Quassia wood

Quassia wood (often called bitter wood) contains quassinoids, making it naturally anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, and antiparasitic.

Medicinally, it stimulates digestion and eliminates parasites. For skin, it soothes rosacea, calms seborrheic dermatitis, clears acne, and repels insects.

Key Skin Benefits Reduces Redness: Extract from the wood is frequently used in soothing gels to treat rosacea by dialing down visible facial inflammation.

Combats Acne: Its antibacterial properties help destroy acne-causing bacteria and balance oily skin. 

Treats Scalp Conditions: Topical applications soothe seborrheic dermatitis (scaly, inflamed skin) on the face and scalp.

Antiparasitic: The same compounds that make it an effective natural insecticide are used in treatments that target and eradicate head lice.

Key Medicinal Uses Digestive Aid: Quassin is known as one of the most bitter naturally occurring substances. It triggers gustatory receptors to stimulate the production of saliva and digestive juices, effectively improving low appetite and indigestion .

Traditional Remedies: Historically, Quassia amara has been used in folk medicine to treat intestinal worms, reduce fevers, and serve as an antimalarial agent in parts of South America.