1.
Cerasee (momordica charantia)
This is the most feared tea because of its bitter taste. It
is believed to be a blood cleanser and sugar control agent for diabetes. It is
widely accepted that a fair consumption of this weekly will prevent colds, flu,
headaches, jaundice, and bellyache. It is also said to reduce the risk of heart
disease, lung cancer, and high blood pressure. But although some people brew it
and keep it refrigerated for use instead of ice cold water, others believe too
much of the tea will lead to liver disease.
2. Fever grass (Andropogon Citratus (Cymbopogon)
Fever grass, otherwise called lemon grass, is a popular tea.
It is grown wild in the rural parts of Jamaica and has a soothing, light lemon
flavor. Most people in the rural areas of the island drink it to recover
quickly from high fever, hence the name. However, some like the taste,
therefore, it is had day or night. Fever grass also provides relief from
nervous headaches, as well as stomach and urinary problems. For those who
suffer from gum ailments and external fungus, this herb can be helpful.
3. Sour sop leaf (Annona Muricata)
The sour sop fruit is versatile and can make juices, jams or
ice cream. However, the leaves from the tree are used to make tea for such
ailments as diabetes and nervous system problems. Sour sop leaves help to
regulate the nervous system, relieve insomnia, lower blood pressure, aids
persons suffering from kidney and gall bladder problems, colds, fevers and even
helps persons with worms. It is also a good first-aid remedy in cases of
fainting or wounding.
4. Lime leaf
Lime leaf tea is the ultimate 'poor man's' tea. In the rural
areas it is quite popular as it is an inexpensive way to soothe the palate in
the mornings. All that is needed are a few leaves, hot water and sugar. There
are no known medicinal properties of lime leaf tea, but people drink it for the
lime lovely flavour.
5. Garlic (Allium Sativum)
Garlic is one of the most useful herbs. As a tea it is not
the most tasty or the most socially acceptable aroma, but it has many medicinal
benefits. Garlic is used to lower high blood pressure, for colds, coughs,
whooping cough, earaches (using garlic oil), and bronchitis. It is also used
for gastrointestinal ailments and again, country folk use it for an asthma
attack to calm the wheezing. This versatile herb also relieves various problems
associated with poor digestion and even has a stimulating effect on the sexual
glands.
6. Ginger
Ginger tea has a harsh yet soothing taste. Many individuals
use it to cure 'bad feelings', indigestion and relieve nausea and vomiting. It
is also used to ward off colds, sore throat and the flu.
7. Donkey weed (Sylosanthes Hamata)
Donkey weed, otherwise called pencil flower, lady's ginger
or cheesy toes, is often sweetened with milk and drunk as a hot beverage in
Jamaica. It is used as a cold remedy and for kidney trouble. Some persons give
it to teething children to relieve fever. At times it is used for relief from
arthritis. Additionally, this herb is used as an aphrodisiac. The sap is used
externally to remove warts, sores and moles from the skin. At the same time it
is safe enough for teething children who suffer fevers. This herb, used
externally, rids the skin of imperfections.
8. Dandelion (Cassia Occidentailis)
Dandelion has been used for medicinal purposes since the
10th century and has proven value as a diuretic (flushing excess water from the
body). It also promotes the flow of bile and stimulates the appetite. Dandelion
juice once enjoyed considerable popularity as a diuretic, laxative and remedy
for rheumatism. In folk medicine, dandelion is also used as a remedy for
haemorrhoids, gout, rheumatism, eczema, other skin conditions, and diabetes.
9. Black mint and peppermint
Black mint and peppermint are two of the favourite local
bush teas. Mint teas are popular breakfast accompaniment, but some people have
it any time of the day or night. It is also given to young children at bed
time. Black mint, on the other hand, seems to be the less popular but has a
good flavour. Peppermint is versatile and is used for minor ailments, like
nausea, headache, vomiting or any general nausea. Black mint aids the digestive
system and is useful for persons suffering from cancer of the digestive tract.
It facilitates the quick healing of wounds and abscesses. It is beneficial to
persons who have 'smelly feet' because of its deodorising properties.
10. Leaf of life (Bryophyllum Pinnatum)
A succulent plant used in folk medicine. The plant is
remarkable in that even a small piece of the leaf will grow. As the name
suggests, life through a leaf. It is a good remedy for hypertension, bronchial
problems, colds, bruises, boils, ulcers, insect bites, ear-aches, sprains,
swelling, arthritis, tay-tay worm, and cleans bladder. The tea relieves colds,
asthma and shortness of breath; sometimes with the addition of salt. It has
been used to remove harmful bacteria from the intestines and to clean the bladder
and urine. Persons who have high blood pressure also use it. The tea is used to
bathe swellings, sprains and bruises. Fresh leaves can relieve headaches,
earaches, sprains and pains. When applied to boils and abscesses, it helps them
to mature. It is also said to relieve arthritis. The plant is also called 'live
forever' because, when leaves fall to the ground, new plants sprout from the
scalloped edges and take root. Superstition associated with the plant include:
If a man fastens a leaf above his sweetheart's door and a
new plant grows at each notch, he believes that she has been faithful to him.
In Jamaica, leaves are mashed with castor oil and applied to
the breasts to treat mastitis in nursing mothers. To alleviate the wheezing
associated with asthma, the leaves are heated and the extracted juices mixed
with honey; this is given to the patient by the spoonful.
