Medicinal Database

Find out the medicinal qualities of some of our Jamaican Flora!

Scientfic Name	Common Name	Users
Achyranthes indica (L.) Mill	Nettle/Devil's Horsewhip	Achyranthes indica is often used in teas that are effective at treating ailments such as: cold,colic, nausea, flu, fever, chest pains and general pains. It has also been linked to the treatment of venereal diseases and the leaves and roots are sometimes used for treating children with malnutrition.
Alysicarpus vaginalis (L.) DC.	Medina	In most cases, it is prepared as a tea that acts as a remedy for conditions such as: menstrual pain in females and gas (indigestion). It is also known for its use as an aphrodisiac.
Ambrosia peruviana Willd	Bitter Tansy	The leaves of this plant are used in teas to minimize the effects of fevers (it functions as a febrifuge) on the body.
Andrographis paniculata (Burm.f.)	Rice Bitters	Andrographis paniculata is often compounded with other plants such as: Logwood Heart, Bitter Albut, and Bitter Tobacco to create a drink for diabetics. It can also be used in beverages to treat ailments such as stomach ache, flu and cold. Andrographis paniculata has been connected to the treatment of dysentery, malaria and cholera, and it is a rich source of Potassium.
Andropogon citratus DC.(synonymous with Cymbopogon citratus DC.)	Fever Grass/ Lemon Grass	As the common name suggests, this plant is used primarily for the treatment of fevers and influenza. The grass itself as well as the rhizomes of the plant are used in teas that are effective against fevers and nervous headaches. Also, the grass is known to possess volatile oils that are said to yield antispasmodic and antiseptic effects. Decoction of the leaf is also effective against problems with coughs.
Asclepias curassavica L.	Red Head/ Red Top/ Blood Flowers	Decoctions of the roots of this plant, serve as effective remedies for fevers as well as venereal diseases while the leaves are used in a poultice that is applied to sores in order to promote healing. In most cases, the fluid from the plant is made into a syrup to expel parasitic worms from infants. The milky latex from the plant is employed to treat warts and the root has long been known for its emetic effect (induces vomiting to clear the stomach).
Bidens cynapiifolia Kunth	Chamomile/ Spanish Needle	Herbal teas made from this plant, are often effective at treating fevers and a poultice made from the leaves is used to relieve ear-ache. Plant juice has exhibited antibacterial effects and it is often used as a wash for conjunctivitis (pink eye). Bidens cynapiifolia is also known for its effectiveness at relieving tooth aches.
Bidens pilosa L.	Spanish Needle	This plant is often boiled with lard to relieve bowel problems and it is also used in teas to aid with the expulsion of parasitic worms. The flowers are of strong medicinal value along with the foliage of the plant and are together steeped to relieve stomachaches in children and skin rashes (from prickly heat). The tea may also be used as a remedy for cold, gas (indigestion), high blood pressure, fever and it is often used as a diuretic by individuals suffering from urinary tract disorders. Additionally, the plant is boiled with or without Anethum graveolens to treat problems with hot urine (Â“cooling the urineÂ”). Bath with decoction is effective at relieving itches. The fluid from the leaves is effective at treating irritation of the eyes.
Bixa orellana L.	Anatto/Annatto	Aqueous and rum infusion of the root can be used by diabetics and this infusion can also be used for treating flu and venereal diseases. Seed infusions can be used to treat individuals with oliguria. Additionally, the leaf extract contains the phytochemicals: cyanidin and ellagic acid, which have both been linked to anti cancer properties due to the presence of anti-oxidants.
Blighia sapida Konig	Ackee	The leaves of the plants may be decocted and used as a rub for general pains. Additionally, teas made from the leaves can be used for treating colds and salt may be added to the tea and used for a mouthwash in persons with pyorrhea (dental inflammatory disease).
Borreria laevis (Lam.) Griseb	Shine A Night	Borreria laevis (Lam.) Griseb, is used in teas to relieve constipation and it is also effective at treating colds. In some cases it is compounded with plants of other genera such as Cuscuta and Zebrina to treat Amenorrhea (abnormal supression or absence of menstruation). Additionally, Borreria is used as a diuretic (especially when compunded with Iresine and Desmodium) for individuals suffering from urinary tract disorders.
Bryophyllum pinnatum (LAM.) Oken	Leaf of Life	The bruised leaves are used as dressing for insect bites, bruises, boils and ulcers. Boiled leaves from the plant and decoction can be used as a remedy for hot urine or when urine is dark in hue. It is also effective at ridding the intestines of bacterial infection and the leaves of the plant can be steeped to alleviate the pains associated with kidney problems. The Abaxial side (back) of the leaves can be placed on cuts to promote healing of wounds. The bryophilline content of the leaf extracts makes this plant effective against Gram positive Bacteria.