Compiled By NAN Lifestyle Editor
News Americas, NEW YORK, NY, Fri. Sept. 23, 2016: Many tourists travel to the Caribbean region but few bother to ask about the natural remedies that have cured many generations of Caribbean nationals successfully for decades. Caribbean nationals have been going organic way before the current craze that has almost everyone looking for natural eating and wellness treatments. Here are five Caribbean plants that also have been proven to have natural healing powers. Ask for them on your next visit to the Caribbean country of your choice or try the products featured!
Lemon Grass
Cymbopogon, better known as lemongrass, is a very fragrant lemony-smelling grass that also tastes delicious and is used a lot in Thai cooking. It is found in many Caribbean backyards and the leaves of the grass, steeped in hot water as a tea, is typically given to those with high fevers because it induces sweat and cools the body down. The tea is also great for against coughs, colds and nasal congestion. Lemongrass made into an oil is used as a pesticide and a preservative.
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Cerasee
Cerasee, scientifically known as “Momordica charantia, is an abundant “bush” that commonly grows in the Caribbean and is used to give an overall cleanse to the body because of its bitter taste. Some Caribbean individuals drink this daily as a tea – the bush steeped in hot water while others drink it when they feel they need their body to be cleansed or if they are experiencing stomach pains. It can also be used to treat parasitic worms, liver problems, as a tonic, is effective in relieving constipation, fevers and colds in children and decreases menstrual cramps can also treat urinary tract infections. The fruit – know as bitter melon, can be eaten as well as they can be cooked and is popular in Chinese dishes. The leaves crushed and rubbed (to get the juice extracted) in a bath with water is used to bathe in to treat skin ailments such as rashes, atopic dermatitis (eczema), sores, and naturally to give your skin a cleaner more refined look.
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Perriwinkle
Catharanthus roseus, commonly known as the Madagascar periwinkle, rosy periwinkle or teresita is a flowering plant that is also popular in many Caribbean yards. The periwinkle is used for “brain health” (increasing blood circulation in the brain, supporting brainmetabolism, increasing mental productivity, preventing memory and concentration problems and feebleness, improving memory and thinking ability, and preventing early aging of brain cells).
Periwinkle is also used for treating diarrhea, vaginal discharge, throat ailments, tonsillitis, chest pain, high blood pressure, sore throat, intestinal pain and swelling (inflammation), toothache, and water retention (edema). It is also used for promoting wound healing, improving the way the immune system defends the body, and for “blood-purification.” A chemical in periwinkle called vincamine can be converted in the laboratory to the compound vinpocetine, which is marketed as a dietary supplement.
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Leaf of Life
Leaf of Life or Bryophyllum pinnatum – Crassulaceae, is a plant that grows up to 1.5m high, with reddish tinge to the stems. The juice of the leaf of life is used to treat colds and coughs. The juice is sometimes mixed with salt or honey, for headaches, colds and bronchial problems and hypertension. It is also used externally to treat: mosquito bites, athletes foot, migraine, ringworms, or rheumatism. The heated leaves can be applied externally for abscesses and swellings. Several studies have documented that leaf of life is antibacterial, antimicrobial, antiviral and antifungal. The plant is also said to have effective antihistamine and anaphylactic properties that might explain its traditional use for asthma, insect bites and stings.
Neem Leaves
Azadirachta indica, also known as Neem trees grow wildly in many Caribbean countries. It is a fast-growing tree that can reach a height of 15–20 metres (49–66 ft), and is evergreen. Its leaves are known for their immune boosting properties and can lower the risk of high blood pressure, high blood sugar, large prostate and even prevent cancer as well as treat skin diseases like eczema, psoriasis, according to some experts. Neem leaves are dried and burnt in some places to keep away mosquitoes. Its fruits and seeds are also made into Neem oil which is also used for healthy hair, to improve liver function, detoxify the blood, and balance blood sugar levels.
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