Within the island of Barbados are many naturally grown fruits, herbs and spices that add tremendous benefits to health and beauty. Most (if not all) of these fruits and herbs, are not necessarily indigenous to the island as they can be found across several other islands. Outlined within this article are 10 of these such herbs and fruits, along with their tremendous health and beauty benefits.
The Bajan Cherry
The Bajan cherry is a powerful antioxidant, and thus is a great protector from many diseases. It also aids in skin hydration, making it look beautiful and smooth. In addition to this, the Bajan cherry is known to have cholesterol lowering capabilities.
Cerasee Bush
Cerasee is an incredibly bitter herb derived from the leaves of the Cerasee bush. It is useful in treating abdominal pains, parasitic worms, and liver issues and can cleanse the blood and the body through its detoxifying properties. In addition to this, when the leaves are crushed and rubbed on the skin, it can heal issues such as rashes, eczema and gives the skin a cleaner, fresher and more refined look. Other beauty benefits include usefulness in treating skin ulcers and liver spots, while it has the added health benefit of being useful in reducing high blood pressure.
Noni (Dog Dumpling)
Noni, also known as dog dumpling, boosts the immune system and is useful in treating skin and scalp conditions including eczema and ringworm. It also helps the skin look younger and its juice can aid in stronger nails. There is evidence of the benefits of noni in dealing with hypertension, cancer and other tumours and it can also aid the body in fighting infections with its antibacterial, antifungal and antiviral properties.
Aloe Vera
Aloe Vera plant has been used for thousands of years to treat a number of medicinal ailments, especially those relating to the skin. It contains powerful antioxidant and antibacterial compounds that inhibit the growth of harmful bacteria and also accelerates the healing of burns. In addition to this, Aloe Vera juice, when used as a mouth rinse, is effective in reducing dental plaque. Finally, it can improve the skin, treat acne and aid in the prevention of wrinkles, and has also be known to lower blood sugar levels in diabetics.
Limes
Limes are a well-known treatment for scurvy. Also, when consumed orally or applied externally, limes can rejuvenate the skin, and protect it from various infections and from aging. Additionally, lime peel and juice contain antioxidants that slow down the process of the build-up of plaque on artery walls, thus aiding in good cardiovascular health.
Bay Leaf
Bay leaves can promote good digestive health, aid in the alleviation of numerous respiratory conditions, aid in healthy hair and aid in the prevention of cancer and in the reduction of anxiety and stress. However, many different plants in the world are commonly referred to as ‘bay leaf’, so in order to obtain the benefits above, it is best to use the bay leaf derived from the laurel tree.
Tamarind
Tamarind can lower cholesterol, promote good cardiovascular health and is a good source of the antioxidants that are useful in fighting cancer. Skin wise, it can heal any inflammation, and has been known to treat jaundice. In some parts of the world, the fresh stem bark and fresh leaves of the tamarind tree can be used with potash as a blood tonic and skin cleanser. Finally, tamarind can also improve blood circulation.
Soursop Leaves
The Soursop fruit has many benefits, but the leaves of this tree are surprisingly beneficial to health and beauty. Health wise, the leaves can inhibit cancer cells and thus it is a useful treatment of cancer; they can also be used to treat back pain. In addition to this, soursop leaves can help to treat eczema, and preserves healthy and beautiful hair as it is an effective treatment for lice and split ends.
Moringa
Moringa in a variety of forms is known to have massive benefits for human beings. It has a stabilizing effect on blood pressure and can be used to reduce anxiety. Juice extracted from moringa leaves can also be used as a skin antiseptic, while the leaves can also kill intestinal worms.
Blue Vervain
Blue Vervain is considered to be useful to provide relief from joint pain, headaches and earaches. It can also aid in treating cold symptoms such as throat and chest congestion and fever. Other health benefits include detoxification of the body, and its relaxing and uplifting properties can aid in treating depression and mood swings.
The benefits of these plants and fruits are by no means exhaustive as each of these items have many, many benefits, more than could be covered within one article. However, it is evident that Barbados is more than an island of sea, sun and sand, but a destination that can provide many natural ways for persons to enhance their health and beauty, and in the process add a few extra years onto the life cycle.
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