WHEN I WAS a very little girl, my mother would have particular plants around the edge of the garden. I always felt that these plants looked mysterious but were there for a purpose.
I often asked myself: “What is the purpose of these plants around the garden edge?” I felt that if I asked my mother aloud, she would think I was out of place.
When I grew up, I began reading about those plants. I soon discovered why these adults were planting these particular plants. Some of the information which I discovered blew me away.
One old man even related a story to me which, as we would say in Barbados, sounded like obeah. Were these people planting these plants for a reason? Were they aware of the names of these plants? Did they understand their medicinal value? Were these plants spiritually protecting the other plants or the home? Were they just following patterns or trends? I would like you to ask them.
One of these plants which my mother planted is Graptophyllum pictum (L.) Griff. Whether it is an obeah plant or not I do know. What I know is that it is an excellent medicinal plant and its English name is silent doctor caricature.
The juice extracted from the leaves is used for healing. This medicinal plant is used to treat many health challenges.
On the website http://herbapolonica.pl/magazines-files/3714718-art7.pdf, it has been revealed that “it was reportedly used in folk medicine as a poultice on cuts, wounds and all kinds of swellings, and for the treatment of ulcer, abscess, haemorrhoids, etc.”. Further, “some pharmacological studies on this plant crude extract were reported for anti-inflammatory, oxytocic and anti-implantation activity”.
Research shows it can also treat earache and headache, reduce swelling and ease backache. The flowers can be used to promote menstruation. The pounded leaves can be used on the breast to aid with the flowing of milk.
You can also read these studies: (1) Blood glucose lowering effect of Aqueous extract of Graptophyllum pictum (Linn) Griff. on Alloxan-induced Diabetic Rats and its acute toxicity in mice”. (2) Nephroprotective potential of Graptophyllum pictum against renal injury induced by gentamicin.
Finally, you can do more research to discover why the elders were planting particular plants around the garden. The more I study plants, the more I am learning about their protective and medicinal nature. Some people even use them as a soap substitute. It is a wonderful reality to understand nature.
• Annette Maynard-Watson, a teacher and herbal educator, may be contacted via [email protected] or by telephone 250-6450.
DISCLAIMER: It is not our intention to prescribe or make specific claims for any products. Any attempts to diagnose or treat real illness should come under the direction of your health care provider.