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Top 10 Jamaican Herbs
The Best Jamaican Herbs to Keep Handy

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jamaican_ceraseeTop 10 Jamaican Herbs | Cerasee Plant

by Venesha Johnson | Associate Writer

With all the herbs and traditional remedies here in Jamaica, knowing where to start can be quite daunting. What should you try first? Which should you keep handy? Which works best for certain illnesses?

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Well, I am here to hopefully help you make those decisions faster. These 10 herbs are, in my humble opinion, among the most popular here in Jamaica, the most frequently used and easy to find. They treat a variety of illnesses - everything from the seasonal flu to poisoning and so much more.

These are definitely among the herbs you should get and keep handy for everyday use. They can all be used to make tea, which makes it even easier to add to your daily routine.

Cerassi:

cerasee_tea_jamaica

Cerassi, also known as cerasee, is a bitter herb popular for its detoxifying properties. It is often used to cleanse the blood, aid digestion, and even as a remedy for skin conditions. It is also a popular laxative. Here is how we make cerasee tea

Guinea Hen Weed:

guinea_hen_plantGuinea Hen Plant

Anamu, or Guinea Hen Weed, has quite a strong scent, but the powerful medicinal properties are even stronger. It's hailed for its potential anti-inflammatory and immune-boosting effects.

Whether enjoyed as a tea or used topically, Guinea Hen Weed is a versatile herb with lots to offer. We typically use Guinehen for headaches, fever and cold.

Bissy (Kola Nut):

Jamaican BissyJamaican Bissy

Bissy, or kola nut, isn't just a source of caffeine – it's a herb with a kick! Known for its stimulant properties, Bissy can boost energy and improve mental alertness. It is our go-to for pretty much any form of poisoning, and it works!

Dandelion:

Dandelion isn't just a pesky weed; it's a nutritional powerhouse. Rich in vitamins and minerals, dandelion is celebrated for its potential liver-detoxifying properties.

It's often used as tea and is mostly used as a liver tonic, for back discomfort, kidney and bladder issues, colds, and breathing difficulties in Jamaica. External use of the leaves is used for ringworm and other skin conditions.

Soursop:

Soursop leaves are traditionally our go-to plant for nerves and anxiety. Are you overworked and battling insomnia? A hot cup of soursop leaf tea will have you snoring in a few minutes and feeling well rested.

Packed with vitamins C and B, and antioxidants, soursop is known for its immune-boosting properties. Some even claim it has anti-cancer potential, though more research is needed. Enjoy it as a fruit or indulge in a soursop smoothie for a tropical treat.

Dogwood:

jamaican_dogwood_tree_bark.PNGDogwood Bark

Dogwood, also known as Jamaican dogwood, is a herb traditionally used for its calming properties. It's often used to ease anxiety and promote better sleep. A cup of dogwood tea before bedtime might just be the relaxation ritual you need. Most importantly dogwood is used for various fertility and menstrual issues for women.

Turmeric and Ginger

jamaican_turmericJamaican Turmeric

While these two are often used separately, they are from the same family and can be used together. Turmeric, with its active compound curcumin, is a potent anti-inflammatory. Ginger aids digestion and soothes nausea.

Both are highly powerful and have a variety of health benefits and can easily be added to your favourite dishes or can be had as tea.

Fevergrass (Lemongrass):

fever_grass_components

Fevergrass, or lemongrass, is more than just a fragrant herb used in cooking. It's praised for its potential to lower blood pressure, reduce stress, and promote digestion. A soothing cup of fevergrass tea can be your go-to remedy for various ailments including fever and the common cold.

Sarsaparilla:

Known for its anti-inflammatory properties, sarsaparilla is often used to support joint health and skin conditions. Brew it into a tea or incorporate it into your wellness routine.

Damiana (Ram Goat Dashalong):

Damiana, also known locally as Ram Goat Dashalong, is a herb with a reputation as an aphrodisiac. Beyond its potential love-inducing properties, damiana is believed to have mood-boosting and energy-enhancing effects. Whether sipped as a tea or added to herbal blends, Damiana adds a bit of spice to life.

There you have it – a closer look at these Jamaican herbs that not only bring flavour to your dishes but also offer a spectrum of health benefits.

As always, while these herbs have their perks, it's wise to chat with a healthcare pro before making significant changes to your routine. For even more herbs and remedies check out this article, Jamaican Herbs for Common Ailments or grab a copy of our E-book, 101 Jamaican Wellness Secrets.

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References & Sources For Top 10 Jamaican Herbs

  1. Bell, D.G. (2023), Jamaicans.com. Available at: https://jamaicans.com/bush/ (Accessed: 01 February 2024).
  2. Real Jamaican herbs dandelion (2024) The Black Farmer. Available at: https://www.theblackfarmer.com/product/real-jamaican-herbs-dandelion/#:~:text=Dandelion%20is%20well%20known%20for,our%20other%20Caribbean%20products%20here (Accessed: 01 February 2024).

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