Annals of Tropical Paediatrics International Child Health
ISSN: 0272-4936 (Print) 1465-3281 (Online) Journal homepage: http://www.tandfonline.com/loi/ypch19
The use of herbal remedies in Jamaica C. A. Michie To cite this article: C. A. Michie (1992) The use of herbal remedies in Jamaica, Annals of Tropical Paediatrics, 12:1, 31-36, DOI: 10.1080/02724936.1992.11747543 To link to this article: http://dx.doi.org/10.1080/02724936.1992.11747543
Published online: 13 Jul 2016.
Submit your article to this journal
View related articles
Citing articles: 10 View citing articles
Full Terms & Conditions of access and use can be found at http://www.tandfonline.com/action/journalInformation?journalCode=ypch19 Download by: [Australian Catholic University]
Date: 21 August 2017, At: 11:04
Annals of Tropical Paediatrics (1992) 12, 31-36
The use of herbai remedies inJamaica C.A.MICHIE Tropical Metabolism Research Unit, University Hospital, Kingston,Jamaica
Downloaded by [Australian Catholic University] at 11:04 21 August 2017
(Received 18 April 1991)
Summary A survey of paediatric inpatients at the Tropical Metabolism Research Unit in the University Hospital, Kingston, Jamaica demonstrates that 71° 0 had been treated with herbai remedies before their presentation to the medical services. The risks of the high prevalence of su ch medication in children are outlined, and two remedies in particular are highlighted because oftheir potential toxicity.
Introduction Studies carried out in Jamaican communities have shown an extensive knowledge of the herbai remedies recommended by traditional practitioners. 1•2 The use of such herbai medication may be of particular danger in malnourished children, whose body mass, nutritional state and reduced detoxification abilities increase the plasma Jevels of many exogenous compounds.3-5 The study group consisted of a population of malnourished inpatients and their carers, with whom the medical staff had considerable rapport. The intention is to describe the nature and prevalence ofthose remedies in common use.
Methods The study included ali admissions to the Tropical Metabolism Research Unit over a 2year period. Children were either referred to the unit by community medical services or brought by their carers. The Unit specializes
Reprint requests to: Dr C. A. Michie, University College and Middlesex Schools of Medicine, 91 Riding House Street, London W1P SBT, United Kingdom.
m the treatment of malnutrition: those admitted to the unit ward met the W ellcome criteria for severe malnutrition. The group consisted of 205 children (114 boys and 91 girls) of whom 85 had kwashiorkor, 82 marasmus and 38 marasmic kwashiorkor. The median age of the group was 2 years, range 9 months to 6 years. The average Jength of admission was 35 days. During routine admission clerking, descriptions of ali medication and 'bush' treatments were requested ('bush' medicine is a general term synonymous with obeah or herbalist medicine, but further including home remedies). Care was taken to document the exact vocabulary used to describe the treatments used, and the symptoms for which they were given. In the 2nd week of admission, during a further period ofclerking, details and specimens of ali medications and herbai treatments used prior to admission were requested of the child's carers. The source of these remedies was requested, and the author visited herbalist suppliers and prescribers in Kingston, St Elizabeth and St Anne to identify further the remedies. Identification of the remedies was confirmed, using a number ofbotanical and Jinguistic sources.6-9 Resinous substances were further identified, using pollen analysis. There were no deaths
32
C. A. Michz'e
TABLE 1. Identification, doses and indications for application ofherbal remedies
Botanical identification
Downloaded by [Australian Catholic University] at 11:04 21 August 2017
Comrnon names (dose and indications for use) Minttea Also Silvermint: 3 leaves per eup Tonie, worms" Ceracee tea 1 leaf per eup Tonie, cough26 Soursop leaf Also custard apple, use 2-3leaves per eup Worms Fever Grass tea Also lemon grass, use 1leafper eup Fever27 Jack in Bush tea Also bitter bush or white sage, 1-3leaves per eup Sores, mouth ulcers, diarrhoea, skin disorders Orange Peel tea Variable doses Colds or stomach ache Lime Leaf tea Variable doses Colds or thrush Spirit Weed tea Also fat bush or myal weed, use 1 leaf per eup Colds or fits, driving away duppies John Charles Mint tea Use 3leaves per eup Malnutrition, fever, colds Bissy tea Also bichy bush, grind small piece into a eup Pains or constipation Peppermint tea Use lleafper eup Tonie Myrrhoil Use topically or half teaspoon by mouth daily Severe illness ? spiritual healing, rashes Frankincense resin Halfteaspoon daily in hot water Severe illness ? spiritual healing Unidentified 'bush' teas
in the study group during the investigation, and it is of note that no observations of beneficiai activity, toxicity or side-effects of the remedies were documented during the survey. Sorne 10% of the final clerkings were incomplete and are not presented in the results.
