Quina Quina (Cinchona officinalis) – From Brazil

The Bitter Tree of the Andes

The bark of Cinchona officinalis, known across South America as Quina Quina, tells one of the oldest stories in natural medicine. Native to the Andean forests and cultivated today in regions of Brazil, its deep aroma and sharp, earthy bitterness have long symbolized purification and renewal. Once revered by Indigenous healers for its balancing energy, Quina Quina became the source of quinine — a compound that changed the course of herbal pharmacology.

Tradition Meets Science

In Amazonian and Andean herbal traditions, the shredded bark is used in infusions or tinctures to support the body’s natural detox processes. Its unmistakable bitterness is associated with cleansing and digestive balance. Modern research recognizes Cinchona’s alkaloids — particularly quinine and cinchonine — as active compounds with anti-inflammatory and protective potential. Beyond pharmacology, the bark remains a symbol of vitality, used in ritual tonics and wellness blends to reconnect with the cleansing power of the forest.

Harvest and Craftsmanship

Our Cinchona officinalis is collected in small batches from sustainably managed trees in Brazil. The bark is carefully shredded and sun-dried, preserving its natural potency and deep, resinous scent. It can be steeped into teas or incorporated into herbal extractions for personal preparation and study. MAYA Herbs partners with ethical gatherers who honor the plant’s legacy and ensure the continuity of responsible wild harvesting. Each batch carries the same essence that Indigenous healers once called “the medicine of balance.”