|
THE HEALTH SECRETS OF THE CARIBBEAN COUNTRIES The Caribbean is an idyllic paradise comprising of different countries and territories that are savored by vacation tourists, pleasure-seekers, and people looking for relaxation in exotic locations. Trinidad, Guyana, Haiti, Jamaica, West Indies - take your pick and be transported to whole new worlds where you wish your days of freedom are not numbered. Your experiences will be very pleasant and memorable. When you were in Haiti, people were friendly, the weather was great and the splendid beaches were just so refreshing. You also remember vividly when you were in the West Indies that you were surprised that the local cuisine was also intriguing and palate-pleasing. You were partying in Jamaica and reggae music wafts in the air and the cool fine sand on the beach sometimes gets into your sandals but you don't mind because you are on exotic shores now and you are on vacation! Folks greet you with a smile everywhere during your visit to Trinidad and even your hotel there is like home with lots of luxuries. Then you wander to the local shops and you find local treasures. When browsing, you've noticed certain herbal tea drinks which catch your attention with names like turmeric tea, soursop tea, bissy tea, cerasee tea, and fever grass tea. They may be native to other places but they were brought here to the islands and they were given a distinctly Caribbean twist. They could be Asian, African, or Latin American in origin, but Caribbean folks everywhere made use of them extensively and many people in the islands are familiar with them since childhood. Other herbal teas that are worth mentioning are peppermint, soursop, cinnamon, lemon ginger for its digestive aiding properties, and sorrel benefits of the hibiscus flower known as roselle. WASHOUT HERBAL DRINKS Most Caribbeans, locally and abroad, would remember rituals or must do's administered by their parents at the end of the Holidays or summer vacation. They were to do a washout with a mixture of local herbal drinks bought from the store. They could include turmeric, soursop, bissy, cerasee, fever grass tea, and other herbals concocted by the elders. They are supposed to deworm or bring out the toxins from the kids' systems before they return to school. Now let's check out what's the fuss with these Caribbean herbal teas: 1) TURMERIC TEA It adds zest to your morning routine. Turmeric is sometimes mixed with other herbs and spices like ginger, lemon, honey, and cinnamon to add more flavor. There is also caffeine-free turmeric tea which helps balance and supports a healthy inflammation response. Turmeric is a popular spice made from the rhizome or root of the Curcuma longa plant. It is native to Southeast Asia and is a member of the Zingiberaceae or ginger family. It has been used as a herbal remedy for generations in Caribbean alternative medicine. A range of turmeric teas is available for purchase in health stores or online. The active ingredient in turmeric is curcumin. Curcumin gives turmeric its characteristic yellow color and is proven to have anti-inflammatory and immune-boosting properties. Curcumin has low bioavailability, which means the body has a hard time accessing and absorbing the compound. For this reason, the herbal benefits of turmeric tea, with its guaranteed high concentrations of curcumin, are in demand. Turmeric tea, brewed using grated turmeric root or pure powder, is considered one of the most effective ways to consume curcumin. Drinking turmeric tea is believed to bring about several benefits: 1.Reduces arthritis symptoms 2. Boosts immune function 3. Helps reduce cardiovascular complications 4. Helps prevent and treat cancer 5. Helps manage irritable bowel syndrome or IBS and other digestive conditions. 6. Prevents and treats Alzheimer's and other neurodegenerative conditions. 7. Protects against liver damage, gallstones, and manages liver conditions. 8. Helps prevent and manage diabetes 9. Helps treat and manage lung conditions With these health benefits, wouldn't it be nice to have some turmeric tea stocked on your pantry shelves at home? 2) SOURSOP TEA It is derived from the Graviola tree that is native to Latin America. It is used to treat stomach ailments, parasitic infections, fever, rheumatism, and hypertension. It is also a sedative and can aid in sleep problems and has an effectivity that can compete with chemotherapy when it comes to battling cancer cells. Soursop herbal tea is also a good source of vitamin C which boosts immunity. Thus, it also promotes the destruction of free radicals to protect your skin from oxidative damage. 3) BISSY TEA Bissy Tea originated from Africa but is a staple drink in many Caribbean homes. It is an antidote for poison and aids in digestion, relieves diarrhea and inflammation, treats fever, and is considered a tonic. Bissy Tea shows antioxidant properties and bissy is also used to treat fever, relieve inflammation, and diarrhea. Bissy Tea is sourced from grated cola nuts which can expel toxins from your system. Its high concentration of tannic acid is the reason why it has antioxidant properties. When you're busy and you want a hot beverage, why not drink "bissy" tea and take a break from your busyness? You might ask where to buy bissy tea? It's online on Caribbean websites tropical supermarket grocery aisle and also at your local community stores with Jamaican, Haitian, or Trinidad roots. 4) CERASEE TEA Cerasee Herbal Tea is derived from bitter melon. Bitter herbs and food are very nutritious because they contain various plant-based chemicals that are beneficial to health. Cerasee tea is full of phytochemicals like triterpenoids, polyphenols, and flavonoids that slow the growth of cancers and reduce the risk of heart disease. It also lowers blood sugar levels in diabetic people. Cerasee is also healthy for the gut because it takes care of worms and parasites. Thus, it can make you lose weight. Caribbeans are full of healthy surprises, and cerasee tea is one of the "bitter" but healthy truths. 5) FEVER GRASS TEA Fever grass tea, also known as lemongrass, has long been a painkilling remedy for many households, may it be in the West Indies or Guyana, or elsewhere in the Caribbean. Drinking it for one month straight can increase hemoglobin concentration and red blood cell count. It also prevents bloating. Fever grass is a perennial plant that is indigenous to Asia. It has long thin leaves and contains citral, an essential oil that has medicinal significance. Fever grass has a pleasant smell which makes it ideal as an additive when cooking rice. Fever grass tea, doesn't give you a fever, ask the locals. Instead, it heals fevers and many disorders associated with blood. ALL 5 TEAS ARE GOOD FOR YOU These teas that have been part of Caribbean life and culture for generations now are sources of other beneficial elements from nature. Their medical uses overlap each other, so each kind of tea should find its own space on your shelves. But they are available online in the Caribbean supermarket, in case you won't be vacationing to Jamaica or Trinidad soon. You just have to look online at Caribbean themed websites. In summary, what natural element do you acquire from each type of Caribbean herbal tea? 1) From Turmeric tea we get curcumin. 2) From Soursop tea, vitamin C is abundant. 3) Bissy tea is a great source of tannic acid. 4) Cerasee tea is based on the health benefits of bitter melon. 5) And Fever grass tea brings you the goodness of citral for your body.
Related Articles -
cerasee tea, cerasee, bissy, bissy tea, soursop leaf, soursop tea, turmeric, turmeric tea, Caribbean supermarket, tropical supermarket, fever grass,
|
