The Jamaican root tonics: a botanical reference

An important part of Jamaica's ethnomedical heritage is its root tonics. These tonics are deep decoctions of barks, leaves and roots of forest species, which are consumed mainly to build strength and vitality. The objective of this article has been to gather information on a sample of Jamaican root tonics in order to provide further understanding about these tonics and also to establish a botanical reference to the plants used. Information was elicited by: (1) folk medicine questionnaires and interviews; (2) study of 38 indigenous root tonics; and (3) literature searches for similar Caribbean tonics. Jamaican root tonics are made mainly by men in rural communities. Botanical analysis of 38 indigenous root tonic drinks indicates thatSmilax balbisiana(chainy root; used in 100% of tonics),S. regelii(sarsaparilla; 94.7%), herbs covered by the common name ‘strong back’ which includedDesmodium canum, Cuphea parsonsiaandMorinda royoc(94.6%),Iresine diffusa(nerve wist; 57.9%),Trophis racemosa(ramoon; 57.9%),Alysicarpus vaginalis(medina; 55.3%) andZingiber officinale(ginger; 50.0%) are the most commonly used plants. A total of 24 plants was used in 20–100% of root tonics, with 70 other plant species making up the balance. Between three and 26 plants, with an average of 13.3 plants, were used in each root tonic. Since chainy root is endemic to Jamaica, these root tonics are uniquely Jamaican. Although a wide variety of plants are used in Jamaican root tonics, the method of making the tonics is the same. This is the first scientific documentation of Jamaican root tonics, and an important first step towards validating their efficacy and safety.