1. Home
  2. Travel
  3. Spas
Traditional Healing Plants of Bermuda
Julie Register, Your Guide to Spas, visited The Sonesta Beach Resort Bermuda in August 2002.  

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.


Acalypha: commonly known as Match Me if You Can. It is used in a compress to reduce fever by encouraging sweat and relieving inflammations. 

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.

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.

Cactus Opuntia: commonly known as Prickly Pear. Small quantities of raw pulp is used to stop diarrhea. 

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.

Cymbo Pogon Citratus: commonly known as Lemon Grass. Used to treat fevers and improve muscle tone.

Eriobotrya Japonica: commonly known as Loquat. A decoction of the leaves help counteract Candida Albicans.

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.

Juniperus Bermudiana: commonly known as Bermuda Cedar. Used by early settlers as a cold remedy.

Justica Secunda: commonly known as Father John. Infusion used to reduce fevers and in a tonic to build up the body.

Papaver Rhoeas: commonly known as Field Poppy. Herb and infusions were used to treat chest pain, anxiety, insomnia, and nerve problems.

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.

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.

Pluchea Symhitifolia: commonly known as Cows Tongue. Used in a poultice to reduce swelling from a dislocation. Used in an infusion to reduce fever.

Syyrnium Olusatrum: commonly known as Alexander. Used in a poultice to relieve rheumatoid arthritis, sprains and painful joints. 

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.

More Information

• Mrs. Juliet Duncan (441) 293-7330
• On the Gomba Trail
• Short Excursions into Bermuda's Unique History, Art, Architecture and Environment
• Bermuda Arts and Culture
• Let's Explain Bermuda
• Bermuda Gardens island-wide

• Department of Agriculture & Parks and the Botanical Gardens Visitor Centre (441) 236-4201

• Bahamian Bush Medicine

 

Index



Click HERE to return to the Sonesta Beach Resort Bermuda main article

Click HERE for photos of the Spa at Sonesta Beach Resort Bermuda


Click HERE for photos of a perfect romantic day - sail and snorkel, champagne and chocolate-covered strawberries, a romantic spa experience and Paradise Dining at the Sonesta Beach Resort Bermuda 
Click HERE for photos of the Sonesta Beach Resort Bermuda   

Click HERE for photos of things to do in Bermuda

 

Music in Bersalon Spa 


Natural Massage Therapy

Related Books



Frommer's Bermuda 2003


Fodor's Bermuda 2002


Images of Bermuda


Bermuda Gardens & Houses


Diving Bermuda

Contact More Spas in Bermuda Related Resources
Sonesta Beach Resort 
Bermuda

• Address: 
No. 6 Sonesta Drive
Southampton SN02
P.O. Box HM1070
Hamilton HMEX, Bermuda
• Phone: (441) 238-8122
• Fax: (441) 238-1245
Email
Web Site
• Spas in Bermuda

• Blissful in Bermuda

• Bermuda Department of Tourism
• Bermuda Underwater Exploration Institute
• Bermuda Aquarium, Museum & Zoo
• Ocean Wind Sail Charters
Mike Voegeli
PO Box HM 1699
Hamilton HMGX, Bermuda
441-238-0825
• Crystal Caves
Wilkinson Avenue
441-293-0640

Photos copyright 2002, Julie Register
Licensed to About.com  

 Let Your Voice Be Heard! Vote in the Spa Site Polls

Share your spa experiences in Bermuda on the Spa Site Forum in the "Share Your Spa Experience" folder.

Please help support this site by clicking the ads that appear here.

Like this article? Want to read more? Check out the Previous Features

Explore Spas
About.com Special Features

Holiday Central

What to eat, where to go, fun things to do and how to save money on the perfect gifts. More >

Vacations Made Easy

Find travel inspiration and get the best tips and reviews for your next getaway. More >

  1. Home
  2. Travel
  3. Spas

©2009 About.com, a part of The New York Times Company.

All rights reserved.