Medical plants initiated from the first inhabitants of our islands, from the enslaved Africans to later the indentured labourers from India. Even the European explorers, all used these indigenous treatments.
From the beginning of life, people looked to the land for food, healing, even cultural identity and survival.
The dawn of prescription drugs has grown, and the marginalisation of traditional bush medicine also increased. Although scientists still look to the tropical botanicals for phytomedicine or phytotherapy.
This article highlights a few of our many plants used for medical purposes.
- Ginger – used for smoothing the stomach, flatulence, gas and appetite stimulant.
- Tumeric/Saffron – Used as blood detox and aids in menstruation.
- Leaf of live/Wonder of the world leaf – used for earaches, headaches and coughs
- Black sage – used for the common cold
- Carilie – used to aid in digestion, detoxification, menstrual cramps, urinary tract infections, diabetes, increase energy, fever and pain relief.
- Hibiscus flower – used for coughs
- Neem tree/ neem leaves – used for immune system boost, hypertension, aids in digestion, antibacterial, antifungal, athletes foot, hair care, ringworms and insomnia.Bug repellant.
- Lime leaf – used for diarrhoea in babies.
- Fever or lemongrass – used for headaches, fever, eczema, coughs, congestion, colds, soothes the stomach, diarrhoea, upset feeling, flatulence, gas and acne.
- Aloe Vera/Aloes – used for burns, wounds, infections, immune system booster, increasing blood circulation, healthier hair and skin, settling an upset stomach, eyewash and laxative.
- Paw Paw leaves – used to extract worms, lower blood pressure, heart care and can be used to extract foreign bodies example splinters.
- Bay leaf – used for antiseptic, antioxidant, digestive and thought to have anti-cancer properties.
- Breadfruit leaf – used for hypertension and headaches.
- Zebapique or Jackass Bitters – used for the common cold.
This information is not intended to substitute for medical professional help or advice. A physician should always be consulted.
Author: TriniGo.com
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One thought on “Plants with Medical Value from Trinidad and Tobago”
Nice start up for this topic. Can members add to it? Also we can add photos for each plant. What you say?