Why is Quassia called 'Bitter Wood' and 'Hombre Grande'?

Quassia (Quassia amara) is one of the most bitter substances in the plant kingdom—the bitterness reflects powerful medicinal compounds (quassinoids). 'Hombre Grande' (big man) refers to the tree's traditional use for male vitality, strength, and tonic properties in Caribbean and South American folk medicine. The wood chips are intensely bitter even in small amounts.

How do I prepare Quassia tea despite the extreme bitterness?

Use SMALL amounts: 1/2 to 1 teaspoon of wood chips per cup (it's extremely potent). Simmer for 10-15 minutes. Start with less and increase gradually. The bitterness is almost unbearable straight—add honey, mix with fruit juice, or blend with milder herbs (hibiscus, lemongrass). Take as tonic in small doses (1/4 cup at a time) rather than full cups. The bitterness indicates its strength.

What are the main traditional uses of Quassia?

Used as powerful digestive bitter (stimulates appetite, improves digestion), supports liver detoxification, antimicrobial action (especially for intestinal parasites), reduces fever, supports blood sugar balance, promotes male vitality and energy, and as a tonic for weakness and convalescence. In Caribbean tradition, soaked wood chips in rum create traditional bitters for digestive health.

Can Quassia help eliminate intestinal parasites?

Yes! Quassia has traditional use and some scientific support for antiparasitic action, particularly against pinworms and other intestinal parasites. The quassinoid compounds are toxic to parasites but generally safe for humans in appropriate doses. Typically used as part of parasite cleansing protocol (10-14 days). Always consult healthcare provider for suspected parasitic infections—medical diagnosis important.

What are the warnings and precautions for Quassia?

The intense bitterness can cause nausea and vomiting if overdosed—use SMALL amounts. Avoid during pregnancy and breastfeeding. May interfere with medications metabolized by liver. Can interact with blood thinners and blood sugar medications. Large doses may cause irritation to stomach lining. Not for long-term daily use—cycle 2 weeks on, 2 weeks off. May cause temporary reduction in male fertility with extended use. Keep away from children.

Quassia - Bitter Wood - Forestal MT product image

Digestive support

Blood regulation

Antimicrobial action

Urinary support

Traditional Herbs

Quassia - Bitter Wood - Hombre Grande - Wildcrafted - 113 g

Quassia amara

Also known as: Hombre grande, Palo amargo, Cuasia

Wildcrafted & Shade-Dried

Palo amargo (Quassia amara), known as hombre grande, an intensely bitter wood rooted in Central American tradition for cleansing and digestive vigor.

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Story

The TRADITIONAL HERBS Ritual

The intensely bitter wood of Quassia amara, known locally as 'hombre grande' or 'cruceta,' stands as one of nature's most powerfully flavored botanical teachers.

The intensely bitter wood of Quassia amara, known locally as 'hombre grande' or 'cruceta,' stands as one of nature's most powerfully flavored botanical teachers. Wild-harvested from Honduras' tropical forests, these wood chips carry indigenous wisdom about the medicinal value of profound bitterness and traditional digestive applications.

Revered for their uncompromising taste and respected place in Central American herbalism, they are processed to preserve their quassinoid compounds. Offered in wood chips or shavings, free from sweetening agents or taste modification.

How to Use

Quassia Wood Infusion (Cold Soak - Traditional)

Place 2-3 pieces (approximately 10-15g) of Quassia wood chips in a glass or jar with 2 cups (500ml) of cold water. Cover and let soak overnight (8-12 hours). Strain and drink 1/4 to 1/2 cup 2-3 times daily before meals. The cold infusion extracts the bitter compounds without excessive bitterness.

Hot Decoction (Alternative Method)

Place Quassia wood chips in a pot with water and simmer gently for 10-15 minutes. Strain and cool. Drink in small amounts (1/4 cup) before meals.

