Cinchona bark comes from the cinchona tree, native to the Andes mountains in South America. It is known for its medicinal properties, particularly its high content of quinine, a compound used to treat malaria. The bark has been used for centuries by indigenous people for its fever-reducing and pain-relieving effects. In the 17th century, European colonists discovered the bark's benefits and began using it to combat malaria in tropical regions. Today, quinine is still used in some medications and is also an ingredient in tonic water, providing a bitter flavor that many enjoy in cocktails.