Children using preparation (%)
Mentha viridis
48
Mormordica charantia
11
Annona muricata
5
Cymbopogon citratus
5
Eupatorium odoratum
4
Citrus aurantium
4
Citrus aurantifolia
4
Eryngium foetidium
3
Hyptis verticillata
2
Cola acuminata
2
Mentha viminea
2
Commiphora myrrh
2
Boswellia carterii
2
8
Results Table I indicates the herbai substances most frequent! y used, their Latin botanical identification and the percentage of children given the treatment. References are given, where available, to the most recent appropriate
Use of herbai remedies inJamaica
33
TABLE Il. Single cases ofthese remedies doeumented
Downloaded by [Australian Catholic University] at 11:04 21 August 2017
Common names (dose and indications for use)
Botanical identification
Basil tea Also Duppy Basil, use 1-21eaves per eup Tonie, cough, fever Leaf of Life tea Also 'Herbe mal tete', use 1 leaf per eup Colds, fever, sores Rat Ears Leaf tea Also Silver Bush, Easy to Bruck, rat Ieaf, use 1-4leaves per eup Malnutrition, fever Velvet Coldbush tea Use 2-41eaves per eup Diuretic for swellings, chest problems Garlictea 1-2 cloves per eup Tonie Cullen Mint tea Use 1leafpercup Stomach pains Strong Back tea Use 1leafpercup Tonie Dog's Tongue Bush tea Use 2-3Ieaves per eup Tonie Semi kantrac tea Use 2-4 leaves or small ground root per eup Worms, stomach pains, drive away duppies Pia ba Use 1leafpercup Headache, sores, worms Mother Look Up tea Use 3--Sieaves per eup Tonie Pennyroyal tea Use 1leafper eup Tonie Search Me Heart tea Use 1leafpercup Malnutrition, stomach pains, tonie
ethnopharmacological literature on each species. Table II demonstrates details of the range of tho se less frequently used. Su pp liers revealed differences in their estimation of the specifie value of different plants and in their nomenclature and identification-a range of local names is therefore supplied. Sorne 8% of remedies referred to as 'bush' tea could not be clearly identified.
Ocymum minimum Ocymum sanctum Bryophy/lum pinnatum
Peperomia pellucida, Boerhavia scandens, Cissus trifoliata Cissamplelos pareira
Allim sativum
Lippa geminata, Lantana spp. Cuphea parsonia
Pseudoe/ephantopus spicatus
Chenopodium ambrosioides
Hyptis pectinata
Blechum brownei
Micromeria brownei
Rytidophy/lum tomentosum
The results are complicated by the observation that remedies were rarely used alone and were oftenmixed before preparation. The more common combinations are documented in Table III. The majority of treatments described involved the drinking of 'teas'; accounts of other delivery routes, 'magical' or 'spiritual' forms oftherapy, werenot described by carers
34
C.A. Michie
III. Combinations of herbai teas commonly used in the study group
TABLE
Downloaded by [Australian Catholic University] at 11:04 21 August 2017
Children using preparation 0
o)
Common names
(
Mint tea and Bissy tea Ceracee, mint and Fever Grass teas Ceracee and mint teas Strongback and Fever Grass teas
24 4 4 4
in this investigation. These alternative forms of healing are practised in J amaica, often by the same obeah men who prescribe herbai remedies, and difficulty in documenting them gives ri se to a lacuna in this description.
