Jamaica's Ethnomedicine: Its Potential in the Healthcare System

"Bush teas" and other herbal remedies have always been used by Jamaicans for treating illnesses of various sorts. However, although many of these medicinal herbs contain beneficial bioactive ingredients, not all of them are safe! Some are toxic, while others, if taken inappropriately, can harm the body's organs and even mask the symptoms of more serious conditions.This book proposes developing a systematic approach to testing the herbs and other home remedies used by Jamaicans, so that their bioactive ingredients can be identified and dosages and frequency of use standardized. A comprehensive appendix lists plants used in Jamaica's ethnomedicine and summarizes what is known about their activity and toxic effects. Contains over 100 photographs or drawings of plants used by Jamaicans as remedies.