Petty Spurge (Cancer Weed): History, Traditional Uses, Actions, Risks & Modern Insight Botanical Name: Euphorbia peplus L.Family: EuphorbiaceaeCommon Names: Petty spurge, Cancer weed, Radium weed, MilkweedHabitat: Hedgerows, gardens, pavements, disturbed soils (common throughout the UK and Europe) Petty spurge (Euphorbia… Read More »Petty Spurge (Cancer Weed): Traditional Uses, History & Risks
HERBAL MONOGRAPHJatropha gossypiifolia L. 1. Botanical Name Jatropha gossypiifolia L. 2. Family Euphorbiaceae(Spurge family) 3. Common Names Bellyache Bush Cotton-leaf Physic Nut Black Physic Nut Purging Nut Red Fig-nut American Purging Nut (Common names vary by region across Africa, the… Read More »Jatropha gossypiifolia (Bellyache Bush): Uses, Actions, Toxicity & Safety
In Jamaica, “Strong Back” is more than just a plant – it’s a cultural symbol of vitality, resilience, and wellness deeply rooted in the island’s folk medicine traditions. The name “Strong Back” reflects its reputation for strengthening the body, particularly… Read More »Strong Back in Jamaican Culture and Traditional Medicine
Motherwort, scientifically known as Leonurus cardiaca, is a perennial herb in the mint family (Lamiaceae) renowned for its supportive role in heart health, women’s wellness, and stress relief. Its name derives from “lion’s tail” (Leonurus) for its leaf shape and… Read More »Motherwort (Leonurus cardiaca): A Detailed Herbal Profile
Botanical Profile Family: Lamiaceae (Mint Family)Species Used Medicinally: Primarily Lycopus virginicus and Lycopus europaeus, though other species like L. americanus and L. lucidus are also utilised Common Names: Bugleweed, Gypsywort, Water Horehound, Paul’s Betony, Carpenter’s Herb It is critical to… Read More »Bugleweed Uses and Benefits
1) Botanical Identity and Description Scientific Name: Guazuma ulmifolia Lam. Family: Malvaceae (formerly placed in Sterculiaceae). Common Names: In Jamaica, it is most commonly known as Bas Cedar or Bass Cedar (a corruption of “Bastard Cedar”). Other regional names include… Read More »Bas Cedar (Guazuma ulmifolia Lam.)
Spanish Needle – Bidens pilosa Common Names: Spanish needle, Blackjack, Beggarticks, Black-jack, Sticktight, Farmer’s friend, Cobbler’s pegs, Pitchforks (also locally “Spanish needles” or similar). Family: Asteraceae (daisy family). Habit: A fast-growing annual or short-lived perennial herb with branching, upright stems, opposite… Read More »Spanish Needle – Bidens pilosa
Herbal Profile: Newbouldia laevis Botanical Information Scientific Name: Newbouldia laevis (P. Beauv.) Seem. ex Bureau Family: Bignoniaceae (trumpet vine family, characterised by vibrant, tubular flowers and often woody growth forms) Common Names: Boundary tree, Tree of Life, Fertility tree, African… Read More »Herbal Profile: Boundary Tree, Tree of Life (Newbouldia laevis)
Common Names: Yellow Bells, Yellow Elder, Esperanza, Ginger-ThomasFamily: BignoniaceaeParts Used: Leaves, flowers, stem barkEnergetics: Bitter, cooling, dryingTraditional Systems: Indigenous Mesoamerican, Caribbean, African-American folk medicine Botanical Overview Tronadora, scientifically known as Tecoma stans, is a vibrant flowering shrub or small tree… Read More »Herbal Profile: Tronadora (Tecoma stans)
Imagine a world where picking a leaf from a tree, brewing bark into tea, or cultivating a plant in your own garden could land you in jail. A world where nature is no longer free, but forbidden – regulated, patented,… Read More »The Audacity of Making Natural Plants a Crime
Cassia occidentalis, commonly known as Coffee Senna, Negro Coffee, or Kasamarda, is a versatile medicinal plant belonging to the Fabaceae family (subfamily Caesalpinioideae). This erect, annual or perennial herb is widely distributed in tropical and subtropical regions, including India, Africa,… Read More »Cassia occidentalis (Senna occidentalis) – Herbal Profile
Latin Name: Senna alexandrina While the genus Senna is large, the most well-known and widely used medicinal species is Senna alexandrina. This species is the primary source for the senna leaves and pods used in commercial laxative products. Its main… Read More »Senna (Senna alexandrina) – Herbal Profile