Jamaican Spices And Herbs | Page 2 | Island Herbs & Spices

Chanca Piedra for Kidney Stones

12 Sep

0 1903 Post by admin

Also known as Phyllanthus niruri, Chanca Piedra is a tropical plant that is widespread especially in the coastal regions. The herb belongs to the Phyllanthaceae in the genus Phyllanthus. Chanca Piedra grows to a height of between 50 and 70cm. The herb bears a smooth bark that is light green in color and has ascending herbaceous branches. Its many pale-green colors are flushed with red. The Chanca Piedra bears fruits that are small and contain seeds. Over the years, Chanca Piedra has grown quite popular with populations around the world given its numerous medicinal uses. Studies indicate that the herb is ideal for the treatment of conditions such as vaginal and urethral discharge, digestive tract disorders and control of diabetes. Treatment of kidney stones is among the most popular uses of the herb. Kidney Stones Statistics show that quite a large percentage of the world population suffers from kidney stones and gallstone issues. There are several causes of kidney stones and the symptoms can vary from mild to life threatening. The condition is characterized by hard deposits in the kidneys that are passed out during urination. Although passing the stones can be quite painful, there is usually no permanent damage. If however left untreated for a long time, the results of kidney stones can be so severe that the patient might end up in an emergency room. Chanca Piedra has for the last several years been used as a natural remedy for kidney stones. Although the herb possesses several medicinal benefits, one of the primary medicinal uses is in the treatment of kidney stones and gallstones. Its name, “Chanca Piedra” as it is called in Peru is derived from its action against kidney stones and gallstones. The name translates to stone breaker. The herb helps in alleviating kidney stones in a number of ways. It not only aids in the treatment of the condition but also prevents it. When used, the herb helps by inhibiting the formation of the stones. This is essential in keeping the condition from worsening. The herb has also been studied to significantly limit the aggregation of crystals. The herb is also popular for the fact that it reduces the symptoms of kidney stones. By modifying the composition and the structure of the stone, it not only makes it easy to expel them but also reduces the pain involved. It also relaxes the ureter and creates a calming effect. Another way the herb helps with kidney stones is minimizing the amount calcium, a substance that promotes crystallization of urine. It also gets rid of fragments that are left after a lithotripsy. How to use Chanca Piedra for Kidney Stones As a remedy for kidney stones, the herb is taken orally. How it is taken usually depends on the form in which it is available to the user. It can be taken either as a tea or as tincture. It can also be taken as a tablet or extract capsules. The action of the herb against kidney and gallstones can be observed as soon as 2 weeks after the initial week. To completely reverse the condition however, a user may need to use it for approximately 3 months.

Categories: Jamaican Herbs

Dried Herbs versus Green herbs

13 Mar

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Why it is Recommendable to use Herbs Dried

For several generations, herbs have been an essential part of human life. While some people use them for their medicinal characteristics, others use them as spices. The debate of which is better between fresh and dried herbs has been around for an equally long period of time with many favoring fresh herbs over dried herbs. Although it may true that the nutrient and chemical composition of fresh herbs is unaltered, there are several instances in which dried herbs have an edge over fresh ones. As a matter of fact, it is currently recommendable to use herbs after they are dried for a number of reasons. Concentrated Flavor and Value One of the major reasons dry herbs are highly recommended is for the fact that they are more concentrated as compared to the fresh herbs. The intense concentration makes them much more efficient than the fresh ones. Research into the concentration of herbs show that fresh herbs can be substituted in the ratio of 1:3. A case in point is dried and fresh oregano. Three portions of fresh oregano can be substituted for a single portion of dried oregano for the same flavor and nutritional value. If used as a spice however, you may need to extend the cooking time as they will need time to be rehydrated. Longevity Herbs are dried for various reasons, one of them being as a preservation strategy. One of the challenges most people face with fresh herbs is their perishability. If not properly stored, herbs are bound to spoil and lose their nutritional and medicinal values. It is largely for this that the use of dried herbs is encouraged. When herbs are dried, their medicinal and nutritional value is preserved while its shelf life is highly increased. This makes them a better alternative to fresh herbs. Ease of use For quite a number of herbs, the process of preparation is pretty tedious and may need some level of skill to complete successfully. Without the necessary knowledge, you may end up spoiling the herb or preparing one that does not meet the expectations. This is one thing you need not worry about when using dried herbs. This is due to the fact that dried herbs are already prepared and ready to use. All you may need to do is prepare a tea of the herb or add it to your food as a spice while cooking. Dried herbs are therefore easy to use and offer higher chances of achieving the required results. Safety Herbs too have their defense techniques. There are some plant species that use toxins as a way of protecting themselves from imminent threat. If ingested, these toxins may result in reactions ranging from mild to severe. The toxins are usually highest concentrated in fresh herbs. Using fresh herbs therefore puts you at the risk of ingesting these substances. When exposed to heat however, these toxins deteriorate and lose their toxicity. It is thus safer to use dried herbs to avoid the possibility of getting poisoned.

