sinus-and-shortness | Island Herbs & Spices

List of Top Herbs and Spices Used in Jamaican Cooking

13 May

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Jamaican cuisine is celebrated worldwide for its bold flavors, unique spice blends, and health benefits. At Island Herbs and Spices, we pride ourselves on offering a selection of top-quality, organic herbs and spices that are integral to traditional Jamaican cooking. Here, we explore the top 10 herbs and spices used in Jamaican cuisine, all available dried and shipped worldwide from our store. 1. Moringa Leaf Known as the "Miracle Tree," moringa leaf is a powerhouse of nutrients, including vitamins A, C, and E, calcium, protein, and potassium. It's known for its anti-inflammatory properties and ability to boost the immune system. In Jamaican dishes, it's often used in teas and as a health supplement. 2. Ginger A quintessential spice in Jamaican kitchens, ginger is not only favored for its distinctive fiery flavor but also for its numerous health benefits. It aids in digestion, reduces nausea, and has anti-inflammatory properties. Ginger is a staple in many Jamaican dishes, from spicy meat marinades to soothing teas. 3. All-spice (Pimento Seeds and Leaf) All-spice, derived from the dried berries of the pimento tree, tastes like a blend of cloves, nutmeg, and cinnamon. It's a key ingredient in many Jamaican recipes, including jerk seasoning and various stews. The leaves are also used for their aromatic properties in cooking. 4. Turmeric Known for its bright yellow color and earthy flavor, turmeric is a powerful antioxidant with strong anti-inflammatory qualities. It’s commonly used in curries and rice dishes, imparting a rich color and a subtle warmth, besides its health-boosting properties. 5. Cinnamon Powder Cinnamon is cherished not only for its sweet, woody flavor but also for its health benefits, including blood sugar regulation and improved heart health. It’s a common ingredient in baking and is also added to many savory dishes and hot beverages. 6. Cayenne Pepper This hot chili pepper is used to add heat and intensity to dishes. Cayenne pepper is known for boosting metabolism, reducing hunger, and lowering blood pressure. It’s a vital component of spicy Jamaican meats and seafood preparations. 7. Nutmeg Nutmeg adds warmth, sweetness, and depth to dishes. It’s also known for its ability to relieve pain, soothe indigestion, and improve cognitive function. In Jamaican cuisine, nutmeg is often sprinkled in desserts and drinks. 8. Lippia Alba (Sweet Scented) Lippia Alba, or Sweet Scented Lippia, is used both for its calming aroma and its soothing properties. It's often brewed into teas that help with sleep and anxiety. The leaves add a unique, mild flavor to many traditional Jamaican meals. 9. Jerk Spice Jerk spice is the heart of Jamaican jerk cooking. This iconic blend includes green onion, pimento (all-spice), thyme, and other spices. It’s celebrated for its complex flavor profile that’s spicy, sweet, and smoky. Jerk spice is used predominantly on grilled meats and fish, offering not just taste but also antioxidants. 10. Cinnamon Leaf Included in both sweet and savory recipes, cinnamon enhances the flavor profile of dishes with its unmistakable warmth and sweetness. Beyond its culinary uses, cinnamon is known to have anti-inflammatory properties and helps regulate blood sugar levels. 11. Thyme A staple in Jamaican cuisine, thyme is celebrated for its aromatic and culinary versatility. It enhances the flavors of stews, soups, and meat dishes. Thyme is also known for its antibacterial and antifungal properties, making it beneficial for overall health. At Island Herbs and Spices, each of these herbs and spices is cultivated organically in Jamaica, ensuring that you receive only the best quality products to enrich your cooking and health. Explore these flavors and more through our extensive collection, bringing the essence of Jamaica to kitchens around the world.

Categories: Jamaican Herbs

How to Clean and Prepare Herbs

21 Mar

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For many years herbal medicine has been used successfully to treat a number of conditions. There is currently an increasing popularity in the use of herbs as medicine and researches are done daily. The increased popularity of herbal medicine is majorly attributed to their efficiency and minimum side effects. There are millions of herbs people use as medicine and to get the best out of every herb, it is important to prepare them correctly. There are different types of preparations and your choice greatly depends on what you intend to use the herb for.

Infusions

Infusions are the most common and the simplest method of preparing herbs. They are made from the leaves of the plant. You can use both dry and fresh leaves and this varies with the type of herb and what the preparation is going to be used for. If you are using fresh leaves, you will first need to wash them in clean water. Put the required amount in a glass or a stainless pot with water slightly covering them and then cover the pot. Gently heat the mixture until steaming occurs. In case of heat sensitive constituents, cold infusions are preferred. The fresh or dried leaves of the herbs are soaked in water for some hours and then the cold infusions are drawn from the solution.