Discussion The majority of the admissions-71 ° ~ in this group-had been given herbai remedies of sorne description prior to presentation at hospital. Clearly, with such a high incidence, albeit in a selected population of inpatients, it is important to consider the beneficiai versus the toxic effects of the remedies. 10 A number of studies indicate that constituents of these remedies possess pharmacological activity. Menthol found in ali the mint family has activity on calcium channels; 11 'Semi kan trac' and piaba have also been investigated for their effects as vermifuges, and the majority of the herbs in both Tables contain flavenoids, which have a wide range of biological actions. 12 The lack of obvious pharmacological activity on clinical examination in our study group would tend to imply that beneficiai effects are limited in the face of severe malnutrition. Very few of the remedies used in the stated doses in this Jamaican population are known to be toxic; indeed, the use of 'mint tea' is widespread throughout the island. Two exceptions include those cases employing Senecio discolor and a Lantana species in 'bush tea': these plants contain known hepatotoxins, and can produce veno-
occlusive disease in children. 13 Side-effects arising from other remedies are likely: for instance, the ingestion of bissy tea, prepared from the kola nut as described, contains high levels of caffeine and theobromine and therefore may produce restlessness and headache. Jack in bush tea, fever grass tea, frankincense and myrrh may induce vomiting and diarrhoea. 14 Given the vulnerability of the study group, it is reassuring that no physical or biochemical side-effects were observed or measured. The range and types of herbai remedies documented here are of considerable anthropological interest. The majority of the remedies used, and the principles of their application, resemble most closely those of West Africa. 15 ' 16 As an example, 'bush teas' for children made from aromatic herbs are weil described in West Africa. Piaba, lime leaf and spirit weed tea remedies are typical Ashanti preparations. However, several remedies, such as the 'leaf of life' and 'strong back', are probably of Mayan origin, as the relevant species are not found on the African continent. 6 The 'Semi kantrac' tea may have a Creole name, but the plant, Chenopodium ambrosioides, is of American origin, and the source of the 'wormseed oil' of Baltimore. The use of basil for treating children is often regarded as peculiar to the Hindu population. However, similar species grow in Africa, and the use of basil as an infusion or tea is more an African custom. The two species of Ocymum have roles in both West African and Hindu religions, and are used by the more modern Santiera sect of Latin America and the Caribbean in ceremonial blessings. 17 The curious application of frankincense and myrrh (who se exact botanical identification remain indeterminate, even by pollen analysis) is presumably ofEuropean origin. 18 ' 19 Although similar resins from related species are found in West Africa, such as 'bumbo' from Daniella thurifera, these are not used to exorcise illness in the manner described. These particular paediatric therapies therefore represent an amalgamation of ideas and agents from several sources.
Downloaded by [Australian Catholic University] at 11:04 21 August 2017
Use of herbai remedies inJamaica
The J amaican pharmacopoeia represents a distinctive synthesis of the herbai lore and folk medicine of severa! cultures. The nature of the remedies showed no major differences in patients from a rural or urban address, or on different parts of the island. A similar oral tradition is displayed in migrant Jamaican populations, and identical remedies have been observed in use in both America and England. 20 lt is further observed that the range and descriptions of remedies differ little from those documented by Sloane & Broughton in the 18th century in Jamaica. 21 '22 This study demonstrates the requirement for a more detailed review of the pharmacological effects of the remedies which persist in J amaica alongside orthodox medical practices. It further illustrates the value oftaking a complete history from the patient's family on at least two occasions! However, caution as to the identification or possible contamination of such remedies, owing to mistakes in packing or the addition of colourings or fiavourings, must be expressed; such complications have been weil documented elsewhere.n-26 Given the high prevalence of traditional remedies in the treatment of J amaican infants and children, they are at particular risk of such accidents.