Categories: Jamaican Herbs

Red Water Grass (Zebrina Pendula ) for Diabetes

11 Jul

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For several years, the Red Water Grass has been used in various places across the world for health and medicinal purposes. The plant has grown in popularity among populations of the world for its vast health and medicinal benefits. Some of the conditions that the Red Water Grass has been observed to remedy include swelling, hypertension and colds. Over the recent past, quite a number of people have been turning to Red Water Grass for diabetes. It has been established that the plant and its extracts are pretty effective at remedying diabetes and controlling the blood sugar. Statistic show that cases of diabetes have risen quite considerably in the current generation. This is largely brought about by the poor lifestyle choices and the unhealthy diets that people follow. Diabetes kicks in with mild symptoms but as time goes by, the symptoms grow pretty severe and can even be life threatening. Some of the common diabetes symptoms include swift unexplained loss of weight, skin disorders, backache, polydipsia, polyphagia and polyuria. When the conditions reaches an advanced stage, other severe symptoms such as loss of or diminishing vision step in. It is therefore important to swiftly establish a way to step down the blood sugar levels as soon as you are diagnosed with the condition. Red Water Grass is fast being adopted by people from all across the world as a remedy for diabetes. It helps in controlling the condition by lowering the blood sugar levels. Using the right amounts of the Red Water Grass regularly for a reasonable amount of time may even reverse diabetes. Besides its potency in lowering blood sugar levels, another of the reasons Red Water Grass has grown pretty popular among populations is the fact that it is relatively easy to prepare and use. There are quite a variety of ways of using the herb depending on what it is being used to treat, the form in which it is available and the user preferences. For lowering of blood sugar and reversing diabetes, the process of preparing Red Water Grass is as follows. Add four cups of water into a pot. Add about a handful of Red Water Grass into the pot. Over high heat, boil the contents of the pot for a period of about 20 – 25 minutes. Remove the resulting mixture from heat and strain off the tea. For the best results, you should drink the tea a reasonable number of times throughout the day if you are unable to do so, you should drink one cupful in the morning and another in the evening. After suffering diabetes for a long time, diabetes sores/ulcers are bound to arise. This is another condition that the Red Water Grass can help remedy. To prepare the herb for drying up diabetes ulcers, get 24 leaves of fresh Red Water Grass and add to a pot of 4 cups of boiling water. Clean the leaves and add them to the pot and boil for another 20 minutes. Strain the tea and drink a cupful of the tea daily until the sores dry up. It is recommendable to drink it in the morning.

