Eugene Zampieron, a naturopathic doctor from the U.S., has been combing the remote hills, mountains and valleys of the lush tropical island for decades to uncover the miraculous powers of the people's tonics and potions. Now, Zampieron is helping them pass their secrets on to the world. He has found that cerasse is an excellent treatment for diabetes. Natives use the entire plant to make a tea.
Jamaican dogwood is another favorite.
It's a terrific muscle relaxant that eases the pain of childbirth and PMS symptoms. The leaves and bark of the tree are made into a tea. Ginger, Zampieron says, is a popular medicine used by natives to battle arthritis and other conditions. They make a ginger beer, along with balms and salves. In any form, it packs a powerful anti-inflammatory punch.