Cerasee, or Momordica charantia as some call it, is more than just a plant – it’s a part of Jamaican tradition, passed down from generation to generation. Di old folks swear by it, and trust mi, when yuh hear about di powers of Cerasee, yuh going to want to try it for yourself. From cleansing di blood to soothing di skin, Cerasee is di real deal when it comes to natural healing.
Back in di day, Cerasee was di go-to herb for all kinds of ailments. Granny would brew a strong cup of Cerasee tea for tummy aches, high blood pressure, or even to get rid of worms. And don’t forget – it was di answer for detoxing di body and clearing up di skin too. Whether yuh drinking it or rubbing it on, Cerasee has been a staple in Jamaican homes for centuries. And let’s not talk about how it’s used to ease di monthly cramps! Di herb is so versatile, it’s like nature’s own little pharmacy.
Medicinal Uses of Cerasee
Blood Cleansing: Yuh granny probably told yuh already, Cerasee tea is di secret to keeping yuh blood clean and pure. It flushes out toxins and makes yuh feel lighter.
Skin Saviour: Got eczema, rashes, or acne? Cerasee is di answer. Use it as a tea or crush up di leaves and make a paste for topical relief.
Gut Health: If yuh belly acting up, a strong cup of Cerasee tea will fix it right up. It works as a natural laxative and helps with constipation.
Diabetes Aid: Studies show Cerasee might help lower blood sugar, making it great for people managing diabetes.
Full Body Detox: Drinking Cerasee tea regularly helps yuh detox and feel refreshed, but nuh overdo it! Moderation is key.
Harvesting Cerasee
Cerasee grows wild in Jamaica, climbing fences and covering empty lots with its leafy vines. Yuh can pick it fresh straight from di plant, or dry it for later use. Di best time to harvest Cerasee is early in di morning, when di leaves are fresh and full of dew. If yuh drying it, hang it in a cool, shaded spot where it can keep its strength.
How to Prepare Cerasee
Cerasee Tea
Making Cerasee tea is as easy as one, two, three. Whether yuh using fresh leaves or dried ones, di steps are simple:
Ingredients
-
- A handful of fresh or dried Cerasee leaves and stems
- 2 cups of water
- Honey or sugar (optional, if yuh can’t handle di bitterness)
Method
- Rinse di Cerasee leaves and stems.
- Bring di water to a boil.
- Add di Cerasee to di pot and let it simmer for 4-5 minutes.
- Strain it into a cup and sip slow. Sweeten if yuh like, but remember – di bitterness is where di strength lies.
Cerasee for Skin
Crush di fresh leaves into a paste and apply it to di skin. Leave it on for 20 minutes before washing off with warm water. Great for rashes, eczema, and even ringworm.
A Word of Caution
Listen, Cerasee is strong stuff. Drink too much and yuh might upset di balance of things. Stick to one or two cups a day, and take a break after nine days. And if yuh pregnant, stay clear of it – Cerasee isn’t for yuh right now.
Jamaican culture is rich with remedies that heal di body and di spirit, and Cerasee is one of di most treasured herbs. So next time yuh feel di need for a lil’ detox or relief, turn to this bitter beauty and let it work its magic. Just like our ancestors did.
Health and Blessings!
Learn about more Jamaican Bush Medicines