Plants of medicinal value

There are a variety of beneficial plants found on the islands of St.Kitts and Nevis that have remarkable medicinal value. The island is home to as many as 30 species of plants and herbs that are held to have healing powers. Most of them can be commonly sighted, and some of these are mentioned here.

Poinciana or Flamboyant tree (Delonix regia). The national flower of St. Kitts & Nevis, said to be named after the French nobleman, Count de Poincy, a former Governor General of St. Kitts during the French rule.

Breadfruit (Artocarpus altilis)

It is used as a starchy vegetable in many local dishes.

Black Sage (Cordia curassavica)

The leaves of this plant are steeped to treat colds and cough.

Wild Sage (Lantana camara)

Usually mixed with tea to treat colds and chills.

Mango (Mangifera Indica L.)

This is the most popular fruit in the West Indies.

Mahoe (Quararibea turbinata)

The stems of this plant were used as goad sticks and the bark as a rope substitute.

Soursop (Annona muricata L.)

This is used to make ice cream and preserves, and as a sedative for children.

Screw Pine (Pandanus utilis)

The leaves are brought into use for making baskets, place mats and other woven craft.

Blood Flower/Milky-Milky (Asclepias curassavica)

This plant proves very beneficial for treating guinea worm and ringworm.

Wild Coffee (Casearia guianensis)

Most easily recognizable by it's distinct dark bark that is used as fuelwood.

Wild Cilliment (Pimenta racemosa)

The leaves were soaked in rum and used to relieve soreness.

Wild Cherries (Prunus occidentalis)

 The fruits are used locally to make fruit punches.

Coconut Palm (Cocos nucifara)

This plant serves many purposes as medicine, thatch, timber, fiber and copra.

Golden Apple (Spondias dulcis)

The fruits are made into preserves or eaten when ripe.

Joint Wood (Piper amalago)

It is used in tea for relief from colds and flu and also as a laxative.

Tree Fern (Cyathea arborea)

Used by the Carib Indians to preserve and carry fire.

Ficus Citrofolia

The roots unite to form a trunk and these were used in making guitars and for fuel.

Bamboo (Bambusa vulgaris)

Used in making furniture, pipes, fences and poles.

Jumbie Beads (Abrus precatorius)

Seeds used as decorations on handicrafts.

Warri Beads

Seeds used to play the game Warri, a game descendant from Africa Mankala, the oldest family of games in the world.

White Cedar (Tabebuia heteropyhlla)

Used chiefly for posts and poles, and also used for building boats.

Silk Cotton Tree/Kapok (Ceiba pentandra)

Used in baths to relieve fatigue and to counteract poisoning.

Seagrape (Coccoloba uvifera)

The fruits are used to prepare jellies and wine-like beverages locally.

Hog Plum (Spondias mombin)

 Used in a tea to stop diarrhoea or dysentery.