Quinine hydrochloride is a chemical compound that is often added to tonic water to give it its characteristic bitter taste. It is derived from the bark of the cinchona tree, which is native to the Andean regions of South America. The tree has long been used by indigenous people in these regions to treat a variety of ailments, including malaria.
Quinine was first isolated from cinchona bark in the late 19th century and has since been used as an anti-malarial drug. It works by inhibiting the growth of the Plasmodium parasite, which is responsible for causing malaria. In small doses, quinine is also effective at relieving muscle cramps and spasms.
In addition to its medicinal properties, quinine has also been used as a flavor enhancer in tonic water for many years. The bitterness of quinine is a perfect match for the sweetness of gin, which is why tonic water is often served with gin and lime as a refreshing cocktail.
However, quinine hydrochloride has not been without controversy. Some people are sensitive to quinine and may experience side effects such as stomach cramps, nausea, and dizziness when consuming tonic water. In addition, high doses of quinine can be toxic and have been linked to a number of serious health problems, including hearing loss and kidney damage.
Despite these concerns, quinine hydrochloride remains a popular ingredient in tonic water, and is generally considered safe when consumed in moderation. If you enjoy the taste of tonic water and do not have any known sensitivities to quinine, there is no reason to avoid it. Just be sure to drink it in moderation, as with any other beverage.
Tonic water
Ringing or hissing in the ears can be a complication of quinine. Standard syphon charges are what? Can't you get pharma grade quinine sulfate from chemistry supply places? Vinegar is sometimes recommended to treat fungus in the ear because an acidic environment is less hospitable to the fungus. Historically, tonic water used to have more quinine. However, this treatment is not recommended. My hematologist said it was triggered by the quinine water. While acetaminophen Anacin-3, Panadol, Tylenol, etc.
Making Tonic Water and Tonic/Quinine Syrup
Nighttime leg cramps have been an ongoing problem, so I bought a bottle of tonic water. It was crucial in reducing the death rate of workers building the Panama Canal in the early 20 th century. They could occur daily, day or night. Despite this treatment, 8 of these people died. Quinine was originally developed as a medicine to fight malaria. However, people with these risk factors should not take quinine supplements or medications unless a doctor prescribes it. Ninety percent of them had to be hospitalized for severe illness.
Is Quinine in Tonic Water Safe?
And Jordan, bless you for all your efforts. For this reason, quinine is not usually the first line of treatment for malaria. I used some powdered bark in a bitters recipe, and it was a pain to filter out, as it is often so finely ground. I don't think it's a controlled substance, is it? Only thing I can see that there is something in the tonic limiting detection where as a standard of just quinine comes off as the should. Does Tonic Water Work for Muscle Cramps? Quinine is an effective and successful treatment for malaria as well as being a fever reducer and pain reliever, but there is a possibility that some reactions. Women who are pregnant or breastfeeding should also avoid quinine.
