| Traditional Healing Plants of Bermuda | |
Bermuda has a rich heritage of herbalism. In the 1600s and 1700's, slaves and indentured servants organized rebellions against land overseers using noxious herbs. Plants were also used for healing. In early Bermuda, healing through the use of herbs was done in secrecy for fear of being accused of "conspiracy against church and crown."
Here is a brief materia medica of some of the traditional healing plants of Bermuda. Remedies are in the form of infusions, decoctions, poultices and compresses.
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Bidens Pilosa: commonly known as Shepherds Needle. Used as an antiseptic and antibiotic. As an infusion, it was used to treat sore gums and mouth sores. |
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Bryophyllum Pinnatum: commonly known as Life Plant. The juice is used to treat hypertension, colds and bronchitis. It is used in a poultice to treat boils, ulcers, and insect bites. |
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Cactus Opuntia: commonly known as Prickly Pear. Small quantities of raw pulp is used to stop diarrhea. |
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Cichorium Intybus: commonly known as Chickory. Dried root decoction was used to counteract some types of diabetes. An infusion of leaves was used to clean and strengthen the liver and spleen. A herb infusion and bath treats eczema. |
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Cymbo Pogon Citratus: commonly known as Lemon Grass. Used to treat fevers and improve muscle tone. |
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Eriobotrya Japonica: commonly known as Loquat. A decoction of the leaves help counteract Candida Albicans. |
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Foeniculum Vulgare: commonly known as Fennel. Dried seeds were eaten to counteract arthritis, sluggishness and obesity. An infusion of bruised leaves is used as a tonic for the liver. |
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Juniperus Bermudiana: commonly known as Bermuda Cedar. Used by early settlers as a cold remedy. |
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Justica Secunda: commonly known as Father John. Infusion used to reduce fevers and in a tonic to build up the body. |
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Papaver Rhoeas: commonly known as Field Poppy. Herb and infusions were used to treat chest pain, anxiety, insomnia, and nerve problems. |
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Pimenta Diocia Officinalis: commonly known as Allspice. Used to boost the immune system. The leaves and berrys are antioxidents. An infusion of dried leaves is used to treat a fever. |
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Plantago Lanceolata: commonly known as Plantain. Used in a poultice to heal ulcers and wounds. Used as an infusion to detoxify the body and cure sexual diseases. |
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Pluchea Symhitifolia: commonly known as Cows Tongue. Used in a poultice to reduce swelling from a dislocation. Used in an infusion to reduce fever. |
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Syyrnium Olusatrum: commonly known as Alexander. Used in a poultice to relieve rheumatoid arthritis, sprains and painful joints. |
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Verbas Cum Thapsus: commonly known as Mullein. Dried and rolled leaves were smoked to relieve asthma. Used in an infusion, it relieved hay fever and bronchitis. Used in a poultice, it counteracted piles. |
For more information, contact Mrs. Juliet Duncan (441) 293-7330. Mrs. Duncan has produced an informative poster titled "Historic and Edible Herbs & Berries of Bermuda." More information about how the plants above are prepared as remedies can be found on this poster or by contacting Mrs. Duncan. She also coordinates "On the Gomba Trail," a guided hike along a historic nature trail where visitors learn about culinary and medicinal uses of the plants they saw. Additionally, visitors will learn about the Gombey whose masks are seen as a key to ancient traditions and a connection to the Native American ancestors of Bermudians.
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More Information |
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Mrs.
Juliet Duncan (441) 293-7330 Department of Agriculture & Parks and the Botanical Gardens Visitor Centre (441) 236-4201 |
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