Decoction

There is a very thin difference between decoctions and infusions. Unlike infusions that are made from the leaves, decoctions are prepared from harder plant matter like the roots, stems and barks. They also require more heat energy as compared to infusions to a get good concentration of the solution. In decoctions, you can also use fresh or dried plant matter. Put them in a pot, add optimum amount of water and heat the mixture to boil. Once the boiling point has been achieved, cover the pot, turn the heat down and simmer for 20-40 minutes to make the medicine effective.

Tincture

Tinctures are concentrated solutions made by extracting the active compounds of herbs using a mixture of water and alcohol. The role of alcohol in the preparation of tinctures is to help in extracting the medicinal constituents of herbs like resins, volatile oils and alkaloids. It also acts as a preservative thereby increasing the shelf life of the medicine. Since alcohol is easily absorbed in to the bloodstream, it promotes the absorption of herbs after oral administration. Glycerin and vinegar can also be used in this process.

Dry preparations

There are a lot of herbs that are used in dried and powdered forms. The powdered herbs can further be made in to teas or capsules. To make a tea, the powdered herb is put in to a cup, cold or hot water is added depending with the instructions, the mixture is stirred and then a solution is made. To make capsules one needs empty veg-caps which are then separated and the powdered herbs are put in them in the required amounts before they are closed again.

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

Medicinal Herbs Is the Best Choice to Treat Health Issues

18 Nov

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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

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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

Jamaican Spices And Herbs

17 Nov

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Spices and herbs are being described as a part of plant that is usually used in cooking, pleasure, and medicines in different countries. These kinds of plants come from a group or family of helpful plants that can really help individuals in keeping their body healthy. Herbs are the leafy and green parts of plants and they are the most flavorsome and effective to use for various purposes. However, spices are drawn from any parts of the plants such as cloves, cinnamon, ginger, peppercorns, and cumin. These two are getting more popular in different industries primarily in business. Businessmen are utilizing them as the main ingredient in their products so that they can guarantee their customers that their products are safe and effective to use. For chefs, they always use these ingredients in the foods that usually eat by most vegetarians. Aside from that, they also put herbs in the drinks to give the body a refreshing feeling. With spices and herbs, people can will no longer use unhelpful medicines and unhealthy foods that can give them lots of health issues. This kind of plant will give them the assurance that they can keep their body free from illnesses. Aside from that, they will no longer have to worry in your immune system because it can also improve its condition. If you want to gain these benefits, purchase spices and herbs in the market and make sure that you use it in a proper way to avoid issues.

Categories: Jamaican Herbs

Spanish Needle (bidens pilosa)

17 Nov

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What is Spanish Needle? Spanish Needle, scientifically known as BidensPilosa, is a medical herb that forms part of the Asteraceae family. The plant is native to South America but has become common in many tropical and subtropical areas of the world. The annual plant grows to about 2 metres in height and grows aggressively, often times becoming weedy. The Spanish Needle’s leaves are oppositely arranged and the plant may flower at any time of the year. The plant grows freely in Jamaica and is also known by names such as Black Jack, Needle Grass, Broomstick, Beggars Tick and Demon Spike Grass. How to use Spanish Needle? Spanish Needle may be used in a number of ways in order to reap the plant’s health benefits. The leaves may be eaten raw like green vegetables or used as a potherb. Spanish Needle may also be boiled and prepared with dishes such as callaloo and cabbage to create a tasty and healthy meal that is loaded with a number of health benefits. The sap obtained from the crushed leaves of the plant can also be used on fresh cutsto aid in speeding up the blood clotting. Spanish Needle is also used in Jamaica and in many other parts of the word to make herbal tea. The herbal tea prepared from the plant is commonly used as a general beverage or as a treatment for worms and flatulence. Health Benefits of Spanish Needle The root, leaves and seed of the Spanish Needle have been known to possess anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, antiseptic, antimicrobial and antidysenteric properties. Spanish Needle also serves as a diuretic and contains antimalarial properties, making extracts from the plant a treatment for malaria in certain cultures. Due to the plant’s antiseptic properties, plant extract may also be used as a natural mouthwash to combat odor causing germs along with sore gums and mouth. The herb is also beneficial in treating joint discomfort, swellings, colic, stomach ailments along with the cold and flu.

Categories: Jamaican Herbs

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