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Jamaican Dandelion
What Are The Benefits?

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jamaican_dandelion_plant_from_winston_barrJamaican Dandelion

by Sheree-Anita Shearer | Associate Writer

If you are from rural Jamaica, then you would know that when the time comes for the yard to be cut, there are a few bushes that you must never cut down, no matter how unappealing they may seem to you. Until one day, someone falls ill, maybe even you and these same plants you wanted to cut down are the cure for the illness. The Jamaican Dandelion is one of these plants.

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When you think of dandelion, it does look different from what we call dandelion in Jamaica. We often get corrected when we mention it online. But we understand the confusion. The dandelion you know is a flowering yellow plant which turns into a white fluff called a pappus. Jamaican Dandelion also has a small yellow flowering bud. However, it turns into the pods that are so commonly used in medicinal treatments here.

Dandelion has many names in Jamaica, Wild Coffee, Fedogoso, Piss-a-bed, Negro Coffee, Café Batard, Herbe Puante and Kasundi just to name a few.

The plant, which is originally from the tropical Americas is commonly found in Jamaica and has been included in our natural treatments as far back as the 10th century.

What is the scientific name for Jamaican dandelion?

The scientific name for Jamaican Dandelion is Cassia occidentalis. It is from the Fabaceae (Leguminosae) species of plants and the sub-family Caesalpinioideae.

jamaican_dandelion_plant_for_teaJamaican Dandelion Pods

This shrub is grown slender and upright to a height of up to 2.5 m tall. The yellow flowers grow in clusters from which the fruit, flat, straight or sickle-shaped pods are grown. These pods can grow to be up to 13 cm long and 10 mm wide.

The plant has many health benefits which can be credited to its antibacterial, antifungal, antimalarial, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, hepatoprotective and Immunosuppression properties.

How do you know when Jamaican dandelion is going bad?

It has a particularly foul odour when it is no longer safe to be consumed.

What are the health benefits of Jamaican dandelion?

Jamaican dandelion:

  • Promotes the flow of bile
  • Stimulates the appetite
  • Is a Laxative
  • Treats Rheumatism
  • Treats Haemorrhoids
  • Treats Eczema and other skin conditions
  • Controls Hypertension
  • Cures colds and other respiratory illnesses
  • Is a Diuretic
  • Controls Blood sugar
  • Cures Gout
  • Helps children who struggle with bed wetting.
  • Treats back pain
  • Rids the body of free radicals
  • Reduces inflammation
  • Lowers cholesterol
  • Boosts liver health
  • Builds resistance against cancerous cells

What is Jamaican Dandelion used to make?

Well, most commonly it is used to make tea. When the seeds from the pods are dried and ground, it makes a tea that smells and tastes similar to coffee. Hence the names, wild coffee and negro coffee. The leaves are often steamed and eaten just as how we would steam vegetables.

How to make Jamaican dandelion coffee?

If you are using the powder, a tablespoon can be added to boiled water and allowed to steep for 5 to 6 minutes before drinking. Dandelion can be sweetened with sugar, milk, honey or any sweetener of your choice. However, it is advised that it be had without sweeteners, especially processed ones for a better result.

Who Should Avoid Taking Jamaican Dandelion?

  1. It is not recommended that persons who are suffering from kidney problems use Jamaican Dandelion.
  2. Persons allergic to chamomile and marigold should also avoid using Jamaican Dandelion.
  3. Pregnant women and lactating mothers should not use Dandelion products either.

Should I drink Dandelion every day?

Dandelion is not recommended to be had every day. It is advised that dandelion tea be had for no more than 7 consecutive days before taking a break for at least a week before starting to use dandelion again.

Where does Jamaican Dandelion grow?

It can often be found growing in the wild or among weeds alongside roadways. Older persons will have trees growing around their yards.

Watch Video! Jamaican Dandelion

Some incredible Jamaicans have dedicated their time to teaching us about the wealth of resources we have available to us in the helpful plants around the island. Mrs. Lawrence is just one of them and she knows a lot about the Jamaican Dandelion. You can watch her below.

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References & Sources For Jamaican Dandelion

  1. Jamaican dandelion (Senna occidentalis) (no date) Sow Exotic. Available at: https://sowexotic.com/products/jamaican-dandelion-senna-occidentalis (Accessed: February 22, 2023).
  2. Jamaican dandelion pis-a-bed stinking weed wild coffee (no date) Etsy. Available at: https://www.etsy.com/listing/816961193/jamaican-dandelion-pis-a-bed-stinking (Accessed: February 22, 2023).
  3. Jamaican dandelion plant (Cassia occidentalis) powdered roots /leaves (2021) Island Herbs & Spices. Available at: https://www.islandherbsandspices.com/product/jamaican-dandelion-plant-cassia-occidentalis-leaves-and-roots/ (Accessed: February 22, 2023).
  4. Jamaican dandelion plant (no date) My. Available at: https://www.my-island-jamaica.com/jamaican-dandelion-plant.html (Accessed: February 22, 2023).
  5. Scientific name (no date) Factsheet - Senna occidentalis (Coffee Senna). Available at: https://keys.lucidcentral.org/keys/v3/eafrinet/weeds/key/weeds/Media/Html/Senna_occidentalis_(Coffee_Senna).htm (Accessed: February 22, 2023).

Jamaican Dandelion | Written: February 22, 2023

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