Categories: Jamaican Herbs

Jamaican Herbs- Its Many Health Benefits

19 Nov

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Jamaican herbs are approved by many traditional healers because of their medicinal benefits and purposes. They also improve the overall system of the body and are valued principally for their medicinal properties. Back then, the use of Jamaican herbs is integrated in the healing methods, practices, and health care system of various countries around the world because of their effectiveness. Due to that, Jamaican herbs became a part of their daily lives that are widely grown and found around the world. Many people are interested into growing Jamaican herbs. They are planting these herbs on their container pots and gardens. They can easily be taken care of and be planted on fertile soil. They must be planted securely for them to be free from diseases. As of today, many people are using Jamaican herbs as a tea. This tea helps in the asthma treatment and shortness of breathing. This is the most known way of using Jamaican herbs. The herbs can easily be prepared and boiled to boost the immune system and cleanse the body’s intestines from harmful bacteria. When Jamaican herbs are used, sleeplessness can be cured and eliminated instantly. Excess urine and back pain are also treated and alleviated. They also strengthen the body and are proven better when compounded with other essential roots. Also, the body is strengthened and the system is toned up. Even sexual problems are resolved with the use of these herbs. The leaf and bark may also be used in the treatment of weak bladders. One of the Jamaican herbs that are known to many is the Jamaica prickly pear. This herb is a domesticated plant that is found in many plant shops. However, it thrives anywhere and is difficult to die. The leaves are sliced into small-sized pieces and are set apart. After they are sliced, they are soaked on a coconut water or water for a relatively period of time. Other people make use of the juice that is obtained from sliced leaves. This served as a perfect ingredient for different non-alcoholic and alcoholic juices, baked goods and dishes. Jamaican prickly pear is effective for the remedy of fevers, paralysis, wounds, ulcers, mouth sores and poor circulation. Another health benefit is that it cleans out the intestines. The tea is used in the treatment of fevers and chest aches. It also aids for an improved digestion that its binding properties help achieved reduced bleeding. This also works to effectively manage weight. Jamaican Root tonic is also good that strengthens the body and eliminates sexual problems. It also tones up the body’s system. Allman Strength Jolt of Strength from Jamaica is a vine that grows in the mountains of Jamaica. This helps in strengthening the whole body, as its name implies. This vine can be used along other Jamaican herbs such as strong-back, peanut, medina, black-wiss, pepper-elder, ram-goat, raw-moon,nutmeg, chaney root, spirit weed, and puron black. This root drink is also popular to males for their increased sexual performance and strength.

Categories: Jamaican Herbs

Healing Herbs are Miracle Medicine

19 Nov

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Healing herbs are getting more popular in different countries due to the benefits that it supplies. Herbs are known to be the safest and most efficient medicines in treating health issues that can be acquired by both men and women. You can easily analyze that healing herbs provide immediate health benefits as compared to the medicines available in pharmacies today. They can also make the body healthier than ever, and there are times that they can improve the condition of weak immune system. With the help of healing herbs, many people can easily cure illnesses and maintain their mind and body in its healthy condition. It is true that these substances have lots of elements that can help individuals in improving the function of their body. Herbs doesn’t undergo to production or test process because they grow and can only be found in forest or in any safe areas that it are free from pollution. Because it is grows on this kind of places, you will have the assurance that it can really treat any types of illnesses. Furthermore, these herbs are also use as one of the main ingredients in foods, drinks, and also in beauty products. Due to the helpful and impressive health benefits of it, you and a lot of people will have the assurance that you can live in this world healthier and safe from several illnesses. Healing herbs are accessible in the market that’s why you can purchase it without exerting more effort.

Categories: Jamaican Herbs

Ginger, Health Benefits of Ginger

19 Nov

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What is Ginger? Ginger has been in use as a popular spice, preservative and herbal medicine for thousands of years. It is one of the most popular household spices used today and is highly sought after in Jamaica. Ginger is a thick, knotted underground stem known as a rhizome and not as a root as it is often mistakenly called. The stem grows upwards from the ginger rhizome to a height of about 12 inches above the surface. It is native to South Asia but it has become heavily cultivated in other parts of the world including the Caribbean. Ginger is known to contain a number of volatile oils and mixture of terpenoids which causes the popular spice to have that characteristic aroma. The non-volatile oils present in ginger are responsible for its pungent nature and warm sensation when placed in the mouth. How to use Ginger? Ginger is widely used in Jamaica as a spice when cooking to add flavor to a wide range of dishes, meat, baked goods and juices. When treating illnesses, the most popular way to prepare ginger is as a herbal tea. Ginger tea is made by cleaning and stripping a sufficient piece of the stem or by using it in its powdered form. The piece of ginger is then allowed to steep in hot water for a few minutes before being sweetened with honey. The ginger may also be mixed with other herbs such as cinnamon to make an even more potent roots tea. Ginger can be used daily for health benefits but it is recommended by the University of Maryland Medical Center that you do not use more than 4 grams daily. Health Benefits of Ginger Ginger has been used in traditional medicine to treat a large number of illnesses such as the cold, migraines, heart diseases and chronic fatigue. Ginger also contains a host of medicinal properties. Some of the properties are antifungal, antiviral, anti-inflammatory, antiseptic and antiemetic. Those are however only a few of the medicinal properties that the herb possesses hence one can see why ginger is used to treat so many different ailments. The combination of ginger and honey has traditionally been used to treat respiratory problems. Other illnesses and conditions that ginger is used to treat here in Jamaica are diarrhea, sore throat, diabetes, menstrual problems and motion sickness. Its anti-inflammatory properties also make ginger effective in the treatment of arthritis and rheumatism.

