Do you think quinine is healthy or unhealthy?
By Dr. Ann
@drannhh (15219)
United States
September 16, 2007 2:30am CST
There is hardly anything I find as refreshing on a hot day as flavored tonic water diluted with plain seltzer over crushed ice. Mmmmmmm!
For centuries, quinine has been widely used as a treatment for malaria, and until recently many people used it to alleviate leg cramps. A dozen or so years ago, however, the FDA banned the sale of quinine tablets as an over-the-counter remedy in the US and since the maximum amount it is allowable to put in tonic water is quite small, it is doubtful whether that would make any difference. Despite my habit of drinking tonic water, I do sometimes get leg cramps, but mine go away instantly with acupressure, so I don't need to medicate them.
On the other hand, homeopathic remedies with quinine are now sold and these are considered safe.
Do you or did you ever drink Tonic Water and do you think it is safe or possibly harmful? Is it legal to buy quinine where you live? Has quinine ever helped you? I found this article which explains some of the problems unregulated quinine can cause:
http://www.pubmedcentral.nih.gov/articlerender.fcgi?artid=1200805
Has anyone you know ever had an adverse reaction to this substance?
1 response
@laurika (4532)
• United States
17 Sep 07
Quinine is legall in Slovakia , where I am from.It is also very famous drink.I think it is healthy when you don't consume it too much.What I know it can be harmfull for kids and pregnant women, while it can cause loosing a child.
I cannot tell you if it help me or not while I have been not watch any change while drinking it.


