Medicinal plants and “bush teas” are part of everyday life in Jamaica. Families pass down simple remedies for digestion, colds, skin care, sleep, and general wellness. This page lists well known herbs and leaves, with plain descriptions, basic botany, common uses, and simple tea prep notes. These plants can support wellness, but see a healthcare professional for chronic or severe issues.
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Description: Long used for skin care and minor burns; cooling gel from inner leaf is the key part used.
Botanical: Asphodelaceae family.
Medicinal uses: Topical soothing of sunburn and minor skin irritation; in some homes a small amount is taken as a bitter tonic.
Tea prep: More often used as gel. If used as a drink, keep amounts small and avoid the bitter latex.
Description: Traditional household remedy; grated and steeped.
Botanical: Cola spp., Malvaceae family.
Medicinal uses: Folk use for energy, alertness, and as a general digestive pick-me-up.
Tea prep: Grate a small amount and steep in hot water; strain well.
Description: Classic bitter bush tea made from a climbing vine.
Botanical: Momordica charantia, Cucurbitaceae family.
Medicinal uses: Folk use for digestion and general “clean-up.”
Tea prep: Rinse vine or leaves, steep briefly in hot water; do not over-steep due to bitterness.
Description: Used as a gentle bitter tea in many homes.
Botanical: Taraxacum officinale, Asteraceae family.
Medicinal uses: Traditional use as a mild digestive and general tonic.
Tea prep: Steep dried leaves or roots in hot water for a few minutes; strain.
Description: Fragrant grassy clumps grown in many yards.
Botanical: Cymbopogon citratus, Poaceae family.
Medicinal uses: Folk use for calm and simple cold comfort.
Tea prep: Bruise stalks, simmer gently, then steep and strain. Often sweetened.
Description: Kitchen staple also used in home remedies.
Botanical: Allium sativum, Amaryllidaceae family.
Medicinal uses: Traditional support for colds and general wellness.
Tea prep: Lightly crush a clove, steep briefly in hot water with ginger or honey; strain.
Description: Sharp, warming root used daily in Jamaica.
Botanical: Zingiber officinale, Zingiberaceae family.
Medicinal uses: Folk use for nausea, gas, and simple digestive relief.
Tea prep: Slice fresh ginger, simmer a few minutes, then steep and sweeten if desired.
Description: Strong-smelling herb also called anamu in the region.
Botanical: Petiveria alliacea, Phytolaccaceae family.
Medicinal uses: Traditional bush tea for general cleansing in some communities.
Tea prep: Use small amounts; steep briefly and strain well due to strong taste and aroma.
Description: Thick, fleshy leaves; popular home remedy plant.
Botanical: Bryophyllum pinnatum (Kalanchoe), Crassulaceae family.
Medicinal uses: Folk use for cough and simple respiratory comfort; also used on minor skin issues.
Tea prep: Wash leaf, tear into pieces, steep in hot water; strain.
Description: Fresh yard mint or dried peppermint used for a light, cooling tea.
Botanical: Mentha × piperita, Lamiaceae family.
Medicinal uses: Folk use for gas, after-meal comfort, and simple cold relief.
Tea prep: Steep mint leaves a few minutes; strain and sweeten as desired.
Description: Grown as a hardy tree; leaves used fresh or dried.
Botanical: Moringa oleifera, Moringaceae family.
Medicinal uses: Folk use as a daily green tea for general nourishment.
Tea prep: Steep dried leaves; avoid boiling hard to keep flavor smooth.
Description: From the allspice tree; leaves give warm, clove-like notes.
Botanical: Pimenta dioica, Myrtaceae family.
Medicinal uses: Folk use for a soothing, aromatic cup and mild stomach comfort.
Tea prep: Steep a few leaves with ginger or lemongrass; strain.
Description: Traditional blends made by steeping roots, barks, and herbs.
Botanical: Mixes vary by maker; may include sarsaparilla, chaney root, strong back, medina, and others.
Medicinal uses: Folk use as a general tonic.
Tea prep: Usually prepared as a slow steep or decoction; recipes differ widely. Use modest servings.
Description: Bush tea known across Jamaica; valued by elders.
Botanical: Common name used locally; exact species can vary by area.
Medicinal uses: Folk use for general toning and calm.
Tea prep: Steep rinsed sprigs in hot water for a short time; strain well.
Description: Deep red calyces used for festive drinks and daily teas.
Botanical: Hibiscus sabdariffa, Malvaceae family.
Medicinal uses: Folk use as a refreshing, tangy tea; often spiced with ginger.
Tea prep: Steep dried calyces with ginger; strain and sweeten as desired. Serve hot or chilled.
Description: Leaves from the soursop tree; gentle, soothing cup.
Botanical: Annona muricata, Annonaceae family.
Medicinal uses: Folk use for relaxation and bedtime.
Tea prep: Steep a few leaves in hot water for several minutes; strain before drinking.
Description: Yard shrubs and soft herbs used for everyday teas; varies by parish and family tradition.
Botanical: Mixed; may include lemongrass, mint, and other local greens.
Medicinal uses: General household teas for calm, cold comfort, and after-meal ease.
Tea prep: Pick fresh sprigs, rinse, steep in hot water, then strain.
Description: Key Jamaican seasoning that doubles as a mild tea.
Botanical: Thymus vulgaris, Lamiaceae family.
Medicinal uses: Folk use for simple throat and cold comfort.
Tea prep: Steep a few sprigs in hot water; strain. Often paired with ginger or honey.
Description: Golden rhizome related to ginger.
Botanical: Curcuma longa, Zingiberaceae family.
Medicinal uses: Folk use for general joint and digestive comfort.
Tea prep: Simmer slices or a pinch of powder; add black pepper and ginger to round the taste.
Description: Traditional bitter herb used across the Caribbean.
Botanical: Verbena/Verbena-type species; commonly called blue vervain.
Medicinal uses: Folk use as a calming bitter tea.
Tea prep: Steep a small amount to avoid excessive bitterness; strain well.
Herbal teas can interact with medicines and may not suit everyone. Use modest amounts, avoid in pregnancy unless advised, and speak with a healthcare professional for ongoing health problems.