Caribbean Bush Tea (Herbal Teas)
Headache? Cold? Fever? Upset stomach? My grandmother had a bush tea for it. Many folks who grew up in the Caribbean can relate to this. A wealth of knowledge passed down from generations before – natural herbal healing remedies that were sure to work. Without the luxury of heading to a chemist/pharmacy, these were critical life saving remedies, which I have come to appreciate more as an adult.
Some had a wonderful, sweet aroma, while others were bitter like gall! Lol - but you dare not refuse to drink it. My favourites were Aniseed tea or Fever grass tea. Which was yours? If it’s not in the list below, leave a comment and let us know.
Disclaimer: The information contained in this post is not medically verified, and should not be interpreted as medical advice, or used as a substitute to medical advice.
Caribbean Bush Tea
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Fever Grass / Lemon Grass – is a source of essential vitamins (vitamin A, B-vitamins, folate, and vitamin C), and minerals such as potassium, magnesium, phosphorous, manganese, zinc, and iron, which are required for the healthy body function. It is thought to be good for blood pressure, fever, cold, pain killer, stress, diarrhoea and stomach ache, cleans the liver, kidney and digestive tract, lowers cholesterol.
Aniseed – is plant that hails from the same family as carrots, celery and parsley. It has a distinct, liquorice-like taste and is often used to add flavour to desserts and drinks. Aniseed is also known for its powerful health-promoting properties and acts as a natural remedy for a wide variety of ailments such as indigestion, stomach pain, and can reduce inflammation. Its compounds have potent antimicrobial properties that prevent infections and block the growth of fungi and bacteria. The seeds and oils are also used to make medicine.
Soursop (Graviola) - a member of the Annonaceae family, also known as the custard apple family. It is high in vitamin C, an antioxidant known to boost immune health. The vitamin strengthens your immune system, improving its ability to defend against pathogens. It also promotes the destruction of free radicals, which can help to protect your skin and cells from environmental oxidative damage. Although most research is currently limited to test-tube studies, some studies have found that Soursop could potentially help eliminate cancer cells. It is also thought to help reduce inflammation and it’s high potassium content could help to stabilise blood pressure.
Pomme Coulie / Cerassie – is a bitter herb, who’s leaves and stem are usually boiled or drawn into a tea and used as a blood cleanser, treat diabetes, hypertension, urinary tract infections, parasitic worms, constipation and stomach or abdominal pain, cold and influenza (flu). It is thought to reduce hypertension (high blood pressure) due to gallic acid (antioxidant) and potassium (regulates heart muscles and blood pressure). It is sometimes given to children to treat fevers and colds, is thought to reduce inflammation due to high levels of antioxidants and vitamins A, B, and C.
It is also commonly known as lizard food in some islands.
Cinnamon - in addition to the lovely flavour, it is said that cinnamon is good at getting rid of visceral fat and supports weight loss. Its antimicrobial, antiparasitic properties also make it one of the healthiest spices of all time. It helps lower blood pressure, cholesterol, boosts insulin function and metabolism as well. Find out more about Cinnamon here.
Ginger - there are so many uses for ginger, and it is often used in combination with other plants/herbs or spices. A popular tea to treat cold and flu is ginger and lemon, or even better ginger, honey and lemon. Ginger has numerous health benefits, such as boosting the immune system, help to soothe sore throats, treat many forms of nausea, helps to relieve pain, soothes the digestive system, thought to drastically lower blood sugars, and can help reduce cholesterol. Find out more about Ginger here.
Mint - like ginger, this is a long time favourite of many and as so many uses. It's health benefits include relieving indigestion, improve bowel irritations, improves cold symptoms, helps reduce breastfeeding pain, and is thought to have anti-inflammatory properties.
What is your favourite bush tea? If it’s not listed above, leave a comment and let us know.
