‘Bush tea’ is something many Jamaicans grew up on, where the ‘bush’ in question could be anything. The particular ‘bush’ under the microscope today is guinea hen weed and scientific findings have backed up the effectiveness of these ‘home remedies.’ 

Guinea hen weed, scientifically known as Leptadenia pyrotechnica and popularly called ‘bush tea’ by Jamaicans is a plant that grows freely in the Craig Hill area. It was one of the first plants to be identified as having medicinal properties on its own with multiple health benefits including relief for asthma, diabetes and ulcers among others. 

The herb has been used traditionally since it became widely recognized more than 100 years ago and scientific research has backed up these uses following detailed studies carried out over the last few decades which have confirmed them such as being effective. 

Loaded with Flavonoids

Guinea hen weed is loaded with Flavonoids which are various compounds found naturally in many fruits and vegetables. They’re also in plant products like wine, tea, and chocolate. There are six different types of flavonoids found in food, and each kind is broken down by your body in a different way. Flavonoids have been shown in laboratory studies to help regulate blood sugar, lower cholesterol and decrease inflammation.

 In Jamaica people use the Guinea hen weed for asthma, diabetes, ulcers among others It is also used as an herbal remedy for a number of ailments including arthritis, kidney stones and hypertension. The healing properties of this herb are many that include relief from asthma, diabetes and ulcers among many others. There has been scientific research done on the herb which backs up these uses such as being effective at relieving symptoms like diarrhea when taken internally or applied topically to skin disorders with no known cause. In addition it boosts digestion by toning stomach muscles; aids circulation by thinning capillary walls; improves mental alertness through increased brain activity.
 

Flavonoids are rich in antioxidant activity and can help your body ward off every day toxins. Including more flavonoids in your diet is a great way to help your body stay healthy and potentially decrease your risk of some chronic health conditions.

Flavonoids (astilbin, myricitrin, engeletin, pinitol)

Triterpenes

Fatty acids

Allantoin

Coumarin

Sulfur-containing amino acids (in the roots)

Individually, these compounds are known to have numerous health benefits. However, the beauty of natural medicines is that the compounds work together. Whereas traditional drugs tend to work in just one way (such as killing bacteria), the compounds in guinea hen weed can tackle ailments on multiple fronts (such as killing bacteria while boosting immunity and reducing inflam
mation). 

Scientific Research 

Local researchers, led by Dr. Henry Lowe, have discovered antiviral, antifungal and pesticidal properties in the plant. Even though guinea hen weed has been used medicinally for centuries, the plant didn’t get much scientific attention until the early 2000s. That’s when researchers started seriously investigating its cancer-fighting abilities. Now, there are thousands of studies showing numerous benefits of guinea hen weed.