (with Hops).

Practitioner only use. The remedy is on the General Sales List, Schedule 2, Table A up to 50mg per dose (Rla); over 50mg per dose it is obtainable from a pharmacy only. Herbal practitioners are exempt up to 250mg per dose (750 daily).

Tincture (BPC 1949). Dose: 2 to 4ml.

Tonic Mineral Water. On open sale. A palatable way of taking quinine for malaria prevention. ... cinchona bark

Cinnamon Bark

Cinnamomum zeylanicum Blume. German: Zimtbaum. French: Cannelle. Spanish: Canela. Italian: Cannella. Malayan: Kayu manis. Dried inner bark, and oil distilled from bark and leaves.

Constituents: tannins, essential oil, coumarin.

Action: stimulant astringent to the stomach. Aromatic, antimicrobial, carminative, antispasmodic, anti- diarrhoea, anti-worm; a warming remedy for cold conditions. Haemostatic, anti-putrescent, antiseptic, vermifuge. “A stimulating effect on bone healing” (Hamdard, Oct/Dec 1988, Vol XXXI No 4) Anti- diabetic.

Uses: Weak digestion, feeble appetite, flatulence, vomiting, hyperacidity, to promote secretion of gastric juices. Irritable bowel, summer diarrhoea. Influenza and colds. Wasting and cachexia (5 drops oil in honey). Infestation: body lice (rub with oil). Chest complaints: massage chest with 3 drops oil to 2 teaspoons Almond oil. The tea is used by the Chinese to boost insulin activity.

Combines well with Chamomile for stomach upsets; with Elderflowers and Peppermint for influenza. Preparations. Thrice daily, or as necessary.

Tea: Quarter of a teaspoon bark in cup of boiling water, hot tea, or other beverage, infuse 15 minutes. Essence of Cinnamon: 10-20 drops in water or beverage.

Langdale’s Cinnamon Essence.

Oil of Cinnamon: BP, 0.05 to 0.2ml.

Powder: half to 1 gram.

Liquid Extract BHP (1983) 1:1 in 70 per cent alcohol, dose 0.5 to 1ml. ... cinnamon bark

Frangula Bark

Buckthorn bark. Frangula alnus, Mill. Rhamnus frangula L. Dried bark, after two years. Fresh bark causes griping. Contains anthraquinone glycosides.

Action: bitter, diuretic, cholagogue, stimulating laxative.

Uses: Chronic spastic constipation. Torpid liver.

Preparations: Decoction: half-1 teaspoon to each cup water simmered 10 minutes: half-1 cup.

Liquid extract: 1-2 teaspoons in water once or twice daily.

Powder. Capsules (200mg). 2 capsules before meals.

Hoxsey Cancer Cure (1950s): Ingredient of.

Contra-indications. “Inflammatory colon diseases (e.g. ulcerative colitis, Crohn’s disease, ileus, appendicitis, abdominal pain of unknown origin.” (European monograph, ESCOP)

Side-effects. If used correctly side-effects will be minimal.

Not recommended during pregnancy, lactation or for children. ... frangula bark

Cascarilla Bark

Croton eluteria

FAMILY: Euphorbiaceae

SYNONYMS: Cascarilla, sweetwood bark, sweet bark, Bahama cascarilla, aromatic quinquina, false quinquina.

GENERAL DESCRIPTION: A large shrub or small tree up to 12 metres high, with ovate silver-bronze leaves, pale yellowish-brown bark and small white fragrant flowers. It bears fruits and flowers all year round.

DISTRIBUTION: Native to the West Indies, probably the Bahama Islands; found growing wild in Mexico, Colombia and Ecuador. The oil is mainly produced in the Bahamas and Cuba; some distillation takes place in America, France and England from the imported bark.

OTHER SPECIES: An essential oil is also distilled locally from other Croton species. White, red and black cascarillas are also found in commerce.

HERBAL/FOLK TRADITION: The bark is used as an aromatic bitter and tonic for dyspepsia, diarrhoea, dysentery, fever, debility, nausea, flatulence, vomiting and chronic bronchitis. The leaves are used as a digestive tea, and for flavouring tobacco. The bark also yields a good black dye.

ACTIONS: Astringent, antimicrobial, antiseptic, carminative, digestive, expectorant, stomachic, tonic.

EXTRACTION: Essential oil by steam distillation from the dried bark. (1.5–3 per cent yield).

CHARACTERISTICS: A pale yellow, greenish or dark amber liquid with a spicy, aromatic, warm-woody odour. It blends well with nutmeg, pepper, pimento, sage, oakmoss, oriental and spicy bases.

PRINCIPAL CONSTITUENTS: Cymene, diterpene, limonene, caryophyllene, terpineol and eugenol, among others.

SAFETY DATA: Non-irritant, non-sensitizing, relatively non-toxic (possibly narcotic in large doses).

AROMATHERAPY/HOME: USE

Respiratory System: Bronchitis, coughs

Digestive System: Dyspepsia, flatulence, nausea.

Immune System: ’Flu.

OTHER USES: Fragrance component in soaps, detergents, cosmetics and perfumes, especially men’s fragrances. Flavour ingredient in most major food categories, soft drinks and alcoholic beverages, especially vermouths and bitters.... cascarilla bark


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