Crazy Jamaica
Zooming in on Jamaica
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(Cinnamon) – (sinkle bible) – (sarsaparilla)-Jamaican herbs
Cinnamon.
Cinnamon twigs and leaves are sold in Jamaican markets. Boiling water poured on to them makes a
drink which may also be taken on corn meal porridge. It is said to be good for the stomach. It is thought to have
been introduced into Jamaica in 1782 by Admiral Rodney. Cinnamon powder is very effective for diabetics when sprinkled on food daily.
———————————————————————————————————-Sinkle Bible).
This species yields the Barbados or Cura~ao aloes of commerce. Despite, or perhaps on account of. its
unpleasant smell and bitter taste the plant is much esteemed in Jamaican peasant medicine. A small piece of the
leaf is boiled to make tea for biliousness and colds. For colds the peeled leaf is cut up and steeped in proof rum,
half a wineglassful being taken in the morning for several days and followed the next day with a dose of salts
and senna. The split leaf is applied to wounds and tied on for headaches. As a purgative dose the slime may be
scraped out and beaten up with an egg. Similar uses are made of aloe species by various African tribes. Curacao
aloes contains 10 to 20 per cent of aloin (barbaloin and isobarbaloin). 86 to 88 per cent resin. emodin and a little
volatile oil. In the past aloes has also been used in Jamaica to improve the digestion and appetite, for worms,
and to promote menstrual flow. —————————————————————–Sarsaparilla
Jamaican Sarsaparilla.(ornata hook)
The roots are the parts of the plants which are used. Sarsaparilla is official and occurs in the pharmacopoeias of Britain and India. It was formerly imported from Central America via Jamaica. Sarsaparilla is very
commonly used with chainey root and other plants to make a tonic. It may also be used
alone for the same purpose and for general pain.