WHETHER URBAN or rural residents, generally Jamaicans consider herbal remedies to be more effective and less expensive than medicines prescribed by their doctors. This statement is backed up by local research by Dr. Julie Gardner (1996) and other researchers at the Tropical Medicinal Research Institute, UWI.
Herbal teas are part and parcel of our rich Caribbean region heritage. Gardner et al investigated the prevalence of the use of herbs among adults and children in Jamaica. They studied the use of herbs among adults (over 18 years) and young children (5 years or younger). Two urban (177 people) and two rural (278 people) communities were surveyed.
For the purpose of their study, Gardner et al defined herbs as any plant or plant parts used to prepare beverages or medicines to be taken internally.
A large number of herbs were reported as being used by the respondents, and significantly more by the rural group than the urban group. Most of the respondents in both groups had used herbs for teas or for treating illnesses at some time of their life for teas/tonics and for illness.
Both groups cited tradition as the primary reason for using herbs but many (especially in the rural group) also mentioned that the herbal remedies were considered to be more effective and/or less expensive than medicines, better than medicines or available.
Parents, grandparents or other old people were the usual source of information about herbs, in both the urban and rural communities. Older adults, women and those in rural areas reported using herbs more while married people, those with higher educational attainment, those who were employed, and who had better housing conditions used less.
Both urban and rural respondents largely grew herbs for their own use though some were purchased, gathered from the wild, procured from friends or from rural areas.
The most common method of preparation was by infusion or boiling in water, then sweetening with brown sugar.
A reported 47 herbs were given to children. The most common herbs were given within the first six months of life. A reported 90 per cent (urban) and 83 per cent (rural) children were given herbal teas or herbs for illness. The average age at which children were first given herbal preparations was 7.9 and 6.9 years old respectively. No sickness as a result of being given these herbal teas was reported.
SOME OF THE MOST COMMONLY USED HERBS
Cerasee, Peppermint, Ginger, Soursop, Cullen mint,, Sweet orange, Sinkle-bible, Leaf of Life, Lime, Jack-in-the-bush, Black mint, St. Vincent bush, Fever grass, Aralia, Rice bitters, Strong back, King of the Forest, Parsley mint, Search-me-heart, Pepper elder, Medina, Susumber, Ganja, Garlic, Bees bush, Dandelion, Nettle, Dog blood, Donkey weed, Ackee, Breadfruit, Chainy root, Five finger, Cinnamon, Marigold, Chambers bitters, Ram-goat dashalong, Sweetsop, Bissy, Jamaican Rosemary, Vervine, Love weed, Pear, Shame old lady, Devil's horse whip, Fasten-pon-coat, Naseberry, Pudding wys, Sarsaparilla.
Gardener et al have given us a good glimpse into the use of plants for medicinal purposes in Jamaica. The use of plants, as medicine, is part of our heritage, and with care can become a vital component of a functioning welfare system.
Source: Julie Meeks Gardener et al, "The use of Herbal Teas and Remedies in Jamaica", West Indian Medical Journal (2000) 49:331-336.
Dr. Sylvia Mitchell, research
fellow (Graduate School), Biotechnology Centre, University
of the West Indies, Mona. email:smitchel@uwimona.edu.jm.
