Traditional Medicine in Jamaica
Health Diplomacy
We must preserve the traditions of indigenous peoples of the world
As the world moves with leaps and bounds into science and technology, many traditions are fading. Botanical medicine is one example of this. Jamaica's history of diverse peoples, such as Arawak, African, Chinese and Indian, has created an amazing materia medica of plant medicine. My 2013 ethnobotany trip with naturopathic colleagues from around the U.S. focused on preserving the knowledge of the Maroons and Jamaican Rastas. Jamba, an elder in the St. Mary Parish, was one of our teachers.
wing beans for Ital stew
Ackee - Jamaica's National Fruit
Dr. Zampieron, Dr. Costello, Dr. Lipelt - Jamaica
Jamaican Dogwood Tree - St. Mary's Parish, Jamaica
Ethiopian plum - Jamba's farm Jamaica
Preparing collected herbs for medicine making in Jamaica
Cacao pod at Jamba's farm in Jamaica
Dr. Zampieron teaching herbal medicine in Jamaica - outdoor classroom
Gold bungalo and favorite tree in Jamaica - St. Mary's Parish
Hilary and Grant harvesting turmeric in Jamaica
Herb walk in Jamaica - students from Kingston and the U.S.
Giant Bamboo Raft - heading for waterfall back massage
Hiking down to waterfall pool in Jamaica
Herbal medicine hike in Jamaica
Horse at seaside - St. Mary's Parish, Jamaica
Ackee fruit
Jamaican Dogwood Tree
Jamaican Dogwood tree bark
Jamaican Dogwood bark shavings
Jamba harvesting turmeric
Jamba harvesting turmeric
Turmeric
Hilary and Jamba - Jamaica
Dr. Costello & Dr. Zampierone - Jamaica
Jamaica coastline St. Mary's Parish
Jamaica cove
Hilary with colt - Strawberry Fields, Jamaica
Jamaican grassy seaside
Jamaica jungle path
Jamaican and US herbal students
Fresh picked greens
Red Ginger
Close-up of a person's hands holding a small yellow flower with green leaves, with a blurred background.