Educational information on traditional homeopathic use only. Not medical advice.
China officinalis (also called China, Cinchona or Peruvian bark) is a homeopathic remedy made from the bark of the cinchona tree. In traditional homeopathic use it is associated with weakness and exhaustion after the body has lost fluids, such as through bleeding, heavy sweating, diarrhoea or long breast-feeding, and with bloating and complaints that return at regular intervals. It also holds a special place in history: it was the remedy that first led Samuel Hahnemann to the idea of like-treats-like.
China officinalis at a glance
- Source: the bark of Cinchona officinalis, the original source of quinine
- Traditional keynotes: debility after loss of fluids; bloating not relieved by wind; periodic complaints; sensitivity to touch and drafts
- Classic modalities: worse for light touch and drafts, better for firm pressure
- Typical potencies: 6C or 30C for self-care; 200C and above with a practitioner
- Ask first if: pregnant, breastfeeding, giving to a child, or allergic to quinine
Buy China HomaccordBuy Restructa
What is China officinalis and where does it come from?
China is prepared from the bark of the cinchona tree (Cinchona officinalis). It holds a unique place in homeopathy: it was Cinchona bark that Samuel Hahnemann tested on himself in 1790, and the reaction he recorded led him to the idea of like-treats-like. The bark is potentised through serial dilution to make the remedy. On labels it may appear as China, Cinchona, Cinchona pubescens or Chininum.
What is China officinalis used for?
In homeopathic tradition, China is the great remedy for depletion. People often reach for it when there is:
- Weakness after losing fluids: heavy bleeding, drenching sweats, diarrhoea, vomiting or prolonged breast-feeding
- Bloating and gas that is not relieved by passing wind or belching
- Periodic complaints that return at regular intervals, sometimes with chills and sweats
- Nervous sensitivity to touch, drafts and noise, with ringing in the ears
- Faintness and pallor with a wish to lie still and be left alone
The classic picture is someone drained and hypersensitive after their reserves have been emptied: pale, weak, easily startled, with a tender abdomen that bloats yet finds no relief. Symptoms are often worse from light touch but better from firm pressure. There may be a racing, planning mind at night.
Heavy bleeding, ongoing diarrhoea or vomiting, and fevers that keep returning need medical attention, particularly in babies, older people and during travel. Please see a doctor rather than relying on a homeopathic remedy.
China potency: 30C or 200C?
China is commonly used in low potencies such as 6C or 30C for self-care. 30C is a popular general-purpose strength, and lower potencies are often chosen for everyday physical complaints. Higher potencies such as 200C are generally chosen by an experienced homeopath who is matching the whole picture. Combination remedies contain several potencies at once, for example China Homaccord contains China at D4, D10, D30 and D200, so follow the label rather than choosing a strength yourself.
Traditional dosage: what product labels say
Always follow your own pack. The pages for the products we stock that list China or Cinchona give:
- China Homaccord (China with Sepia): drops, 10 drops three times daily, or in acute situations 10 drops every 15 minutes for up to two hours; ampoules, 1 ampoule 3 to 1 times weekly. The drops contain alcohol.
- Restructa (Cinchona pubescens D4 and others): tablets, 1 tablet 1-3 times daily for longer use, or every 30-60 minutes up to 6 times in acute situations. Not for use in pregnancy.
- Hepar Compositum Ampoules (China D4 among many ingredients): 1 ampoule 1-3 times weekly.
Who should avoid China officinalis?
- Anyone allergic to quinine, cinchona or any ingredient on the label.
- Pregnant or breastfeeding women, and children: ask your practitioner or pharmacist first.
- Anyone with ongoing weakness, unexplained weight loss, heavy bleeding or recurring fever: see a doctor.
- Anyone avoiding alcohol: the drops contain ethanol.
How does China differ from similar remedies?
- Colchicum is also a remedy of weakness, but with nausea at food smells and touch-sensitive joints. See the Colchicum guide.
- Phosphorus is linked with weakness after bleeding in more open, sensitive, thirsty people. See the Phosphorus guide.
- Kali phosphoricum is for nervous exhaustion after mental strain. See the Kali Phosphoricum guide.
Frequently asked questions
What are the uses of China officinalis in homeopathy?
It is best known for weakness and bloating after a loss of body fluids, such as bleeding, heavy sweating, diarrhoea or long-term nursing, and for periodic, recurring complaints.
Why is China officinalis important in homeopathy's history?
Cinchona bark was the substance Hahnemann tested on himself in 1790; his reaction led him to formulate the principle of like treats like that homeopathy is built on.
Is homeopathic China the same as quinine?
No. Quinine is a licensed medicine extracted from the bark. China is a diluted homeopathic preparation and is not a like-for-like substitute for any licensed medicine, including anti-malarial medicines. If you are travelling to a malaria area, speak to a travel clinic.
How is China usually taken?
It is commonly used in low potencies such as 6C or 30C. Follow the pack directions or a qualified homeopath's guidance.
What is the difference between China officinalis and Cinchona?
They are two names for the same remedy, from the same tree bark.
Shop remedies containing China
Keep reading
- Colchicum: Homeopathic Uses and Benefits
- Phosphorus: Homeopathic Uses and Benefits
- Kali Phosphoricum: Homeopathic Uses and Benefits
- Sepia: Homeopathic Uses and Benefits
- Lycopodium: Homeopathic Uses and Benefits
Browse more
Homeopathic medicines are not a substitute for medical care.
Get one email a week
Prefer fewer emails? Our weekly newsletter sends our news and one offer, once a week. Unsubscribe at any time.