Whether you were raised in the Caribbean or are of Caribbean descent, if there’s one thing you know about, it’s bush tea. As a child, you probably remember that unpleasant scent and the horrible taste of “thé amè”, bitter tea. But when you’re raised on an island with a culture that embraces bush tea and journey cakes, you also recall rosemary and lemongrass tea with a taste and aroma that sweetens your taste buds.
The Caribbean, filled with native plants and plants that have traveled with the former slaves, have been used over the years for more than just gardening purposes. Indeed, each fruit, root and leaf has medicinal properties that the indigenous and local people use for homemade remedies.
Lemongrass, which is said to induce sweat and cools down the body is often given to treat high fevers, but is also considered to treat coughs, colds and nasal congestion.
Locals rave over a fruit called guinep. During guinep season, you can find many young boys on the side of the road selling their harvests in clusters. Its leaves can be brewed to boost the immune system, treat high blood pressure, intestinal conditions such as stomach pain or peptic ulcers and its seeds are said to eradicate diarrhea.
The soursop is most famous on the island for its delicious juice; and tea made from its leaves is believed locally to treat and prevent cancer. But be aware, recent studies from renowned cancer organizations such as the Cancer Treatment Centers of America and Cancer Research UK, state that there is not any ”overwhelming evidence to support these claims.”
Surprisingly enough, the sweet and succulent mangoes found in the Caribbean can be used for more than just a savory dessert. Packed with high levels of vitamin A, B and C, infusing the mango leaves in hot water is used locally to treat diabetes, balance the metabolism and prevent symptoms of hypertension.
We now observe a rise in popularity of the moringa plant around the world as natural superfood, but it has always been rooted within Caribbean beauty and medicinal customs. Indeed, this plant is known to have many health benefits such as it antibacterial and anti-fungal properties- which aids with urinary tract infections and digestive problems. The high concentration of polyphenols in its leaves help protect the liver and its high content of vitamins E and C help support brain health. The Journal of Neurosciences in Rural Practice published a study called, “Effect of plant extracts on Alzheimer’s disease: An insight into therapeutic avenues”, where Moringa has been tested as a treatment for Alzheimer’s disease, with what they cite to be positive preliminary results.
As a people with access to so many forms = of free or accessible home medicinal ingredients, you would expect us to be among the healthiest people on the planet, right? Yet, the constant dissociation with ancestral knowledge and customs have converted personal gardens with cabinets of pharmaceutical drugs.
A study conducted in Sint Maarten by students of the American University of the Caribbean (AUC) entitled, “Exploring the use of bush teas on the island of St. Maarten”, highlighted that a variety of more than 55 types of bush teas are used locally.
Tea has always been and continues to be a product of trade. And, as we have entered the era of health-consciousness, we observe innovative, award-winning tea companies like Caribbean Cure that align tradition with modern business to promote healthier lifestyles. In 2018, Caribbean Cure was “one of only two in the Region to be shortlisted for a SIAL Paris 2018 Product Innovation award”.
I wonder what curious, business-minded, innovative local will consider creating their own tea from locally found plants. There just might be something to consider here…
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