African Black Soap is usually a mixture of plantain skin which is high in vitamins A & E as well as iron, cocoa pods (the shell of the cocoa fruit) or shea tree bark, and natural oils. The skin of the plantain and the cocoa pod is dried in the hot sun, then roasted in a clay oven. Afterwords, the plantain skin is mixed with palm oil to make the soap. The darkness of black soap is directly related to how long the plantain is roasted. Black soap comes in all shades of brown, as well as black, and is unscented with a crumby texture. Black Soap originates from West Africa, and is especially abundant and popular in Ghana (my paternal homeland!). Similarly to how I always pick up castor oil when I'm in Haiti and never run out, I am able to buy black soap whenever I'm in Ghana by the masses. It is 100% natural and organic. Black soap is soothing and serves as a natural exfoliant. It is known to cure conditions such as acne, eczema, scars and blemishes. Black soap can also be used as an alternative to shampoo.
Image Source: Adonni Naturals
I've been using African Black Soap for a while and it definitely lives up to its reputation of being useful in multiples ways. When I first started using it long ago, I almost threw it away. It left my skin SO cleansed that my skin had this awkward dry waxy feel to it. But, after a few days, this stopped. All the dark spots I had started to fade and I fell in love with it. I haven't had any acne since using this soap. I have read that black soap can be used as a shampoo alternative which is true BUT I do not use it as such and would never ONLY because it has an extremely high pH of 10 and higher, which means it is very basic/alkaline. This isn't the best for hair, which has an acidic pH between 4-5. It's important to use products which have a pH that is as similar to the hair's pH. Yet, I must say, that West African peoples have been using it as such for hundreds of years, so truly the proof is in the pudding!
Image source: Google Images
All in all, I would certainly buy this again....I mean, I always do. Black soap can be purchased in West Africa, local beauty supply stores and Amazon. Nubian Heritage also makes black soap, but it is more on the processed side, which is evident by its square shape and jet black color. It's organic and natural, but not as raw and handmade as true African Black Soap. Similarly, many companies also liquify black soap to create their own versions of shampoos, conditioners, and body washes such as Shea Moisture's popular "Black Soap" line. I personally recommend buying the raw form as pictured above!
Here are some black soap options!
Have you ever used black soap?
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N
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Medical Disclaimer: Naika, the writer of this blog, is Naturopathic Doctor and Acupuncturist. Please do not take this as medical advice, without consulting your health care practitioner. Also remember, knowledge is power and your health is your wealth!
Eating healthy does not have to cost allot of money. It's something we hear allot for whatever reason, but it's not true! I recently read a great article on Organic Beauty Vixen about eating healthy for under $20/week. It's totally possible! Ever since juicing for the past few weeks, I've been amazed at how affordable eating healthy can be, especially when you buy fruits and vegetables that are in season! My bill for my first round of produce was an astounding $80, and it only lasted for about 5 days. But after doing research, I went back to the supermarket, bought in season and spent $30 and the food lasted for 1 week. I should note that I was spending so much money on produce because juicing uses up allot of fruits and vegetables, since only the juice is extracted and the meaty fiber is excluded. It only makes sense that the fruits and vegetables that are in most abundance would be the most affordable and accessible. So I wanted to compile a short list of some of the fresh produce that is currently in season (April)!
Lavender oil is a great essential oil that can be used for aromatherapy, alternative medicine, preservation, and beauty. Lavender oil is a distillate of the species Lavandula angustifolia, and has a pleasant floral, clean and refreshing aroma. It blends really well with a variety of other oils, which makes it very popular in the perfume industry.
I first purchased lavender oil because I was getting tired of the smell of tea tree oil. I wanted to use an essential oil for sure, since they are known for being particularly good at improving blood circulation. This is key for promoting a healthy scalp and increased hair growth. One day, I was buying a product at my local beauty supply store and I saw a little bottle of lavender oil for about $7.00. I took a quick smell and really liked it. So I bought it and tried it a few days later as a scalp massage. It was nice but I definitely prefer tea tree oil as a scalp massage oil because it is more effective at regulating scalp health (fights dandruff and a variety of scalp problems), but I use lavender oil from time to time. My favorite way to use lavender oil is as a preservative. Whenever I'm making a home-made mixture, I put a few drops of lavender oil in it to preserve it and make it smell good. Lavender oil can be purchased at Amazon and a variety of health food stores.