References
2
3
4
5
6 7 8 9 10
11 12
13 14 15
Acknowledgements The author would like to thank the patients and the ir relatives for the ir enthusiasm and for their help with this project. The staff of the Tropical Metabolism Unit, in particular Dr Maria Bredow and Staff Nurse Carrington, gave invaluable guidance concerning my investigation, which was not easy for a foreigner. May 1 thank the staff of the Royal Botanic Gardens in Kew for their patient assistance with identification and pollen analysis, and the Wellcome Trust and Imperial Cancer Research Fund for supporting me during the collection and collation of these data.
35
16 17
18 19 20
21 22 23
Mitchell MF. Popular medical concepts in Jamaica and their impact on drug use. Western Med J 1983; 139:841-6. Landman J, Hall J St E. The dietary habits and knowledge of folklore of pregnant J amaican women. Eco! Food Nutr 1983; 12:203-12. W einshilboum RM. Phenol sulfotransferase in humans: properties, regulation and function. Fed Proc 1986; 45:2223-30. Krishnaswamy K. Drug metabolism and pharmacokinetics in malnourished children. Clin Pharmacokinet 1989; 17 (supp 1):68. Michie C. Sulphate and esterified sulphate excretion in severely malnourished children. Proc Nutr Soc 1990;49:117A. Asprey GF, Thomton P. Medicinal plants of Jamaica. WI Med J 1954; vols 2 and 3. Grieve M. A Modem Herbai. New York: Harper, 1967. Cassidy Le Page. Dictionary of Jamaican English. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press, 1984. Evans WC, Trease GE. Pharmacognosy, 13th edn. London: Ballière Tindall, 1989. Bannerman RH, Burton J, Wen-Chieh C. Traditional Medicine and Health Care Coverage. Geneva, World Health Publications, 1983. Hole for the mint. Lancet 1988; i:1144. Alcuraz MJ, Ferrandiz ML. Modification of arachidonate metabolism by flavonoids. J Ethnopharm 1987; 21:209-29. Schneider MF. Plants Poisonous to Children and Other People. New York: Rochester, 1984. Reynolds JEF. The Extra Pharmacopoeia; 29th edn. London: Pharmaceutical Press, 1989. Ayensu ES. Medicinal Plants of West Africa. Algonac Ref Pub, 1978. Honeychurch PN. Caribbean Plants and Their Uses. London: Macmillan, 1986. Godhwani S, Godhwani JL, Vyas DJ. Ocimum sanctum: an experimental study evaluating its antiinflammatory, analgesie and antipyretic activity in animais. J Ethnopharm 1987; 21:153-8. Hunt A. Popular Medicine in Thirteenth Century England. Cambridge: Brewer, 1990. Michie C, Cooper E. Frankincense and myrrh as remedies in children. J R Soc Med 1991; 84:602-5. Leonard BE. The pharmacological screening of Jamaican bush teas. PhD thesis submitted to University of Birmingham, 1962. Sloane H. A Voyage ... to Jamaica, with the Natural History, vol. 2. London, 1725. Broughton A. Hortus Eastensis. St Jago de la Vega (Aitken). London, 1794. Van der Zander JA, Fitzpatrick RB. Chase the wind from the bones. Minn Pharm 1980; 35:8.
36
C.A. Michie
Downloaded by [Australian Catholic University] at 11:04 21 August 2017
24 Lampe KF, McCann MA. AMA Handbook of Poisonous and Injurious Plants. Chicago, IL: American Medical Association, 1985. 25 Ogzewella CD, Bonfiglio JF, Sigell L T. Common plants and their toxicity. Pediatr Clin North Am 1987;34:1557-612.
