Jamaica

Folk medicinal uses

Used as a general beverage. For fever and pain the decoction is taken as a drink and also as a bath. Alternatively the body may be rubbed with the leaves. For colds the leaves may be ground up to provide a snuff, and a bath with ginger root added may be used. It is also probably used as a laxative for babies. In the Grenadines and in Jamaica it is considered valuable for difficult menstruation. In Antigua it was, and may still be, used for bronchitis, colic, and convulsions in children.

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Origin

Jamaica

Folk medicinal uses

In addition to uses already recorded the juice of wild barsley provides a wash for blood-shot eyes when the condition has been caused bya blow. In Maya medicine it forms part of a dysentery remedy and in conjunction with tobacco leaves and "Spanish oil" is used as a dressing for syphilitic sores.