For Digestive Support & Appetite Stimulation

Consume 1/4 cup of Quassia infusion 15-30 minutes before meals to stimulate digestive secretions, support healthy appetite, and promote proper digestion. The intense bitterness activates digestive function.

For Parasite Cleansing (Traditional Use)

Drink 1/2 cup of Quassia infusion 2-3 times daily as part of a traditional parasite cleansing protocol. Use for 7-10 days.

External Use (Insect Repellent)

Quassia infusion can be applied topically as a natural insect repellent or used as a hair rinse to deter lice.

Processing

Processing Method

Selective Harvesting

Herbs are hand-picked at peak maturity, with care to protect plant populations and ecosystems.

Manual Cleaning

Unwanted parts like dirt and dry leaves are removed; useful portions are sorted for quality.

Drying Setup

Delicate herbs are tied in small bunches or spread thinly to allow natural airflow.

Shade Drying

Materials dry slowly in a cool, shaded space to preserve aroma, color, and beneficial properties.

Storage

Once fully dry, herbs are trimmed and sealed in airtight containers to maintain freshness and potency.

1

Selective Harvesting

Herbs are hand-picked at peak maturity, with care to protect plant populations and ecosystems.
2

Manual Cleaning

Unwanted parts like dirt and dry leaves are removed; useful portions are sorted for quality.
3

Drying Setup

Delicate herbs are tied in small bunches or spread thinly to allow natural airflow.
4

Shade Drying

Materials dry slowly in a cool, shaded space to preserve aroma, color, and beneficial properties.
5

Storage

Once fully dry, herbs are trimmed and sealed in airtight containers to maintain freshness and potency.

Profile

Product Profile

Origin

🇭🇳 Honduras

Shipping

Worldwide via DHL Express

Shelf Life

For best potency, use within 12–18 months.

Storage

Store in a cool, dry, and dark place. Always keep tightly sealed. Avoid prolonged heat and humidity.

Ingredients

Shade-dried bitterwood, known for its naturally bitter plant compounds.

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Story How to Use Processing Profile

The TRADITIONAL HERBS Ritual

The intensely bitter wood of Quassia amara, known locally as 'hombre grande' or 'cruceta,' stands as one of nature's most powerfully flavored botanical teachers.

How to Use

Quassia Wood Infusion (Cold Soak - Traditional)

Hot Decoction (Alternative Method)

Place Quassia wood chips in a pot with water and simmer gently for 10-15 minutes. Strain and cool. Drink in small amounts (1/4 cup) before meals.

For Digestive Support & Appetite Stimulation

For Parasite Cleansing (Traditional Use)

Drink 1/2 cup of Quassia infusion 2-3 times daily as part of a traditional parasite cleansing protocol. Use for 7-10 days.

External Use (Insect Repellent)

Quassia infusion can be applied topically as a natural insect repellent or used as a hair rinse to deter lice.

Processing Method

Selective Harvesting

Herbs are hand-picked at peak maturity, with care to protect plant populations and ecosystems.

Manual Cleaning

Unwanted parts like dirt and dry leaves are removed; useful portions are sorted for quality.

Drying Setup

Delicate herbs are tied in small bunches or spread thinly to allow natural airflow.

Shade Drying

Materials dry slowly in a cool, shaded space to preserve aroma, color, and beneficial properties.

Storage

Once fully dry, herbs are trimmed and sealed in airtight containers to maintain freshness and potency.

1

Selective Harvesting

Herbs are hand-picked at peak maturity, with care to protect plant populations and ecosystems.
2

Manual Cleaning

Unwanted parts like dirt and dry leaves are removed; useful portions are sorted for quality.
3

Drying Setup

Delicate herbs are tied in small bunches or spread thinly to allow natural airflow.
4

Shade Drying

Materials dry slowly in a cool, shaded space to preserve aroma, color, and beneficial properties.
5

Storage

Once fully dry, herbs are trimmed and sealed in airtight containers to maintain freshness and potency.