A great lavender oil from Amazon!
Some Benefits:
natural stress reducer and anxiety reliever
can soothe cuts, bruises, and skin irritation
helps common respiratory problems
can nourish the hair and scalp and prevent shedding
is an antiseptic and anti-fungal
can alleviate tension headaches
natural mosquito repellent (I will be using this during my travels!)
can induce sleep when inhaled
improves blood circulation, which is not only great for scalp care, but for reducing high blood pressure as well
Some Uses:
as a scalp massage; when I take a break from my usual jojoba oil + tea tree oil scalp mixture, I massage my scalp with jojoba oil + a few drops of lavender oil
add a few drops a vaporizer to treat coughs
use as a preservative in hair and skin care mixtures
add to carrier oils to make a massage oil mixture to relieve joint or muscle pains
rub on chest for the relief of spasms related to asthma or bronchitis
natural deodorant; add a few drops of lavender oil on a wet cloth or dryer sheet to freshen up your laundry
diffuse lavender oil to calm yourself
Have you ever used lavender oil? Weigh in!
Stay Engaged,
N
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Medical Disclaimer: Naika, the writer of this blog, is Naturopathic Doctor and Acupuncturist. Please do not take this as medical advice, without consulting your health care practitioner. Also remember, knowledge is power and your health is your wealth!
Cloves (Syzygium aromaticum), coming from the Latin word for 'nail' clovus,are the dried, immature, and unopened aromatic flower buds of a tropical tree, native to Eastern Asia. Cloves are cultivated mostly in Brazil, the West Indies (including Haiti), Tanzania, Madagscar and India. When fresh, they are pink, and turn to a dark rust-brown color when dried. Cloves are known for having a distinctly strong flavour, making them particularly popular in certain types of cuisine, like the delicious Haitian Cuisine. In Haitian Kreyol, cloves are known as jirof or jiwof and in French as girofles. Cloves have great historical significance and have been important to so many cultures for thousands of years. Clove is more popular than you might know. Do you like chai tea? Well, one of the main ingredients in chai tea is clove. Did you use glue in kindergarten? Clove oil. In the Middle East, crushed cloves are used to manufacture special clove cigarettes called kretek. Are you Haitian too? Asides from culinary uses, Haitians use jirof as a form of traditional medicine as well. Jirof can be boiled to make a tea that is especially good at relieving stomach pain.
Clove is one of the most common spices used in Haitian cuisine. Because cloves are so potent, only a few pieces are needed to give mega flavor to a dish. Cloves blend beautifully with a variety of herbs and spices which is another reason why they are so popular. Cloves are in all of your quintessential Haitian treats. like diri ak djon djon, jambon, mayi moulen, griyo, kremas etc. As a kid, I remember accidentally biting on cloves in these different dishes and literally crying with frustration because it tasted so bad. I'm sure all Haitian kids have had this experience. It's quite inevitable actually. My cousins and I used to try and pick them out before eating any of our grandma's dishes because we knew they had to be in there somewhere!
In many traditional healing systems, cloves are believed to increase heat in the body's system, which is useful for stimulating the digestive tract
Good source of dietary fiber, Vitamin C, calcium, magnesium, and omega- 3 fatty acids
is one of the most popular substances in toothpaste, laxative pills and local anesthetics (Clovacaine)
can be a natural tooth filling when mixed with zinc oxide, under proper dental guidance
can be used to treat minor respiratory ailments
can relieve toothaches and decrease infections in the teeth due to its antiseptic properties
can reduce blood sugar levels
can freshen breathe when chewed
natural anti-oxidant, anti-histamine and anti-microbial
historical aphrodisiac
Suggested uses
as a pain-killer
as an anti-parasitic
as aromatherapy
can be applied topically as an oil or cream for hypotonic muscles
popular seasoning
used to preserve food
used in perfume
can be made into tea and liquor
In health,
Dr. Naika
The "Haitian Treasures" series was created by Dr. Naika in 2012. This series explores the magnificent benefits and uses of Haiti's natural resources, which Dr. Naika calls "Haitian Treasures". In this series, Dr. Naika explores the tie between Haiti's natural resources and natural, traditional, and holistic healing.
