By YOLANDA PAWAR

One Eleuthera Foundation

For centuries, people of the Caribbean have looked to plants for healing, harnessing the power of “bush medicine,” an age-old practice that infuses African, and Indigenous herbal traditions. Medicinal plants are revered and deeply rooted in our cultural heritage in The Bahamas and the broader Caribbean. These plants offer remedies for ailments ranging from the common cold, to digestive and skin issues, such as eczema, and are even used to treat symptoms of some chronic diseases. Our bush medicine practice encapsulates the resilience, wisdom, and adaptability of Caribbean people who, despite historical adversities, have survived and preserved their knowledge of plant-based healing.

Globalisation, modernisation, changing social and family structures and the prevalence of heavily-marketed, manufactured pharmaceuticals can all impact the continuity of traditional herbal medicine practices. This underscores the importance of preserving and protecting this vital aspect of our culture and history.

During my childhood, the remedies derived from the bush, sparked my curiosity and sense of wonder. Their healing powers seemed magical and indispensable. I fondly recall my grandmother, during the height of the neighborhood summer chickenpox outbreak, boiling chamomile and other skin-soothing herbs, filling the large, silver outdoor washing tub with the concoction, and dipping us one-by-one in its healing waters before applying calamine lotion. When stung by a wasp, she would quickly and confidently instruct me to pick and crush together certain leaves and rub them on the site to combat the sting. Her freshly brewed dill or peppermint tea would calm an upset stomach, while a small amount of swallowed Papaya seeds were promised to help keep parasites away. It was also mandatory that cerasee or “bitters” be consumed weekly in small quantities year-round, not just during flu season. My grandmother was a Registered Nurse, but recognised that many common ailments could first be treated with a visit to the backyard apothecary, rather than the family doctor. She held, honed and passed along the healing remedies and traditions her mother and grandmother imparted.

Caribbean families, especially grandmothers and elder herbalists, have played a crucial role in teaching younger generations the value of local plants and how to prepare them for medicinal use. Knowledge is often shared through oral storytelling, practical demonstrations, and in community healing practices. This form of intergenerational learning helps communities remain self-sufficient, strong, resilient and connected to their ancestral wisdom.

The roots and reach of bush medicine

Many popular healing plants utilised in our bush medicine recipes arrived via the transatlantic slave trade, European colonisation, and indigenous cultivation. Enslaved Africans, forcibly brought to the region, carried with them the knowledge of medicinal herbs, and concealed the precious, sacred seeds of these plants in their hair and on their bodies. European colonists and missionaries also introduced plants with medicinal value, while descendants of indigenous communities perfected and passed down their botanical wisdom, contributing to our rich and diverse botanical healing knowledge base. Over time, these healing plants adapted to local climates and spread across the region through trade, migration, and community knowledge-sharing.

Today, some of our most renowned and widely used medicinal plants can be found outside your door, or growing throughout most neighbourhoods in The Bahamas. They include, but are not limited to, Aloe Vera (Aloe barbadensis miller), which is used for skin ailments and digestive issues; Guinea Hen Weed (Petiveria alliacea), known for its immune-boosting and pain-relieving properties; Soursop (Annona muricata), which is believed to have cancer-fighting compounds; Hibiscus (Hibiscus sabdariffa), which among other things, is used to make a tea to help lower blood pressure; Life Leaf (Bryophyllum pinnatum) commonly used to treat respiratory infections and kidney problems, and Five Finger (Tabebuia bahamensis), which is recognised for pain-relief and its anesthetic and aphrodisiac qualities.

Cerasee (Momordica charantia), also known as Bitter Melon, is used for its blood-cleansing properties and to treat diabetes, high blood pressure, head colds, and the flu. Strong Back (Morinda citrifolia) is a staple in Bahamian bush medicine. This plant is touted as a natural remedy for boosting stamina, alleviating back pain, and promoting male vitality. The Gumbo Limbo (Bursera simaruba), sometimes called the ‘Tourist Tree’ because of its peeling red bark, provides an anti-inflammatory treatment for skin conditions, joint pain, and respiratory ailments. It is also an effective antidote for Poison Ivy and Poison Wood. Fever Grass (Cymbopogon citratus) also known as lemongrass, is a popular remedy for fevers, colds, and digestive issues. It also makes a refreshing, flavorful and calming tea. The Neem plant (Azadirachta indica) – which hails from India but is now commonly found in the Caribbean, is highly valued for its antibacterial, antifungal, and anti-inflammatory properties. It is regularly used in teas, topical skin treatments, and oral care.

