Sip To Good Health

Vanessa
Jun 27, 2019
4 min read

Updated: Sep 19, 2019

The art of drinking tea for health and wellness has been around for thousands of years. First making its mark in China around 2700 B.C.E, and Japan in the 13th century. The benefits of tea were becoming well known. As interest grew, a taste for tea became global. By the mid-1600s even the English and American's were sipping. With demand growing, tea trading became ever more profitable. The immense profit and abuse of subsequent power during a volatile political climate is what lead to the Boston Tea Party, among other things. Peet's Coffee, A History of Tea (Read more from Peet's Coffee here)

More than just a beverage. The healing properties of tea are worth mentioning. The power of herbs was well known among the Egyptians, Indigenous, Chinese, Indians, and more. Learning the benefits, dangers, and interactions of thousands of medicinal herbs and plants; comes only with practice and a good teacher. An art form that I'm sure took many generations to master during its infancy.

Whether for general wellness, digestion, insomnia, illness, weight loss, hair loss, loose teeth, head cold, high blood pressure, fever, blood loss, cancer, upset stomach, and more. There is an herbal blend, plant, bark, petal or tincture for just about everything.

In the Caribbean, the use of herbs, plants, and roots for healing is often referred to as remed fey, plant medicine, root medicine, or most commonly bush medicine. Many of these plants can be found in various countries, though often under different names.

One such plant would be Cerasee, also referred to as Bitterweed, Bitter Gourd, Asosi or Bitter Melon in Haiti. It's used as a cold, sickness and respiratory cure-all in the Caribbean, the English known Corailee is seen more like a weed in Southern Florida of the United States. Similar to how kudzu is also managed. Nadege Green, PRI's The World (Read more here) "Cerasee has also been used for its blood purifying attributes in addition its ability to help treat diabetes, hypertension, worms and malaria." Ambergris Caye, Bush Medicine of Belize, Central America, and the Caribbean (Casado Internet Group)

In the Bahamas bush medicine is a way of life. Especially on the Family Islands, where clinics and doctors are far and few in between. Growing a garden of health is not only appealing but convenient. Comparable to the concept of farm to table, this would be from farm to the medicine cabinet. That being said, all things must be done within moderation. Please seek medical advice before attempting any medical treatment. Drink it hot or cold. Whether you prefer it dark, light, no sugar or with honey. There is literally a blend and taste for just about everyone.

At my house, we had many conversations like this growing up:

Child: Mummy my head hurt / My stomach hurt / I cant sleep etc.

Mom: Here, drink this! / Drink some tea!

Child: Whats this?

Mom: Drink it.

Mom: When you finish, go lay down.

Child: Yes ma'am.

*I cant think of any instances yet where what my Mummy or Grammy brew, didn't work!

We waste nothing! With many herbs having multiple uses, it's best to learn them. Dill being a delicious seasoning, can be found readily available in most regions. It is also a great remedy for gas, menstrual cramps, and colic. Its even been said to increase milk production in nursing mothers. Kim Wang, Dill Herb Medicinal Benefits (Natural Remedies)

If you are interested in learning more, I recommend the book shown below. Full of useful in-depth information, first-person narratives, and more. It's definitely something worth keeping on your bookshelf or coffee table. You can purchase the book here.

So how do you know which herbs to use, and why? Simple answer, research. Thorough research. If you are interested in incorporating any of the herbs or plants you come across, do be sure to run it by your doctor. As several well-known herbs do interact adversely with certain medications and treatments.

My most commonly used herbs are listed below, and can be used for the following ailments and or symptoms.

Spearmint: Digestion, Hormone Balance, Insomnia, Nausea, Inflammation, Headache, Cramps, Sore Throat, Lowers Blood Sugar, Reduce Stress & Improve Memory. Melissa Groves, Surprising Benefits of Spearmint Tea and Essential Oil (Healthline)
Lemongrass / Fevergrass: Lowers cholesterol, prevent infection, reduce pain. Rachel Nall, What are the health benefits of lemongrass tea? (Medical News Today)

Hibiscus: Lowers Blood Pressure, Prevents Hypertension, Lowers Blood Sugar, Cramps, Depression, aids with Digestion and Weight Management. How to Make Hibiscus Tea + Its Benefits (My Food Story)
Chamomile: Lowers Blood Sugar, Treats Diabetes, Slows Osteoporosis, Reduces Inflammation, Cancer Prevention, Helps with Sleep and Relaxation, Treats Cold Symptoms. Zawn Villines, What are the benefits of Chamomile Tea? (Medical News Today)
Lemon Balm: Reduces anxiety, Insomnia, IBS, Lowers Cholesterol, Herpes, Heartburn, Alzheimer's, Blood Clotting. Cathy Wong, The Health Benefits of Lemon Balm (verywellhealth)

Ginger: Reduce Nausea, Digestion, Fights Flu and Cold Symptoms, Morning Sickness, Aids in Digestion, Lowers Cholesterol, Alzheimer's, , Reduces Muscle Pain and Soreness, Treats Chronic Indigestion Anti-inflammatory and full of antioxidants. Joe Leech, 11 Proven Health Benefits of Ginger (Healthline)
Sage: Anti-inflammatory and full of antioxidants, Supports Oral Health, Lowers Blood Sugar, Supports Bone Health, Supports Brain Health, Lowers Cholesterol, Alleviate Diarrhea and combats skin aging. Ryan Raman, 12 Health Benefits and Uses of Sage (Healthline)
Rosemary: Fights Dementia and Cancer, Alopecia, Natural Antibiotic, Dandruff, Stimulates Hair Growth, Relieves Pain, Repels Insects, Improves Circulation, Eases Stress, Supports Brain Health, Anti-inflammatory and full of antioxidants. Natalie Butler, The Health Potential of Rosemary (Healthline)
Honorable Mentions: Lavender, Elder Berry, Soursop, Cerasee, Geranium, Cedarwood, Sandalwood, Patchouli, & Rosehips

When it comes to bush, we try to grow as many of the herbs as possible. What we cant grow in a garden or pot, we purchase as dried leaves and or extract.