This blog post was originally posted on Dr. Naika's lifestyle blog, Naika in Balance. Dr. Naika's work is copyrighted. Please do not copy or repost Dr. Naika's work without citing her content as the original source.
Lemon balm, Melissa officinalis, is a perennial herb in the mint family. Lemon balm, known as melis in Haitian Kreyol, grows best above 70 degrees. It has a fresh, floral, sweet lemon scent, making it a popular essential oil in aromatherapy. It is known for being purifying, balancing, and vitalizing. This also makes it popular as a starting point for perfume materials, soap, and incense.
In Haiti, lemon balm is commonly used as tea, and that's how I'm familiar with it. Growing up, I had simmering cups of Melis tea prepared for me for a variety of reasons. It is really good for treating colds and for calming anxiety. But is known for being especially good at easing the discomforts associated with indigestion.
Fun fact: Lemon balm is often co-distilled with citronella, a plant that is closely related to lemon balm, but is quite different. Haiti is one of the world's TOP producers of citronella, but not of lemon balm.
naturally anti-bacterial, anti-viral, and anti-spasmodic
can block some of the activity of the thyroid hormone
calms the nervous system through its citral and citronella components
natural astringent
known to be topically effective against cold sores
relieves nausea, bloating and gas
eases anxiety and stress
Suggested Uses:
as a tea, tincture, or powder concentrate
as a surgical dressing on wounds under proper medical guidance
as a cream to apply to lesions
as an essential oil for steam inhalation
as a natural insect repellent
for culinary uses
as a massage oil
In health,
Dr. Naika
The "Haitian Treasures" series was created by Dr. Naika in 2012. This series explores the magnificent benefits and uses of Haiti's natural resources, which Dr. Naika calls "Haitian Treasures". In this series, Dr. Naika explores the tie between Haiti's natural resources and natural, traditional, and holistic healing.
This blog post was originally posted on Dr. Naika's lifestyle blog, Naika in Balance. Dr. Naika's work is copyrighted. Please do not copy or repost Dr. Naika's work without citing her content as the original source.
Tea tree oil is one of my favorite essential oils. Essential oils are concentrated liquids which contain highly volatile aroma plant compounds. Tea tree oil is obtained by steam distillation of the leaves of Melaleuca alternifolia, a plant native to Australia. It is colorless with a very strong odor that is somewhat earthy and minty. It has been used by the indigenous peoples of Australia as traditional medicine to treat colds and skin ailments for centuries. Today, it is most commonly used as an essential oil in aromatherapy, alternative medicine and cosmetics.
naturally anti-fungal, anti-bacterial, and anti-viral
can be used as adjunctive therapy for respiratory problems such as sore throats and bronchitis
strengthens the body's immunity
natural insecticide
Suggested uses:
Scalp Massage:This is my favorite way to use tea tree oil. I get a small application bottle, fill it up 3/4 full with jojoba oil, and add 10-15 drops of tea tree oil to the mix. It is important to use a carrier oil (a widely available vegetable oil) like jojoba, coconut, or olive oil when using an essential oil like tea tree oil because it is very strong. I apply the mixture to my scalp and massage it in for a few minutes. Your scalp will tingle and feel refreshed in minutes! Alternatively, you can place a few drops of tea tree oil in your favorite shampoo.
Preservative: Adding a few drops of any essential oil will help preserve cosmetic and health products. Although I personally prefer more floral and musky scents for preservatives, tea tree oil is a great option.
Skin Toner: Mix a small spritz bottle with distilled water, green tea, and tea tree oil as a skin toner. Apply to skin after cleansing to restore the skin's pH balance and keep the skin tone even.
