Abstract
The practice of bush medicine in The Bahamas is shrouded in mystery. This literature review is not an attempt to verify or disclaim the beliefs as to the authenticity of the healing powers of native plants but rather to give a brief informative overview of the rich cultural heritage of the Bahamian people. The sources used in this review include statements from local inhabitants whose belief systems are so deeply entrenched that they are confident that their very survival and that of their ancestors hinged on the medicinal powers of bush medicine. Included is historical evidence explaining why bush medicine became an integral part of Bahamian culture as well as scientific evidence of its effectiveness and curative properties.
Highlights
The terms natural cures and alternative medicine have been incorporated into the vocabulary of contemporary Bahamians
Of the 265,000 identified plant species worldwide, only 1% have been tested for medical purposes, and of those, 25% have been made into medicine, so it is reasonable to expect bush medicine to be effective in at least some cases (McCormack, Maier, & Wallens, 2011, p. xxviii)
Higgs reports on research by West, Sidrak, and Street (1971) that studied the benefits of the cerasee (Momordica charantia) plant, which is said to slow the growth of cancer cells (p. 3)
Summary
The terms natural cures and alternative medicine have been incorporated into the vocabulary of contemporary Bahamians. The two terms are synonymous with bush medicine, a local Bahamian term describing the administration and application of native herbs and plants for medicinal purposes. Organic extracts from medicinal plants are used; these extracts have been shown to effectively treat a wide range of ailments. Of the 265,000 identified plant species worldwide, only 1% have been tested for medical purposes, and of those, 25% have been made into medicine, so it is reasonable to expect bush medicine to be effective in at least some cases The traditional use of native plants as medicine is the foremost method of treatment for various ailments among older Bahamians. The renewed interest in plant-based medicine in today’s society has brought to the forefront the question of whether the medicinal and curative properties of bush medicines are based on facts or merely on local folklore
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