Herbarium of the Ancients — Detailed Record

Cinchona calisaya

Please read before use: the information below describes traditional and informational uses — it does not replace the advice of a healthcare professional. In case of doubt, pregnancy, breastfeeding, ongoing treatment, or use in children, seek advice before use.

Enhanced precautions for this plant: Plant with high alkaloid content (including quinine): never exceed traditional doses without advice from a qualified healthcare professional. Contraindicated during pregnancy and breastfeeding due to its potential effect on the uterus and its toxicity. Possible interactions with many medications (anticoagulants, antiarrhythmics, digoxin): seek advice from a doctor or pharmacist before any use. Overdose can cause auditory, visual, and cardiac disorders (cinchonism); to be avoided in children and vulnerable individuals.

Decoction — Dried bark

Traditional bitter decoction

The crushed bark was gently boiled in water for about fifteen minutes, then filtered. This very bitter preparation was consumed in small quantities before meals according to herbal tradition. Dosage to be validated with a healthcare professional or a recognized pharmacopoeia before use.

Tincture — Dried bark

Cinchona tincture

The bark was macerated in alcohol for several weeks to extract the bitter and alkaloid principles. This concentrated form requires strict professional supervision due to its potency. Dosage to be validated with a healthcare professional or a recognized pharmacopoeia before use.

Powder — Dried bark reduced to powder

Bark powder

The dried bark was finely pulverized and sometimes incorporated into wine or honey to soften its bitterness, according to ancient uses. The use of this powder must be supervised by a qualified professional. Dosage to be validated with a healthcare professional or a recognized pharmacopoeia before use.

Where to find it

Obtaining the plant

Cinchona calisaya bark is found mainly in specialized herb shops, often in powder or standardized extract form; the tree itself grows in humid forests of the Andes and is rarely cultivated in our climates.

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