Jamaica's ethnomedicine: its potential in the healthcare system

ABSTRACT

Herbal remedies have always been used by Jamaicans for treating a variety of illnesses. However, although many of these medicinal herbs contain beneficial bioactive ingredients, not all of them are safe! Some have toxic components while others, if taken inappropriately, can harm the body's organs and even mask the symptoms of more serious conditions. The authors propose integrating these "alternative" medicinal practices into the healthcare delivery system, beginning with a systematic testing of the remedies used, so that their bioactive ingredients can be identified and dosages standardized