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Bush Medicine is the term used
for remedies made from herbs, plants, barks and roots
of trees grown in the Turks and Caicos Islands.
Without proper medical facilities and doctors in the past,
the natives relied on |
passed down knowledge of the healing properties of their local
plants and herbs to cure their ailments.
Bush Medicine is still widely used in the Turks and
Caicos Islands, especially Middle and North Caicos where you
will always find one of the older fold willing to enlighten
you on its healing powers.
Most of these herbs, flowers, plants, barks and roots were boiled
down or steeped in hot water to extract their active ingredients
and then strained or mixed with other extracts and given in
dosages depending on the age of the patient and the seriousness
of the ailment.
Castor Oil
This oil was widely used as a purgative for children to keep
them regular. Hot castor oil massaged into the hair and scalp
will eliminate dandruff and lice.
Basil
This plant is used as a tea, relieves headaches and calms the
nerves. As a bath it relieves stress and fatigue and acts as
a natural deodorant.
Thyme
This herb prepared as a tea is used as a pain relieaver for
kidney stones and is very effective for asthma and whooping
cough.