These traditional healing plants are also widely used in the pharmaceutical and beauty industries and can be farmed for export. Aloe vera, for instance, is a key ingredient in skincare and burn treatments, while neem is a beneficial ingredient in antibacterial soaps, shampoos, and toothpaste. Because the Hibiscus plant contains antioxidants, nutrients, and compounds that contribute to healthy hair and skin, it is used in numerous health and beauty products. Soursop leaves, used in various bush teas, are also being studied for potential anti-cancer benefits and have made their way into health supplements. The same applies to the Moringa Tree, which is used in cosmetics, health supplements, food, and even biodiesel production. Lemongrass is another popular ingredient in aromatherapy products and a natural insect repellent used in commercial bug sprays, balms and lotions.

Why it matters: Here are three good reasons to prioritise preserving and protecting our bush medicine practices

1. People still rely on natural remedies to a certain degree, especially in rural areas where pharmaceutical medicine may not be readily available or affordable. We must maintain our healing heritage by safeguarding and transmitting this knowledge and fostering sustainable and alternative healing solutions for current and future generations.

2. There is an increasing demand and global interest in holistic and alternative medicine, which has supported the emergence and growth of Wellness Tourism. Wellness Tourism presents an economic opportunity for the Caribbean to promote its rich legacy of bush medicine as a unique point of cultural engagement and experiential learning for tourists seeking health-enhancing experiences. Countries like Jamaica and St Lucia have embraced this by offering wellness retreats featuring herbal healing sessions, farm-to-table experiences, and guided foraging tours where tourists can see and learn about local medicinal plants. With our country’s lush and diverse vegetation and teeming, natural ecosystems, we can develop similar ecotourism initiatives, offering herbal spa treatments, bush medicine workshops, guided nature walks showcasing our native healing plants, and more. This can elevate sustainable economic growth in the sector, while preserving and highlighting this cultural treasure trove.

3. Beyond tourism, there are vast untapped economic opportunities in the global health and wellness industries for organic health products, plant extracts, herbal medicines and supplements. Investing in research, sustainable cultivation, and commercialising bush medicine products can create jobs, empower local farmers and herbalists, and position the Caribbean as a leader in the global wellness economy. Simply put, our bush medicine legacy is a homegrown treasure. It represents centuries of accumulated wisdom passed down through generations. It symbolizes the Caribbean’s resilience, ingenuity, and deep connection to nature and history. Respecting and preserving this tradition while ensuring safe and informed use of bush medicine is essential. The global rise in wellness tourism and demand for natural products presents a significant economic opportunity for The Bahamas and Caribbean nations to develop sustainable industries based on our rich herbal medicine heritage. By protecting and promoting bush medicine, we ensure that future generations can benefit from its healing power while keeping this vital aspect of our African and Caribbean identity alive and at the forefront. By embracing tradition and innovation, we can create a future where bush medicine continues to thrive alongside modern healthcare while playing a pivotal role in diversifying our tourism and agriculture industries for sustainable and holistic economic growth. 

• Yolanda Pawar is the chief communications officer at the One Eleuthera Foundation. Established in 2012, the One Eleuthera Foundation (OEF) is a non-profit organisation located in Rock Sound, Eleuthera. For more information, visit www.oneeleuthera.org or email info@oneeleuthera. org. The Centre for Training and Innovation (CTI) is the first and only postsecondary, non-profit education and training institution and social enterprise on Eleuthera. CTI operates a student training campus in Rock Sound, Eleuthera, with a 16-room training hotel, restaurant and farm. For more information about CTI’s programmes, email: info@oneeleuthera.org.