Origin

Jamaica

Folk medicinal uses

Considerable confusion appears to exist among Jamaicans who use "tea bushes" as to the identity and respective merits of the plants called dandelion and piss-a-bed. It is certain that some informants who claim that the plants are different distinguish them on characteristics of so slight a botanical nature that they have presented to us specimens of C. occidentalis under both names: we have, moreover, been assured that, while piss-a-bed is given to children (and adults) with weak bladders, dandelion is "good for the kidneys" which seems to imply a diuretic character. Both Dancer and Wright give the name piss-a-bed to C. occidentalis which they describe as diuretic and aperient. Other writers describe the root only, as diuretic. We have had similar confused accounts of C. ligustrina. At Bath an informant identified C. occidentalis as piss-a-bed and attributed to it antidiuretic properties: the plant presented as dandelion was a further unidentified Cassia sp. Which was described as "good for" the kidneys, back pains, the stomach and shortness of breath. C. ligustrina-The leaves of this species are employed in Cuba as a purge. C. occidentalis-In addition to uses already recorded the leaves of this species are described in the literature as providing a drink and wash for skin diseases; the seeds as an application for ringworm; and the leaves and roots a3 a medicine for jaundice, dropsy, dysentery, diarrhoea, liver troubles and gonorrhoea. We have also been told that the plant (with soil still adhering to the roots) soaked in proof rum makes an excellent medicine for the prevention of an attack of malaria.

Asprey, G.F; Phylis Thornton/ Medicinal plants of Jamaica. Parts III & IV. – p. 51.