26 Ng TY, Li WW, Yeung HW. Effects of ginsenosides, lectins and Mormordica charanria insulinlike peptide on corticosterone production by isolated ratadrenal cells. J Ethnopharm 1987; 21:21-5. 27 Carlini EA. Pharmacology of lemongrass ( Cymbopogon citratus). J Ethnopharm 1986; 17:13-20.
ISSN: 0272-4936 (Print) 1465-3281 (Online) Journal homepage: http://www.tandfonline.com/loi/ypch19
The use of herbal remedies in Jamaica C. A. Michie To cite this article: C. A. Michie (1992) The use of herbal remedies in Jamaica, Annals of Tropical Paediatrics, 12:1, 31-36, DOI: 10.1080/02724936.1992.11747543 To link to this article: http://dx.doi.org/10.1080/02724936.1992.11747543
Published online: 13 Jul 2016.
Submit your article to this journal
View related articles
Citing articles: 10 View citing articles
Full Terms & Conditions of access and use can be found at http://www.tandfonline.com/action/journalInformation?journalCode=ypch19 Download by: [Australian Catholic University]
Date: 21 August 2017, At: 11:04
Annals of Tropical Paediatrics (1992) 12, 31-36
The use of herbai remedies inJamaica C.A.MICHIE Tropical Metabolism Research Unit, University Hospital, Kingston,Jamaica
Downloaded by [Australian Catholic University] at 11:04 21 August 2017
(Received 18 April 1991)
Summary A survey of paediatric inpatients at the Tropical Metabolism Research Unit in the University Hospital, Kingston, Jamaica demonstrates that 71° 0 had been treated with herbai remedies before their presentation to the medical services. The risks of the high prevalence of su ch medication in children are outlined, and two remedies in particular are highlighted because oftheir potential toxicity.
Introduction Studies carried out in Jamaican communities have shown an extensive knowledge of the herbai remedies recommended by traditional practitioners. 1•2 The use of such herbai medication may be of particular danger in malnourished children, whose body mass, nutritional state and reduced detoxification abilities increase the plasma Jevels of many exogenous compounds.3-5 The study group consisted of a population of malnourished inpatients and their carers, with whom the medical staff had considerable rapport. The intention is to describe the nature and prevalence ofthose remedies in common use.
Methods The study included ali admissions to the Tropical Metabolism Research Unit over a 2year period. Children were either referred to the unit by community medical services or brought by their carers. The Unit specializes
Reprint requests to: Dr C. A. Michie, University College and Middlesex Schools of Medicine, 91 Riding House Street, London W1P SBT, United Kingdom.
m the treatment of malnutrition: those admitted to the unit ward met the W ellcome criteria for severe malnutrition. The group consisted of 205 children (114 boys and 91 girls) of whom 85 had kwashiorkor, 82 marasmus and 38 marasmic kwashiorkor. The median age of the group was 2 years, range 9 months to 6 years. The average Jength of admission was 35 days. During routine admission clerking, descriptions of ali medication and 'bush' treatments were requested ('bush' medicine is a general term synonymous with obeah or herbalist medicine, but further including home remedies). Care was taken to document the exact vocabulary used to describe the treatments used, and the symptoms for which they were given. In the 2nd week of admission, during a further period ofclerking, details and specimens of ali medications and herbai treatments used prior to admission were requested of the child's carers. The source of these remedies was requested, and the author visited herbalist suppliers and prescribers in Kingston, St Elizabeth and St Anne to identify further the remedies. Identification of the remedies was confirmed, using a number ofbotanical and Jinguistic sources.6-9 Resinous substances were further identified, using pollen analysis. There were no deaths
32
C. A. Michz'e
TABLE 1. Identification, doses and indications for application ofherbal remedies
Botanical identification
Downloaded by [Australian Catholic University] at 11:04 21 August 2017
Comrnon names (dose and indications for use) Minttea Also Silvermint: 3 leaves per eup Tonie, worms" Ceracee tea 1 leaf per eup Tonie, cough26 Soursop leaf Also custard apple, use 2-3leaves per eup Worms Fever Grass tea Also lemon grass, use 1leafper eup Fever27 Jack in Bush tea Also bitter bush or white sage, 1-3leaves per eup Sores, mouth ulcers, diarrhoea, skin disorders Orange Peel tea Variable doses Colds or stomach ache Lime Leaf tea Variable doses Colds or thrush Spirit Weed tea Also fat bush or myal weed, use 1 leaf per eup Colds or fits, driving away duppies John Charles Mint tea Use 3leaves per eup Malnutrition, fever, colds Bissy tea Also bichy bush, grind small piece into a eup Pains or constipation Peppermint tea Use lleafper eup Tonie Myrrhoil Use topically or half teaspoon by mouth daily Severe illness ? spiritual healing, rashes Frankincense resin Halfteaspoon daily in hot water Severe illness ? spiritual healing Unidentified 'bush' teas
in the study group during the investigation, and it is of note that no observations of beneficiai activity, toxicity or side-effects of the remedies were documented during the survey. Sorne 10% of the final clerkings were incomplete and are not presented in the results.
