Elke
In the Caribbean, bush tea often means collecting healthy ingredients you may find in your mom’s or grandmother’s kitchen, or even around your yard.
It is common for St. Thomas moms and grandmoms to have their recipe ready at hand at the first sign of illness in those they love.
On the island, most people have their own recipe.
Imagine sitting on your porch, looking out over the shimmering waters surrounding St. Thomas, and sipping these tasty and refreshing concoctions that can serve you countless health rewards.
Mint, lemongrass, sorrel (hibiscus), lemon balm, yellow bells/yellow elder, and so many other ingredients form the basis for relaxing bush teas that offer loads of comfort.
These ingredients are generally caffeine-free and full of flavor.
Still, make sure to check with your doctor to verify that these ingredients won’t interact with medicines you may be taking.
Here are seven common bush tea ingredients and their health benefits.
- Mint. Mint is a delightful and bright addition to any tea, and is so common that it can be difficult to find a recipe without it. Mint can ease gas and bloating and calm indigestion. Further, mint helps clear sinuses and soothes airways during a cold.
- Ginger. It’s not surprising that ginger is a popular tea ingredient all around the world. It is notorious for its ability to ease an upset stomach, nausea, and discomfort in pregnant women and people with motion sickness. But did you know ginger may help decrease pain and chronic inflammation, and help control fat storage and appetite? This mighty little root does a huge job.
- Turmeric. Turmeric is an amazing spice that helps ease joint pain, support digestion, and protect cells from damage, according to Johns Hopkins Medicine. Turmeric comes from a root, related to ginger, called the rhizome. It has a history in Ayurvedic and traditional medicine in China and India. It is high in anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties.
- Lemongrass. Although research is limited, the long tradition of using these roots and herbs, passed down through generations of mothers and grandmothers, implies they have great value. Lemongrass is a powerful herb that provides benefits such as calming digestion, reducing bloating, lowering blood pressure, and easing anxiety. Further, it serves to improve cholesterol, fight inflammation, and act as a diuretic, according to https://www.healthline.com/health/food-nutrition/lemongrass-tea.
- Lemon Balm. Lemon balm is an herb that focuses on easing stress, improving sleep, and calming mild digestive problems. It is also known for promoting memory, focus, and alertness. This herb has powerful antioxidants to protect cells from oxidative stress, according to WebMD.
- French Thyme. French Thyme offers high amounts of thymol and antioxidants, which help calm sore throats, ease coughs, support digestion, and boost immunity. Thymol is a compound derived from common forms of thyme, known for high levels of antimicrobial, antifungal, and antiseptic properties. In addition, according to medicinenet.com, thyme can help loosen phlegm, reduce gas, and fight bad bacteria in the gut, and vitamin C and vitamin A support white blood cells.
- Moringa. Again, studies are limited, but using the nutrient-dense leaves of the Moringa tree has great benefits, including supporting immune function, regulating blood sugar levels, and promoting healthy digestion. According to WebMD, moringa leaves offer rich Vitamin C and anti-inflammatory compounds. Moringa may also help speed up wound healing and protect the liver.
Now that you know one of the ways the people of the Caribbean use nature to promote their health, you can use these natural, medicinal tools as well to keep all kinds of ailments at bay.
When visiting St. Thomas, you can experience bush tea at one of the several coffee and tea houses on the island.
Visiting St. Thomas soon? Stay at the Windward Passage Hotel! We offer a clean, comfortable stay with friendly, professional staff and modern amenities to help you have the vacation of a lifetime.
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