Banjoko SO, Ogunleye AO, and Babalola OO. Assessment of probable anorectic effect of kolanut (Cola nitida) in Albino rats. THERAPEUTIC DRUG MONITORING 2007;29(4):138. For example, bitter melon leaves have been used to induce abortion and prevent childbirth. The plant also has antifertility activity and may affect hormone levels in women and sperm production in men ( 5, 17, 18). It will be very interesting to see how many of the island’s herbs that have been used used as folk medicine get validated by new research data.

Dried kola nuts are milder than the fresh variety and take on a nutmeg aroma. The dried nuts can be ground into a powder and used to make drinks. Bissy tea is made from the powder and has a mild, earthy, slightly herbaceous flavor with a medicinal aroma. The drink contains caffeine and is a powerful stimulant to enhance mental alertness. Another study also confirmed the antimicrobial and antiviral properties of the leaf extract, demonstrating its ability to inhibit the growth of Escherichia coli and Bacillus cereus bacteria, both of which can cause illness in humans ( 10). Benie, T., el, Izzi A., Tahiri, C., Duval, J., and Thieulant, M. L. [Natural substances regulating fertility. Effect of plant extracts in the Ivory Coast pharmacopoeia on the release of LH by hypophyseal cells in culture]. C.R.Seances Soc Biol Fil. 1987;181(2):163-167. View abstract. Aslo if you forund this article helpful feel free to share with someone who can also find it useful.

What are the safer alternatives to tea for dogs? 

However, a lot more studies need to be done. In the meantime learn about some of the common plants used as medicine in Jamaica Ibu, J. O., Iyama, A. C., Ijije, C. T., Ishmael, D., Ibeshi, M., and Nwokediuko, S. The effect of cola acuminata and cola nitida on gastric acid secretion. Scand J Gastroenterol Suppl 1986;124:39-45. View abstract. Cola nut contains caffeine. Caffeine might lower the effects of carbamazepine. Taking cola nut with carbamazepine might increase the risk of seizures in some people.

Chiu KM. Efficacy of calcium supplements on bone mass in postmenopausal women. J Gerontol A Biol Sci Med Sci 1999;54:M275-80. View abstract. I have tried to classify them by the ailments they are used to treat: Jamaican Plants For Cold and Flu Diabetic. Drinking Bissy tea may alter blood sugar levels because of the tea’s high caffeine content. Peppermint; a widely used herb from being an essential oil in aromatherapy to flavouring breath mints and candy canes. Similarly, it is a great way to freshen up your dog’s breath. With it being known to be a muscle relaxant, it is said relieve digestive issues and improve breathing by relaxing the nasal cavity.

What is the herb Bizzy used for?

Lloyd T, Johnson-Rollings N, Eggli DF, et al. Bone status among postmenopausa Klebanoff MA, Levine RJ, DerSimonian R, et al. Maternal serum paraxanthine, a caffeine metabolite, and the risk of spontaneous abortion. N Engl J Med 1999;341:1639-44. View abstract. There is no vaccine or mainstream medicinal drug to treat chigungunya. Many people with the condition turn to bissy tea for symptom relief. Bioh G, Gallagher MM, Prasad U. Survival of a highly toxic dose of caffeine. BMJ Case Rep. 2013 8;2013. pii: bcr2012007454. doi: 10.1136/bcr-2012-007454. View abstract.