Children using preparation (%)
Mentha viridis
48
Mormordica charantia
11
Annona muricata
5
Cymbopogon citratus
5
Eupatorium odoratum
4
Citrus aurantium
4
Citrus aurantifolia
4
Eryngium foetidium
3
Hyptis verticillata
2
Cola acuminata
2
Mentha viminea
2
Commiphora myrrh
2
Boswellia carterii
2
8
Results Table I indicates the herbai substances most frequent! y used, their Latin botanical identification and the percentage of children given the treatment. References are given, where available, to the most recent appropriate
Use of herbai remedies inJamaica
33
TABLE Il. Single cases ofthese remedies doeumented
Downloaded by [Australian Catholic University] at 11:04 21 August 2017
Common names (dose and indications for use)
Botanical identification
Basil tea Also Duppy Basil, use 1-21eaves per eup Tonie, cough, fever Leaf of Life tea Also 'Herbe mal tete', use 1 leaf per eup Colds, fever, sores Rat Ears Leaf tea Also Silver Bush, Easy to Bruck, rat Ieaf, use 1-4leaves per eup Malnutrition, fever Velvet Coldbush tea Use 2-41eaves per eup Diuretic for swellings, chest problems Garlictea 1-2 cloves per eup Tonie Cullen Mint tea Use 1leafpercup Stomach pains Strong Back tea Use 1leafpercup Tonie Dog's Tongue Bush tea Use 2-3Ieaves per eup Tonie Semi kantrac tea Use 2-4 leaves or small ground root per eup Worms, stomach pains, drive away duppies Pia ba Use 1leafpercup Headache, sores, worms Mother Look Up tea Use 3--Sieaves per eup Tonie Pennyroyal tea Use 1leafper eup Tonie Search Me Heart tea Use 1leafpercup Malnutrition, stomach pains, tonie
ethnopharmacological literature on each species. Table II demonstrates details of the range of tho se less frequently used. Su pp liers revealed differences in their estimation of the specifie value of different plants and in their nomenclature and identification-a range of local names is therefore supplied. Sorne 8% of remedies referred to as 'bush' tea could not be clearly identified.
Ocymum minimum Ocymum sanctum Bryophy/lum pinnatum
Peperomia pellucida, Boerhavia scandens, Cissus trifoliata Cissamplelos pareira
Allim sativum
Lippa geminata, Lantana spp. Cuphea parsonia
Pseudoe/ephantopus spicatus
Chenopodium ambrosioides
Hyptis pectinata
Blechum brownei
Micromeria brownei
Rytidophy/lum tomentosum
The results are complicated by the observation that remedies were rarely used alone and were oftenmixed before preparation. The more common combinations are documented in Table III. The majority of treatments described involved the drinking of 'teas'; accounts of other delivery routes, 'magical' or 'spiritual' forms oftherapy, werenot described by carers
34
C.A. Michie
III. Combinations of herbai teas commonly used in the study group
TABLE
Downloaded by [Australian Catholic University] at 11:04 21 August 2017
Children using preparation 0
o)
Common names
(
Mint tea and Bissy tea Ceracee, mint and Fever Grass teas Ceracee and mint teas Strongback and Fever Grass teas
24 4 4 4
in this investigation. These alternative forms of healing are practised in J amaica, often by the same obeah men who prescribe herbai remedies, and difficulty in documenting them gives ri se to a lacuna in this description.
