3 Herbs Found in Jamaica that have Magnificent Healing Qualities

It is not strange to hear a Jamaican recommending a particular herb when you are not well. Some Jamaicans believe that "bush" can cure any and everything. Being Jamaicans ourselves, we have personally experienced the positive impact of natural medicine. For example, we drink ginger tea whenever we have an upset stomach or the flu. This is just one of the many herbs found in Jamaica that has amazing benefits. Here are 3 that you should know about:

1. Guinea Hen Weed

The scientific name for it is Petiveria alliacea and it is a genus of flowering plants in the pigeonberry family, Petiveriaceae. It is known to be used by the Mayans for its medicinal benefits.  It is also called guinea hen leaf, garlic weed or gully root and is known as anamu in other countries. It is said to be rich in antioxidants, have anti-carcinogenic properties, boost the immune system, lower blood sugar, relieves pain, assist with digestive and skin disorders and so much more. It grows throughout Jamaica naturally and is often mistaken as a weed. It can be used externally or drank as a tea.  People with bleeding disorders are advised to consult the health care providers before using this herb as it contains a blood thinner called coumadin. Women who are pregnant are also advised not to use it.

2. Cerasee

Scientifically known as Momordica Charantia, the Cerasee is a bitter but very useful plant. It was often given to us as children to “clean di blood”.  It is also referred to as bitter melon. Cerasee is often used in its tea form. It does have a fruit that many eat also. It is said to have many benefits such as detoxifying properties ( as our grandparents already knew), treat issues with the liver, lower blood pressure, assist with relieving joint ailments and aid with decreasing fatigue. It is rich in Vitamin A & C, iron, alkaloids, calcium, carotene, phosphorous and lutein, and zeaxanthin. Cerasee is said to reseed itself once the fruit ripens and opens. 

3. Moringa 

The Moringa is said to have originated in India and is used in Ayurveda medicinal practices. It is called the Moringa oleifera and is the only genus in the plant family Moringaceae. It is also called drumstick tree, horseradish tree, and ben oil tree or benzoil tree. Jamaicans just called it Moringa (or rather Moringue as pronounced). It is said to treat many illnesses and is becoming increasingly popular all over the world in powder, pill and tea forms. It is said to assist in giving relieve from lupus, arthritis, auto-immune diseases, glaucoma, blindness, skin diseases stroke, heart disease, obesity, cholesterol, tumors, prostate enlargement, hepatitis, M.E, depression, S.A.D, chronic fatigue and irritable bowel syndrome. It is said to cure or improve over 300 illnesses. Jamaicans normally eat the seeds or use the juice from the leaves. 



The three plants above are even linked to improving some major illnesses. Research is continuously being done to expose the benefits of what we have naturally. Do remember everything in moderation as grandma would say "Too much a one ting good fi nothing." We know how right our grandparents are. Also, do your own research about the Guinea Hen Weed, Cerasee and Moringa. Do note that research shows that there are some ill effects of these plants too so be mindful of that also. Also, remember your body doesn't depend on what you consume but several other elements such as exercise, rest and mental and emotional health. 

Thank you so much for reading. We'll update this list with more herbs/plants soon. Subscribe for more articles. Do check out our YouTube channel for visual and oral depictions of Jamaican arts and culture. See link here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ek8zNP-zLdA

Until next time, big up unnu selves zeen!