Categories: Jamaican Herbs

Medicinal Herbs Is the Best Choice to Treat Health Issues

18 Nov

0 840 Post by admin

It is true that there are many treatments today that are offered to the people in curing their health issues. However, some of them don’t contain helpful ingredients that can really treat several health issues. There are times that it makes the condition of the sick person in a very critical condition. These are some of the reasons why most of the people around the world are choosing medicinal herbs. The presence of medicinal herbs is a great help to them primarily for individuals who are suffering from serious health issues. Medicinal herbs are very safe and efficient to use because they don’t contain certain ingredients like chemicals. They can only found in healthy forest and in some places that cannot visit by the people. There are times that you can see them in your garden or in any areas near your house. This only means that medicinal herbs grow in different place that’s why you can easily found it. These helpful herbs are already used by the people in the early and present years. Most doctors and elders are utilizing these medicines because they are very effective in treating different kinds of health issues. Aside from treating health issues, they can also improve the condition of the immune system, heal skin allergies and boost the resistance of the body from infections, as well as renew and raise the vitality of the body. Due to the health benefits that it provides, you must use these medicines in keeping your body healthy and strong. In addition, medicinal herbs are available in several markets. In this case, you can easily look and purchase them.

Categories: Jamaican Herbs

Natural Herbs Will Help You In Your Health Issues

17 Nov

0 754 Post by admin

Natural herbs are the best choice in treating serious health issues. Most elders who live in the early years are utilizing this rather than the medicines from pharmacies. Due to the word “natural”, you will have the assurance that it will keep your body healthy and block the development of illnesses in your body. When you use it regularly, you will gain more benefits as it can keep your body in its good and safe condition. Herbs are the use in various categories of utilization. But, most people use this in treating different illnesses that can easily bring your life into danger. It actually contains substances that can provide lots of health benefits. These substances are with full strength that can easily remove potential health issues. Aside from that, it can also boost the function of your body so if you are suffering from serious signs and symptoms, you must use natural herbs. Nowadays, natural herbs are also used and combined with foods and drinks. With the impressive and creative ideas of chef’s, they make these herbs more useful and helpful. These are usually put in vegetarian foods and drinks that make it more delicious and nutritious. One of the natural herbs these herbs is the green tea. Green tea can give refresh the body and it can also deliver health advantages. There are some beauty products that include natural herbs to ensure women that their face will still look younger and youthful. If you are interest to purchase natural herbs, you will no longer have worry about the price of it because it is offered in a reasonable rate.

Categories: Jamaican Herbs

Cannabis (Indica, Cannabis, Sativa Ruberlis)

17 Nov

0 912 Post by admin

CANNABIS (Indica, Cannabis, Sativa Ruberlis) Some common names for this popular herb are marijuana, weed, reefer, pot and ganja. Medicinal and other uses: a.Cannabis is used as a liniment for sprains, arthritic pains, asthma, bronchitis and migraine headaches. b.A poultice can be made for sores, external ulcers, sprains, gout, boils, arthritis, infections and to kill pain. c.Fresh leaves can be crushed, lightly heated and applied to sores, ulcers, boils, sweetings, sprains and pains. d.Cannabis will stimulate hair growth and get rid of dandruff and other scalp problems. It can be used as a final rinse or tea rubbed into the scalp. e.Can be as a seasoning as the seeds contain a very nutritious oil and can be sprinkled in soups and other dishes. Credit: LMH Dictionary of Jamaican Herbs L. mike Henry/k.Sean Harris

Categories: Jamaican Herbs

Jamaican Ackee, Blighia Sapida

17 Nov

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Ackee is edible, and in Jamaica it is consumed with salt fish as the national dish. However, the fruit must be allowed to ripen on the tree, otherwise it could be poisonous. Medicinal and other uses: a.The leaves are used to make a tea for colds, flu, asthma and mucus congestion. b.The tea can also be mixed with salt and used as a mouthwash for pyorrhea and gum problems. c.Leaves hung in bunches on porches and around the house will keep away flies and other insects. d.The skin of the ackee can be beaten to a pulp and used as a kind of soap to cloth.

Categories: Jamaican Herbs

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