Discussion The majority of the admissions-71 ° ~ in this group-had been given herbai remedies of sorne description prior to presentation at hospital. Clearly, with such a high incidence, albeit in a selected population of inpatients, it is important to consider the beneficiai versus the toxic effects of the remedies. 10 A number of studies indicate that constituents of these remedies possess pharmacological activity. Menthol found in ali the mint family has activity on calcium channels; 11 'Semi kan trac' and piaba have also been investigated for their effects as vermifuges, and the majority of the herbs in both Tables contain flavenoids, which have a wide range of biological actions. 12 The lack of obvious pharmacological activity on clinical examination in our study group would tend to imply that beneficiai effects are limited in the face of severe malnutrition. Very few of the remedies used in the stated doses in this Jamaican population are known to be toxic; indeed, the use of 'mint tea' is widespread throughout the island. Two exceptions include those cases employing Senecio discolor and a Lantana species in 'bush tea': these plants contain known hepatotoxins, and can produce veno-
occlusive disease in children. 13 Side-effects arising from other remedies are likely: for instance, the ingestion of bissy tea, prepared from the kola nut as described, contains high levels of caffeine and theobromine and therefore may produce restlessness and headache. Jack in bush tea, fever grass tea, frankincense and myrrh may induce vomiting and diarrhoea. 14 Given the vulnerability of the study group, it is reassuring that no physical or biochemical side-effects were observed or measured. The range and types of herbai remedies documented here are of considerable anthropological interest. The majority of the remedies used, and the principles of their application, resemble most closely those of West Africa. 15 ' 16 As an example, 'bush teas' for children made from aromatic herbs are weil described in West Africa. Piaba, lime leaf and spirit weed tea remedies are typical Ashanti preparations. However, several remedies, such as the 'leaf of life' and 'strong back', are probably of Mayan origin, as the relevant species are not found on the African continent. 6 The 'Semi kantrac' tea may have a Creole name, but the plant, Chenopodium ambrosioides, is of American origin, and the source of the 'wormseed oil' of Baltimore. The use of basil for treating children is often regarded as peculiar to the Hindu population. However, similar species grow in Africa, and the use of basil as an infusion or tea is more an African custom. The two species of Ocymum have roles in both West African and Hindu religions, and are used by the more modern Santiera sect of Latin America and the Caribbean in ceremonial blessings. 17 The curious application of frankincense and myrrh (who se exact botanical identification remain indeterminate, even by pollen analysis) is presumably ofEuropean origin. 18 ' 19 Although similar resins from related species are found in West Africa, such as 'bumbo' from Daniella thurifera, these are not used to exorcise illness in the manner described. These particular paediatric therapies therefore represent an amalgamation of ideas and agents from several sources.
Downloaded by [Australian Catholic University] at 11:04 21 August 2017
Use of herbai remedies inJamaica
The J amaican pharmacopoeia represents a distinctive synthesis of the herbai lore and folk medicine of severa! cultures. The nature of the remedies showed no major differences in patients from a rural or urban address, or on different parts of the island. A similar oral tradition is displayed in migrant Jamaican populations, and identical remedies have been observed in use in both America and England. 20 lt is further observed that the range and descriptions of remedies differ little from those documented by Sloane & Broughton in the 18th century in Jamaica. 21 '22 This study demonstrates the requirement for a more detailed review of the pharmacological effects of the remedies which persist in J amaica alongside orthodox medical practices. It further illustrates the value oftaking a complete history from the patient's family on at least two occasions! However, caution as to the identification or possible contamination of such remedies, owing to mistakes in packing or the addition of colourings or fiavourings, must be expressed; such complications have been weil documented elsewhere.n-26 Given the high prevalence of traditional remedies in the treatment of J amaican infants and children, they are at particular risk of such accidents.
