Description
Cinchona, whose scientific name is Cinchona officinalis, is a plant of the Rubiaceae family. It is a small shrub native to South America and in particular, the region of Ecuador. It owes its name to the Indians who nicknamed it "kina-kina". They used it as a powder that they made from the bark to cure fever in women and children.
When Europeans, in particular the Jesuits, arrived in the area, they took the powder to Europe under the name “Jesuit powder”. They would have learned the benefits of cinchona from the Indians, in particular the healing of the Countess of Cinchon, then wife of the Viceroy of Peru.
From the 18th century, the bark was then exploited by Europeans from its region of origin to such an extent that the plant became rare. They then decide to implement it in other areas of the world. This is how the cinchona will arrive in Africa, Asia and the West Indies, including Martinique. First criticized by doctors, cinchona powder will then be used and it is there that quinine will be discovered. It is recognized in 1820. The tree will then be named Cinchona by the naturalist Carl von Linné in homage to the Countess of Cinchon.
Today it is a plant widespread throughout the tropical zone of the globe and which continues to be cultivated for its medicinal properties.
The shrub usually 5-6 meters in height but can reach 20 meters, bears opposite, entire, leathery, shiny and evergreen leaves as well as small pink or purple flowers grouped in cymes at the end of the twigs. Its fruits then develop into elongated capsules.
Therapeutic virtues
The medicinal virtues of cinchona are very numerous. The plant has been the subject of extensive scientific studies for several centuries.
If we must cite one of its main virtues, of course, we will talk about its effectiveness against fever. It is also nicknamed "fever plant". Formerly used by the Indians against malaria and influenza, scientific studies have discovered that it is the presence of quinine that acts against these diseases.
Antimalarial tablets are sold in pharmacies like chloroquine and quinine.
Cinchona is also a general tonic for cases of asthenia, anemia, anorexia or post-flu symptoms by stimulating the patient during his convalescence.
Simply take an infusion or maceration of 20 g to a liter of water, boil for about 5 minutes, add sugar, and drink before meals to treat transient fevers, lack of appetite, fatigue, flu, coughs, poor digestion, bloating and flatulence.
It is also a fortifier that limits the installation in adipose tissue. This is how it makes it a tool to consider in the fight against obesity.
It is also used in hair care to promote the elimination of excess fat.
Finally, it is also a healing and antiseptic. For washing wounds, take 20 to 40 g of bark and let stand in a liter of water. This will prevent inflammation and accelerate wound healing.
Today, quinine in a synthetic molecule is included in the composition of drugs which are on a list of essential drugs from the WHO (World Health Organization) for medical prescription.
How to grow it
Cinchona is cultivated for its bark and its many therapeutic properties, including its bark taken from the roots, trunk and branches of trees 10 to 12 years old.
Cinchona red does not offer any hardiness and should therefore be grown in pots and greenhouses throughout the year. Its water needs are very important and it must imperatively be grown in a well-drained, acidic and rich substrate. Indeed, in its natural environment, it generally thrives in volcanic soil.
It is necessary to protect it from direct sunlight.
