As somebody who grew up within the Caribbean and frolicked with grandparents who have been raised within the Caribbean countryside, I’ve come to know of their deep-rooted perception that there’s a pure treatment for each ailment. Whether or not they made you rub it, sniff it, put it on the soles of your ft, wrap it across the affected space or drink it, there’s in all probability nothing you possibly can say to persuade them that something is best than their all-natural, typically awful-tasting, strong-smelling elixirs.
Lengthy earlier than the appearance of recent medication, our ancestors used herbs for well being and it’s a observe that has been handed down era to era and nonetheless exists at the moment. Although to some herbalism could appear unconventional, trendy medication, by over prescription, has more and more began to characterize a significant menace to public well being. Probably the most outstanding points reported are drug security, pricing, information disclosure, importation, scientific research design, advertising restrictions, DTC promoting, animal testing, worldwide market, growing international locations, and even the expansion of drug counterfeiting.
Sure, advances in medicines have enabled docs to remedy many sicknesses and save lives. Nevertheless, inside the Caribbean there’s a centuries-old custom of utilizing natural elixirs for common wellbeing to deal with the frequent chilly and even persistent illnesses. Right here is compiled an inventory of the extra in style pure cures that our Caribbean elders swear by:
- Aloe Vera
The clear gel discovered within the plant’s leaf is used for medicinal functions. The gel is believed to be exceptional for wounds, burns, and infections whereas the brown a part of the plant incorporates aloin, a robust laxative used to treatment short-term constipation. Aloe vera can also be used to remedy conjunctivitis. Once I had a typical chilly and cough, I’d be instructed to take a shot of aloe vera due to its anti-inflammatory properties.
- Breadfruit leaves
These are sometimes drawn and utilized in tea to deal with hypertension. The leaves are additionally crushed and certain to at least one’s head or brow to deal with complications.
- Ginger
Ginger is loaded with vitamins which have a confirmed monitor file of therapeutic many illnesses. It’s typically used to scale back nausea, battle the flu/frequent chilly and assist with digestion. Ginger can also be used to scale back menstrual cramps and muscular ache and decrease blood sugar ranges.
- Honey
Honey is an alternate for sugar and can also be used to counter acid reflux disease. Through the years it has additionally confirmed efficient in treating abdomen ulcers, hypertension, weight problems, jaundice and eczema. One of the crucial frequent pure cough cures within the Caribbean is honey blended with lime juice and garlic.
- Limes
The vitamins present in one lime gives as much as 32 per cent of the vitamin C wanted in a day. They develop year-round within the Caribbean and should not solely utilized in meals, however in addition they act as an antioxidant which helps counteract disease-causing cells.
- Thyme
Thyme is usually used to deal with coughs. The fragrant herb is loaded with nutritional vitamins C and A and is believed to spice up one’s immune system. Due to its antiseptic and antifungal properties it is usually a typical ingredient utilized in oral hygiene.
- Cinnamon
Cinnamon (floor or in bark kind) is used extensively in dishes all through the Caribbean, and can be utilized to manage blood sugar ranges in diabetics, assist decrease unhealthy ldl cholesterol and in flip elevate good ldl cholesterol and assist management indigestion and digestion.
- Turmeric
Research exhibits that turmeric has antifungal and antibacterial properties. It’s popularly consumed as a tea by many individuals who imagine it treats arthritis signs and helps enhance one’s immune signs and decrease ldl cholesterol.
Typical medication has been developed by a long time of analysis and is the evidence-based commonplace for healthcare. Nevertheless, conventional medication holds excessive therapeutic worth and will play an necessary cultural position in illness administration. The pool of scientific literature stays small however it’s attainable to create alternatives for concord between these approaches to wellness.