References
2
3
4
5
6 7 8 9 10
11 12
13 14 15
Acknowledgements The author would like to thank the patients and the ir relatives for the ir enthusiasm and for their help with this project. The staff of the Tropical Metabolism Unit, in particular Dr Maria Bredow and Staff Nurse Carrington, gave invaluable guidance concerning my investigation, which was not easy for a foreigner. May 1 thank the staff of the Royal Botanic Gardens in Kew for their patient assistance with identification and pollen analysis, and the Wellcome Trust and Imperial Cancer Research Fund for supporting me during the collection and collation of these data.
35
16 17
18 19 20
21 22 23
Mitchell MF. Popular medical concepts in Jamaica and their impact on drug use. Western Med J 1983; 139:841-6. Landman J, Hall J St E. The dietary habits and knowledge of folklore of pregnant J amaican women. Eco! Food Nutr 1983; 12:203-12. W einshilboum RM. Phenol sulfotransferase in humans: properties, regulation and function. Fed Proc 1986; 45:2223-30. Krishnaswamy K. Drug metabolism and pharmacokinetics in malnourished children. Clin Pharmacokinet 1989; 17 (supp 1):68. Michie C. Sulphate and esterified sulphate excretion in severely malnourished children. Proc Nutr Soc 1990;49:117A. Asprey GF, Thomton P. Medicinal plants of Jamaica. WI Med J 1954; vols 2 and 3. Grieve M. A Modem Herbai. New York: Harper, 1967. Cassidy Le Page. Dictionary of Jamaican English. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press, 1984. Evans WC, Trease GE. Pharmacognosy, 13th edn. London: Ballière Tindall, 1989. Bannerman RH, Burton J, Wen-Chieh C. Traditional Medicine and Health Care Coverage. Geneva, World Health Publications, 1983. Hole for the mint. Lancet 1988; i:1144. Alcuraz MJ, Ferrandiz ML. Modification of arachidonate metabolism by flavonoids. J Ethnopharm 1987; 21:209-29. Schneider MF. Plants Poisonous to Children and Other People. New York: Rochester, 1984. Reynolds JEF. The Extra Pharmacopoeia; 29th edn. London: Pharmaceutical Press, 1989. Ayensu ES. Medicinal Plants of West Africa. Algonac Ref Pub, 1978. Honeychurch PN. Caribbean Plants and Their Uses. London: Macmillan, 1986. Godhwani S, Godhwani JL, Vyas DJ. Ocimum sanctum: an experimental study evaluating its antiinflammatory, analgesie and antipyretic activity in animais. J Ethnopharm 1987; 21:153-8. Hunt A. Popular Medicine in Thirteenth Century England. Cambridge: Brewer, 1990. Michie C, Cooper E. Frankincense and myrrh as remedies in children. J R Soc Med 1991; 84:602-5. Leonard BE. The pharmacological screening of Jamaican bush teas. PhD thesis submitted to University of Birmingham, 1962. Sloane H. A Voyage ... to Jamaica, with the Natural History, vol. 2. London, 1725. Broughton A. Hortus Eastensis. St Jago de la Vega (Aitken). London, 1794. Van der Zander JA, Fitzpatrick RB. Chase the wind from the bones. Minn Pharm 1980; 35:8.
36
C.A. Michie
Downloaded by [Australian Catholic University] at 11:04 21 August 2017
24 Lampe KF, McCann MA. AMA Handbook of Poisonous and Injurious Plants. Chicago, IL: American Medical Association, 1985. 25 Ogzewella CD, Bonfiglio JF, Sigell L T. Common plants and their toxicity. Pediatr Clin North Am 1987;34:1557-612.
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