Traditional bush medicine
Bahamians have practised bush medicine for many years. Using indigenous plants for medicinal purposes is a tradition that the African slaves brought with them when they came to The Islands of the Bahamas.
Cat Islanders, with their reputation for longevity, claim that bush medicine keeps them healthy. They prepare internal and external remedies to relieve such symptoms as headaches, high blood pressure, diabetes, coughs and itching.
Nearly 100 plants in The Islands of the Bahamas can reliably be used in medical treatment. The aloe vera plant, for instance, is a known burn cure, pain reliever, tonic and laxative.
Other examples of plants that have medicinal value and are believed to provide beneficial treatment for a variety of ailments include Bagarina, Cascarilla, Crab Bush, Fig Leaf, Hibiscus Pepper Leaf, Pond Bush, Sailors' Flowers, Sour Sop Leaf, Spanish Sage and White Sage.
