Quinine is a plant that belongs to the Rubiaceae family. Due to its medicinal properties, it can be used in the process of treating and curing some diseases. However, before associating it with any process of this nature, the physician should be consulted.

It is a small plant, which can reach up to 20 centimeters in height. In natural medicine, the part of the plant that is used in recipes is the shaved bark or new branches.

Depending on where it is found, this species may be known by other names, including: red cinchona, Peruvian bark and Jesuit bark.

medicinal properties

Quinine has medicinal properties astringent, antipyretic, healing, vulnerary, febrifuge, antimalarial. As such, it can be used to reduce fever, treat spasms, and reduce heart rate. It also works against neuralgia, cardiac fibrillation, sore throat, dyspepsia, body sores, baldness and gout.

The plant can also be used to treat malaria, eliminating the disease virus. By the way, this is one of the best known uses of quinine in folk medicine.

Quinine use

Even in the case of a natural species, the use of the plant must be guided by the doctor. He is the most indicated professional to certify the conscious use, preventing other more serious problems from affecting the patient, in addition to guiding the ideal dosage. Remember that indiscriminate use can have serious consequences.

The preparation of the homemade form is not indicated, especially in the form of teas or infusions. This is because a series of side effects and more specific care must be taken by the patient. Under medical advice, quinine can be used in capsule form.

Contraindications

Excessive consumption of the plant can trigger increased heart rate, nausea, confusion, blurred vision, dizziness, bleeding and liver problems. Other effects associated with it are: migraine, rash, abdominal pain and deafness.

The use of quinine should be avoided by pregnant or breastfeeding women, patients with depression, blood clotting problems or liver disease.

Among people who use drugs to treat any other disease, the use of quinine should also be avoided.

Quinine tea

Upon medical advice, quinine tea can be made using 200 ml of water and a small portion of the plant. The first step is to bring the water to a boil. As soon as it starts bubbling, turn off the heat and add the quinine. Let it rest for 10 minutes, then just strain and ingest.

As it has been widely spread, quinine tea is quite toxic, so it should only be consumed under medical supervision.