NB:
The information contained in this article is not intended
to be used to cure any ailment(s). In the case of sickness
it is advisable that one seek attention from a professional
medical practitioner!
Herbal
Remedies: Our Traditional Folk Medicine
Our
West African ancestors and other groups which settled in Jamaica
brought with them their knowledge about the medicinal properties
of plants and bushes. There are numerous plants that have
been used for treating a wide range of illnesses. For example,
the leaves of the Comfrey and the Leaf
of life plants were brewed to make concoctions which
are said to cure migraine headaches, colds, kidney and bladder
problems, and arthritis. There is a mixed reception to traditional
or complementary medicinal practices by the scientific and
medical communities. Indeed, while scientific enquiry has
confirmed the presence of medicinal properties in some plants,
there are differing views regarding preparation methods and
dosage. Importantly, there is concern that prolonged use of
some of these plants can also be harmful.
There
are many local folk songs and sayings which make mention of
traditional folk medicine. The more popular among these include
“Helena” and “Guava
Root” while Claude McKay wrote in his poem
“The Spanish Needle”:
Helena
an im mumma go a grung
Helena start cry fi im belly,
Go home Helena, go home Helena
Go bwile cerusee fi yu belly
Guava root a medicine
Fi go cure de young gal fever.
The following is a list of Jamaican herbs, commonly used for
various medicinal purposes.
For
further information please contact:
African Caribbean Institute of Jamaica/
Jamaica Memory Bank
12 Ocean Boulevard, Kingston
Tel: 922-4793/7415
Fax: 924-9361
Email: acij@anngel.com
Our
West African ancestors and other groups which settled in Jamaica
brought with them their knowledge about the medicinal properties
of plants and bushes. There are numerous plants that have
been used for treating a wide range of illnesses. For example,
the leaves of the Comfrey and the Leaf
of life plants were brewed to make concoctions which
are said to cure migraine headaches, colds, kidney and bladder
problems, and arthritis. There is a mixed reception to traditional
or complementary medicinal practices by the scientific and
medical communities. Indeed, while scientific enquiry has
confirmed the presence of medicinal properties in some plants,
there are differing views regarding preparation methods and
dosage. Importantly, there is concern that prolonged use of
some of these plants can also be harmful.
There
are many local folk songs and sayings which make mention of
traditional folk medicine. The more popular among these include
“Helena” and “Guava
Root” while Claude McKay wrote in his poem
“The Spanish Needle”:
Helena
an im mumma go a grung