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Picrasma quassioides, Ku Mu 苦木

Indian Quassia
Ku Mu (TCM)
Kashshing (Ayurveda)
Kirtikar, K.R., Basu, B.D., Indian medicinal plants, Plates, vol. 2 (1918)

Picrasma quassioides
(Photo by Daderot) (Wikimedia)

Botanical name:
Picrasma quassioides

Parts used:
Branches and leaves (TCM)
Wood and Bark (Ayurveda)

Temperature & Taste:
Cold, dry. Very Bitter

Uses:
1. Clears Wind-Heat, Resists Toxin:
-Common Cold or Flu from Wind-Heat (TCM)
-Fever (Ayurveda)
-acute pain and swelling of the Throat
-Snake Bite
-Boils, Eczema (TCM); Scabies (Ayurveda); Herpes simplex

2. Clears Heat, Resolves Swellings:
-Liver obstruction, swelling or hardness; Cirrhosis
-has been used for Cancer

3. Clears Damp-Heat:
-Diarrhea, Dysentery
-Gastro-duodenal Ulcers

4. Kills Worms:
-the Wood is used to kill parasites and insects (India)
-the Wood used in enemas for Worms (esp. Thread-worms)
-tincture can be used to kill head lice

5. Stimulates Digestion:
-as a strong bitter, it has been used to stimulate digestive activity, taken before meals to stimulate appetite.


DOSE:
Of the Branch in Decoction: 3–4.5 grams
Of the Leaf in Decoction: 1–3 grams
Of the Wood in Powder: 300–600mg
Sufficient amount may be used topically

SUBSTITUTE:
1. It is a substitute for Quassia (P. amara, P. excelsa)
2. Clerodendrum serratum and Premna herbacea are used for this medicine in some parts of India
3. Samadera indica

Main Combinations:
1. Liver Heat, Fever, Picrasma with Picrorrhiza

Major Formulas:

Cautions:
1. Avoid overdose. Excess use irritates gastric mucosa and can induce vomiting. Chronic use of the related P. excelsa (Quassia) has been associated with loss of vision.
2. Avoid use during Pregnancy and breastfeeding

Main Preparations used: