Growing up in Jamaica, we were often told that every plant or ‘bush’ has medicinal properties – even if we aren’t aware of them. Well this theory coupled with a lack of access to medical services in many parts of our beautiful country, caused our elders to find cures in natural plants and herbs which are easily sourced and often grow wildly. Jamaicans have a medicinal plant that they use to make teas for every possible ailment – even bad luck.
With that said, here are 5 herbal plants/teas that Jamaicans love and the ailments we strongly believe they cure.
1. Cerasee
The scientific name for this plant is Momordica Charantia, but Jamaicans refer to it as “cerasee”.
This herb is powerful and has been a part of the Jamaican culture for centuries – even folk songs speak of its amazing benefits! Jamaicans draw this tea for tummy aches, head aches and to control the side effects of diabetes. Some even use it as a natural cleanse – to keep the blood and organs in tip-top shape.
With the growth of Jamaica’s nutraceutical industry, many beverage distributors have started packaging cerassee tea bags and this gives some legitimacy to this powerful herb. And Jamaicans aren’t the only ones who are sticking beside cerassee. The herb is popular in some Central American cultures as well.
2. Fever grass/Lemon grass
Fever Grass – as the name points out – is a popular herb Jamaicans use to treat symptoms linked to colds or flu. Unlike most herbal bushes, this one smells heavenly and makes the most savoury tea.
3. Dog Blood Bush
This herb (botanical name Rivina humilis) possibly got its name from the small fruits that grow along the vines. Jamaicans say they look and smell like a dog’s blood.
This bush is mainly used as a blood cleanser and by females who want to boost fertility. Don’t ask me how – I’m too young to know exactly how it works. But if you ask your Jamaican mom, aunt or grandmother, I’m sure they’ll have an idea. Jamaicans also believe that if you have a problem with your menstrual cycle, this bush will solve it in no time!
4. Guinea Hen Weed
The scientific name for the herb is Petivera Alliacea. In Jamaica, a lot of people suffer from diabetes, arthritis and other non-communicable diseases and they swear this herb alleviates the symptoms and even cure diseases in some cases.
A lot of research has been done on this herb in recent years and there is growing scientifc support for the powers Jamaicans have been attributing to this plant for years.
5. Leaf of Life
Honestly, Leaf of Life has enjoyed popularity among Jamaicans with asthma, bronchitis and other respiratory ailments for a long time. Many still use it alongside their prescribed medications. No joke. For ailments that result in shortness of breath, just go and draw some Leaf of Life tea and you’ll be back on track in no time.
All of these plants, including many others, grow wildly in Jamaica and are often cultivated by our parents and grandparents somewhere in the yard.
Many low-income families who cant afford to spend money on medications depend on these herbs to cure common and serious ailments.
Doctors advise us to be careful with these traditional herbs. But Jamaicans typically believe everything is good if taken in moderation – even doctors’ advice.
Thanks for reading!
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