Quassia chips are derived from the wood of the Quassia amara or Picrasma excelsa trees, which are native to tropical regions of Central and South America as well as the Caribbean. These chips are known for their intensely bitter taste and are often used in various traditional medicinal practices. Quassia chips are commonly utilized as a natural insect repellent and are also employed in the brewing industry to impart bitterness to certain beverages, such as tonic water and bitters. In herbal medicine, they are believed to aid in digestion and may be used to treat conditions like loss of appetite and digestive disorders. The chips are typically steeped in hot water to extract their active compounds, which include quassinoids known for their potential therapeutic properties. Despite their bitterness, Quassia chips are valued for their versatility and efficacy in both medicinal and practical applications.
