Welcome to Part Four of Jamaican Herbs and Their Traditional Uses. These traditional uses are part of Jamaica's long history of bush medicine. They describe traditional folk use, not proven medical treatments. Some herbs can be toxic, interact with medication or be unsafe during pregnancy, so proper identification and professional guidance are important before medicinal use.
1. Clammy Bur
Botanical name: Priva lappulacea
Traditionally used in Jamaican folk medicine for colds.
2. Jamaica Senna
Botanical name: Senna italica
Also listed as: Cassia italica
Jamaica senna has traditionally been used as a strong bowel herb. The plant has also been used externally on burns and ulcers.
3. Wandering Jew
Botanical name: Zebrina pendula
Traditionally used in Jamaican bush medicine for colds and other respiratory complaints.
4. Dead Weed
Botanical name: Conyza canadensis
Dead weed has traditionally been used for diarrhea, sore throat and skin complaints.
5. Rockside Daisy
Botanical name: Erigeron karvinskianus
This small herb has traditionally been used in Jamaican folk preparations for colds.
6. Hemp Agrimony
Botanical name: Eupatorium macrophyllum
Traditionally associated with bush remedies for coughs and colds.
7. Cow Gall Bitter
Botanical name: Neurolaena lobata
As its name suggests, this is a bitter herb. It has traditionally been used for colds, stomach complaints, sores and as a general bitter bush preparation.
8. Wild Tobacco
Botanical name: Pluchea odorata
Traditionally used externally for sores and historically included in preparations for stomach complaints.
9. Wild Camphor
Botanical name: Croton wilsonii
An herb found only in Jamaica. It has traditionally been associated with bush remedies for cold
10. Eyebright
Botanical name: Euphorbia thymifolia
Traditionally used for colds, intestinal complaints and externally on minor cuts.
11. Maidenhead Fern
Botanical name: Adiantum tenerum
This delicate fern has traditionally been prepared as a bush remedy for colds and general wellness.
12. White Stick Fern
Botanical name: Dryopteris denticulata
Traditionally associated with Jamaican bush preparations for colds.
13. Hug-Me-Tight Fern
Botanical name: Polypodium Heterophylla
Historically used in Jamaican herbal baths, particularly in traditional women's bush preparations.
14. Cow Tongue Fern
Botanical name: Polypodium phyllitidis
Traditionally used in preparations for colds and fever.
15. Burr Grass
Botanical name: Cenchrus species
Burr grass has traditionally been used in bush tea preparations for fever, colds and vomiting.
16. Guinea Grass
Btanical name: Panicum maximum
Although commonly known as a pasture grass, it is an herbaceous plant and has also appeared in Jamaican folk medicine, particularly in preparations for fever.
17. Iron Wort
Botanical name: Hyptis capitata
Traditionally used for colds, constipation and respiratory complaints. It has also been used externally on wounds and sores.
18. Field Basil
Botanical name: Salvia occidentalis
Field basil has historically been used in Jamaican folk medicine, including traditional preparations for women's menstrual complaints.
19. Wild Ochra
Botanical name: Malachra alceifolia
Not to be confused with cultivated okra. Wild ochra is a herb traditionally used for colds and fever.
20. Mallow
Botanical name: Malvastrum coromandelianum
Traditionally used as a bush preparation for stomach pain and digestive discomfort.
21. Yellow Sorrel
Botanical name: Oxalis corniculata
Not to be confused with the Jamaican Christmas sorrel drink. Yellow sorrel is a small creeping herb traditionally regarded as cooling and used for fever and stomach complaints.
22. Wild Pinder
Botanical name: Desmodium axillare
Traditionally used for back pain, kidney-related bush preparations and skin complaints such as acne.
23. Gentian Root
Botanical name: Gentiana lutea
Gentian root is a bitter herb traditionally used to support digestion, stimulate appetite, and ease indigestion and bloating.
24. Raichie
Botanical name: Waltheria indica
Traditionally used in bush preparations for coughs, colds and general weakness.
25. Kingston Buttercup
Botanical name: Tribulus cistoides
Traditionally used in Jamaican folk medicine for colds and in preparations associated with kidney and bladder complaints.
