Wednesday, March 27, 2013



Sorrel, as it is called in Jamaica and the Carribean (Hibiscus sabdariffa) is a red hibiscus plant, commonly known as Roselle around the world. It is also known as multiple other names in other tropical countries such as Burma, Thailand, Senegal, Mali, Ghana, Nigeria, Mexico, Panama, Indonesia, Malaysia. 

Jamaican Sorrel is prepared by making it into a beverage. This is done by boiling the sorrel flowers  in water for 8-10 minutes and then adding sugar. The mixture is a red tea infusion. Sometimes, there is addition of ginger and rum. Sorrel is usually enjoyed during the Christmas time.

Sorrel has medicinal properties because of the presence of flavonoids which is a deterrent against certain types of cancer and helps in enhancing the body’s immune system. Recent studies done by the Northern Caribbean University showed that sorrel could kill certain cancer cells. Sorrel is also used as a neutroceutical, which is "any substance that may be considered a food or part of a food which in addition to its normal nutritive value provides health benefits including prevention of disease." The plant has antihypertensive properties which mean it can be used to treat high blood pressure. Sorrel is used as a diuretic and a mild laxative but it may also be utilized in the treatment of cardiac and nerve diseases.  Also urinary tract infection, atherosclerosis, liver disease, diabetes and other metabolic syndrones. 


Sour sop Annona muricata is a tropical fruit, native to Central America, the Caribbean and certain parts of South America. It is sometimes called Guanabana internationally, which is its Spanish name. It can also be known as Graviola (Brazilian).

The fruit itself is used in making beverages, ice cream and deserts. However, it is the leaves and roots of the sour sop plant that is said to contain healing properties.

In the Jamaican Gleaner, an article published in August 2011, released information of a case where sour sop was believed to be the cure of a woman’s cancer. While she is alive and well, it should be noted that there is some scientific evidence to support its cancer fighting properties.  Research done by a Catholic University in South Korea that was published the Journal of Natural Products said that one chemical in sour sop was found to selectively destroy colon cancer cells at a higher potency than Adriamycin, which is the commonly used chemotherapy drug. This study also found that the sour sop chemical would not target the healthy cells affected chemotherapy such as cells in the hair and stomach, usually causing nausea and hair loss in patients.
a diuretic and a mild laxative but it may also be utilized in the treatment of cardiac and nerve diseases.  Also urinary tract infection, atherosclerosis, liver disease, diabetes and other metabolic syndrones.