JAMAICA has an abundance of herbs, spices and plants that have proven medicinal properties. At least half of all the earth’s plants known to have medicinal value are endemic to Jamaica.

The global nutraceutical industry is considered one of the fastest growing sectors worldwide. Currently, it is estimated at US$270 billion and is projected to be worth US$600 billion by 2018. There is enormous economic potential here for Jamaica, and it is encouraging to hear that Prime Minister Portia Simpson Miller and her Administration are making strides in establishing a strategic programme to formalise Jamaica’s nutraceutical industry.

Let us never take what we have for granted. Many people in Jamaica only have to walk out to their backyards and find a host of plants that can be used as herbs for seasoning food, healing and treating ailments, and simply enjoying them as teas. Additionally, many of these plants and herbs can be used for natural body care and household purposes too. What a blessing! I absolutely love when I discover herbs or spices that can be used for more than just flavouring my food.

Personally, I would term these as “super herbs”, meaning a herb or plant that will offer you multiple uses. Below are three of my favourites, all of which can be grown or bought locally.

CILANTRO

Most people either love it or hate it. I love it! Not to be confused with flat-leafed parsley or our local celery, since the leaves can look quite similar (cilantro’s leaves and stems are much softer and a slightly lighter green).

Cilantro, also known as coriander in some parts of the world, brings such a rich flavour to food, especially tomato- or bean-type dishes, and is used a lot in Mexican food. It is considered one of the top herbs for purging heavy metals from the body, such as lead and mercury. Unfortunately, far too many people are unaware of the slow leaking of mercury into the bloodstream, often caused by mercury tooth fillings.

Cilantro is beneficial for diabetics because it helps to control blood sugar, and can also reduce blood pressure. It has been known to be good for stopping diarrhoea, vomiting, nausea, and stomach complaints. It contains vitamins A, C, K, Folate, and the minerals manganese, potassium, iron, and calcium. The sulphur found in cilantro also helps to promote healthy skin and hair.

THYME

This is one of Jamaica’s favourites. Thyme is a great kitchen herb and one of the best cough remedies in the herb kingdom. It is also effective for asthma, bronchitis, lung and/or throat problems such as tonsillitis. Some people also drink it as a tea for upset stomachs, flu, congestion, soothing nerves, insomnia – and even reducing nightmares.

It actually makes a great aromatic tea and can be sweetened with a little honey, if you need help acquiring the taste. Many women who regularly drink thyme tea have reported that it has helped with uterine cramps, PMS and menstruation flow. I love the fact that it grows so easily and abundantly in Jamaica (requires sunny dry areas). It is a good tonic for strengthening the immune system and has also been linked to the treatment of more serious conditions such as multiple sclerosis, stroke, rheumatism, and paralysis.

BIRD PEPPER/CAYENNE PEPPER

This tiny red pepper which looks very unassuming in its plant form should not be taken lightly. It is extremely hot to the taste and even more powerful when it comes to treating conditions. Because of its heat, it is very warming to the body and will help with poor circulation, removing excess mucous from the body, sinusitis, coughs and colds.

It is a very good natural antibiotic which, if used regularly, builds resistance to flus and viral infections. Cayenne pepper bought from the health food store is usually much stronger than the regular supermarket brands. It can be used to treat motion sickness by using it as a tea or adding to a light soup before travel.

Bird pepper/cayenne pepper is known as a “carrier”. It works well with other herbs and spices and increases their healing and medicinal properties. I’ve also found it to be effective as a natural insecticide when diluted with water and sprayed on my garden vegetables.

I use cayenne pepper in many of my raw foods from juices to stews – sometimes it’s so subtle that you can’t even taste it (but the “medicine” is there). Whenever I teach a raw food class I always implore people to make sure they have this one in their kitchens at all times. It may literally save a life.

Bena Nakawuki is an internationally trained and certified raw food teacher, wellness coach and editor. She is currently the only certified member of the International Association of Raw Food Coaches and Teachers in Jamaica and an ambassador for the Branson Centre of Entrepreneurship Caribbean. Bena is the owner of The Lotus Line and may be contacted at TheLotusLine@gmail.com, www.facebook.com – The Lotus Line of Natural Health Products and Services, and twitter.com/TheLotusLine.