By JEFFARAH GIBSON

Tribune Features Writer

A SIP of bush tea, used to help increase the libido of a man, was the jet fuel that started the thriving business venture of Anita Collie-Pratt.

"One day my friend was boiling tea. I asked him out of curiosity to taste the tea even though it was for men. I tasted it and I thought it was really good; it was strong, and I thought it was something that would be good to sell. When I returned to the island I asked someone who knew all of the bushes to point out that particular one. From there I collected them and started making the tea," said Ms Collie-Pratt, who explored Crooked Island to discover the medicinal herbs of the Bahamas.

Although some of Ms Collie-Pratt's products have been on the market for about two years, the launch of her Silver Hill Island Company will bring to market the latest line of herbs, spices, bath salts, teas, and body products.

"This is something new for me and I am excited about it. When I first started, I thought it was a good idea, but I did not know I would get the response I got from Bahamians. I did not know they were interested in natural products. People can identify with the leaves because they remember when they were younger and their grandparents gave them bush tea to cure any illness."

Ms Collie-Pratt's tea leaves come from a variety of plants, including: Strong Back, Cascarilla, Bow Hog, Five Fingers, Feather Bed, Madeira Bark, and Neem.

The teas that Ms Collie-Pratt makes can be used to help with various illnesses, she said. When she found the bushes she said she researched their medicinal benefits. Some of teas can restore a compromised immune system she said.

Other teas Ms Collie-Pratt makes can help with reproductive problems. "Dead Below The Waste" and "Shake The Dilly Tree" are two of the teas that can assist with reproductive issues. The former tea is popular amongst men, she said. It is also an aphrodisiac and is good for sexual enhancement, said Ms Collie-Pratt.

"Women who have had problems with having children can use (Shake The Dilly Tree)," she said.

"The teas have been catching on because Bahamians are looking for natural products. They have been looking for natural remedies. For some Bahamians everything is about preserving life, and if there are natural products available why not use natural products instead of using chemicals. I am not saying, using natural remedies is an alternative to going to the doctor. People should still see their doctors, but if there are natural products available that can do the same thing a chemical can do, then I suggest using the natural remedies," she said.

Ms Collie-Pratt also collects salt from Crooked Island and creates bath products.

"I went there and collected the salt and allowed it to dry. We cleaned it and took all of the algae out. The salt has all of the minerals. We put the salt in bath products and blend it with herbs and essential oils to make the bath salts and body scrubs," she said.

Ms Collie-Pratt's teas and natural products can be found in several stores in the Bahamas including Bahamas Art and Handicrafts, Hidden Loft, Caribbean Things, Balduccino, and Antiquities, Monuments and Museums.