{"id":179,"date":"2015-03-20T14:28:56","date_gmt":"2015-03-20T14:28:56","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/islandoutpost.com\/outpostings\/?p=179"},"modified":"2021-08-04T13:27:30","modified_gmt":"2021-08-04T13:27:30","slug":"jamaicas-natural-home-remedies","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.islandoutpost.com\/outpostings\/2015\/03\/20\/jamaicas-natural-home-remedies\/","title":{"rendered":"Jamaica\u2019s Natural Home Remedies"},"content":{"rendered":"

Walk through an open-air market in Jamaica, and you\u2019re likely to hear Jamaicans shouting out unsolicited solutions to all<\/i> of your health problems, real and imagined. We aren\u2019t talking pills: It\u2019s all about the natural remedies here, people!<\/p>\n

When Island Outpost yoga instructor and spa director Sienna Creasy moved to Jamaica ten years ago, she was struck by this. \u201cJamaicans are so quick to offer an herb when you\u2019re sick,\u201d Creasy says. \u201cIt\u2019s pretty amazing to find that on an island where people otherwise keep to themselves.\u201d  She listened to their advice, and now incorporates the island\u2019s abundant herbs, fruits and vegetables into her spa treatments, as well as her own health regimen. Here, she shares her favorite natural health remedies, which you can try on the island or back at home.<\/p>\n

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Symptom<\/i><\/b>: Joint inflammation<\/p>\n

Jamaican natural remedy: <\/i><\/b>Ginger<\/p>\n

How it works:
\n<\/i><\/b>We all know that ginger helps an upset stomach. Jamaicans will tell you ginger is also a great reliever of inflammation and joint pain. If your ankles hurt after a day spent surfing, paddleboarding or hiking, get your hands on literally anything ginger\u2014tea, biscuits, ginger beer, smoothies or cookies. The more intense the flavor, the better: We like to cut up a big knob of fresh ginger and steep  in hot water for a spicy tea.<\/p>\n

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Symptom<\/i><\/b>: Mosquito bites<\/p>\n

Jamaican natural remedy:<\/i><\/b> Lemongrass oil extract<\/p>\n

How it works<\/b>:
\nBenefits of island living? The beach, fresh fruit and lush tropical greenery. The downside? Pesky mosquitos. Luckily, we have lemongrass or \u201cfever grass<\/a>\u201d oil as many Jamaicans call it, which is a natural mosquito repellent. If you can\u2019t find this at the health food store, you can  Do-It-Yourself<\/a>: Don\u2019t worry, you won\u2019t need a ton of ingredients and ten hands in the kitchen. It\u2019s simple!<\/p>\n

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Symptom: <\/i><\/b>Impotency  <\/i><\/b><\/p>\n

Natural remedy: <\/i><\/b>Moringa<\/p>\n

How it works:
\n<\/i><\/b>The nutrient-packed moringa, a flowering plant native to the sub-Himalayas, is Jamaica\u2019s latest must-try superfood. (Prediction: Coming soon to a Whole Foods near you!) We\u2019ll keep things PG here, but moringa is known for increasing one\u2019s sex drive. In fact, you\u2019ll find moringa in Jamaican aphrodisiac tonics, many of which are sold at rum bars<\/a> around the island.<\/p>\n

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Symptom: <\/i><\/b>Common cold<\/i><\/p>\n

Jamaican Natural remedy: <\/i><\/b>Jamaican over-proof rum and lime juice<\/i><\/p>\n

How it works:
\n<\/i><\/b>We love our rum here in Jamaica, not only in rum punch, but to clear up congestion. Mix a cap-full of over-proof Jamaican rum with lime juice. Rub the mixture on your neck and chest, splash a little on your cheeks, and finally inhale the mixture. After you\u2019ve completed the process a few times, go ahead and shoot down the leftover rum and lime juice\u2014we were taught to never be wasteful!<\/p>\n

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Symptom<\/i><\/b>: Constipation<\/p>\n

Jamaican natural remedy: <\/i><\/b>Caster oil and Jamaican beet juice<\/p>\n

How it works<\/i><\/b>:
\nThe excitement of exploring a new destination and cuisine can make relieving yourself difficult. We understand: It happens to the best of us! Try mixing castor oil with beet juice. Castor oil is widely used as a laxative, while the beet juice masks the oil\u2019s strong taste. It also tastes delicious.<\/p>\n

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Related links:<\/p>\n