Medicinal Trees of the Caribbean

There are several trees in the Caribbean that have wonderful healing properties.  They are the Moringa, Neem, Noni, Sour Sop, Pomegranate, and Coconut. 

1. Moringa: Leaves from the Moringa tree are high in antioxidants, calcium, Vitamin C, Vitamin A, potassium, iron, magnesium, protein, quercetin, and fiber.Medicinal Properties of Moringa:  Lowers blood sugar; lowers blood pressure; reduces swelling;    antiseptic;  relieves rheumatism; antidote for venomous toxin; relieves skin infections; cures gastric ulcers. Seeds are used to treat erectile dysfunction.

2.  Neem: Fruit, bark, seeds, leaves and roots have curative properties.

Anti-fungal, anti-inflammatory; anti-septic. Neem leave extract has antidiabetic effects.

One study asserts that neem leaf had a hypoglycemic effect comparable to the prescription drug glibenclamide.  The fruit, leaves, and root extract help regulate lipids.

3. Noni Juice (from the fruit of the Noni tree): Also good for multiple ailments, including diabetes, cancer, and arthritis.  It has anti-inflammatory, anti-fungal, anti-tumor, anti-oxidative and anti-parasite properties..  It is good for digestive problems.  There are some claims that it can aid autoimmune diseases.  The leaves have the potential to aid in healing wounds.

4. Coconut

Benefits of Coconut Water: 

1.  Good source of the major minerals like potassium, magnesium, and calcium.

      Potassium and magnesium are known to help reduce high blood pressure

2.  It also contains a variety of trace elements such as zinc, selenium, iodine, sulfur, manganese, boron, molybdenum.

3. Heart Health:  helps dilate blood vessels, improves blood flow, and reduces plaque formation in arteries, reducing risk of heart attack and stroke.

4. Metabolic Function: Contains certain forms of dietary fiber and amino acids that help moderate sugar absorption and improve insulin sensitivity.

5. Improves urinary tract infections and reduces kidney stones.

Coconut Oil Health Benefits:

-- it helps regulate blood sugar. It  improves insulin secretion and utilization of blood glucose. 

--  coconut oil puts less of a demand on the enzyme production of the pancreas. 

--  Lowers lipid levels & total cholesterol and triglycerides. [Attributed to polyphenols in the oil]

-- Anti-inflammatory; Used on wounds and burns.

--  Is heat resistant (the healthiest oil for cooking). / highly resistant to spoilage (long shelf life).

  Source: The Coconut Oil Miracle.  Bruce Fife