Steam inhalation: To combat a stuffy nose or active sinuses during allergy season, you can do a steam pot inhalation. Fill a large pot with water and bring it to a boil. Add a few drops of tea tree oil, hover your head over the pot, and cover your head with a towel. Take deep breaths for a few minutes and soon you'll experience sinus relief.
For the past few weeks, I've embarked on a journey of renewal. It started with Project Minimalism. One of the goals is to re-examine my relationship with food, and to start with a clean slate by re-visiting veganism and fasting. Truth be told, re-visiting veganism these past few weeks has not been a challenge at all, since I have been mostly vegan/vegetarian ever since last summer. (*Note: being vegan or vegetarian is not necessarily synonymous with being perfectly healthy! It still takes extra effort to make the right choices.) For some reason, I expected to feel as rejuvenated by doing this as I did, when I did the Master Cleanse last June. Looking back, I'm not sure why I felt that way because that doesn't make sense....at all.
In order to truly cleanse the body, you actually need to challenge it, and doing the same thing you've been doing for the past year...naturally would not do the trick. Frustrated by this recent revelation, I decided to do another cleanse. I just haven't been feeling FRESH, which is a feeling I love and constantly chase. Since embarking on Project Minimalism, I've started to feel such amazing changes and developments in my spirituality and in my surroundings (people and space), but not necessarily in my body and my self-image, which are as important, if not more. So, I wanted to "get it together" and move forward so I can feel the way I want to feel. Though the Master Cleanse I did last year was incredible in many ways, I don't think it's right for me right now. I did some research and came across "juice fasting" as a way to cleanse the body and that's what I've been doing for the past 36 hours!
There are many types of fasting out there, ranging from water only, to water and nutrients (like the master cleanse), to juicing with different types of fruits and vegetables. Each have their pros and cons! But all fasting and cleansing practices have one common biological goal and that is to HEAL the body. When you do a water cleanse, it is arguably more effective because your body is literally forced to work on repairing itself since you're not actually putting anything in it besides water. With a water cleanse, your digestive passageways and organs are at complete and total rest. Fasting allows the body to have a long period of time (your body considers even 3 days a long time) to restore itself. Fasting is known to be particularly useful for those who suffer from high blood pressure, asthma, allergies, headaches, bowel abnormalities, diabetes, acne, etc. Still, some might say that juice cleanses with fruits and vegetables are more effective even though you are "consuming", because fruits and vegetables are of nature, and have bountiful amounts of minerals, vitamins, etc. This is why I chose to do a juice cleanse instead. I wanted to re-connect with the power of fruits and UN-COOKED vegetables, and get all the nutrients I need, while facilitating healing as well. Yet, your body must use energy to digest the nutrients, which leaves less energy for detoxification and healing, or causes it to take more time. But I'm totally okay with that. I'm in no rush.
It's important to be prepared before doing anything that may seem extreme so below are my personal pros and cons, which are based off of my complete experience with the master cleanse (10 days) and my experience mid-way with this juicing cleanse. I would also suggest doing research to see which fast might be best for you and how long you should fast for! Check out this article for some more information. Lord knows I'm not a chef or having any cooking skills, so I've checked out different sites for recipes. Click here and here for some great ones.
Some Pros:
more energy (mostly after the second day)
more focus
healthier skin
improved and increased bowel movement (specifically for the juicing cleanse since it is nearly impossible to have bowel movement when you only consume water, unless you take laxatives)
better quality sleep, decreased anxiety/stress
stabilization of blood pressure, better digestion
elimination of toxins
learn how to control urges, resist temptation, and ignore cravings
connect with the goodness of nature and the body's natural healing process
weight loss?
ability to connect to and focus on other things (for me personally, this has important spiritual implications)
upon completion, a sense of pride that you were able to achieve a goal!
the general experience of feeling empty, rejuvenated, and healed. it makes you more cautious and even appreciative of what you choose to put inside of you
Some Cons:
It's hard!!!
intense hunger
crankiness (due to low blood sugar levels during the first few days of a water cleanse. this isn't as dramatic when you do a juice cleanse since fruits and vegetables contain natural sugars)
initial headaches and dizziness due to hunger (your body is of course in starvation mode at first and this sends it into a natural and temporary panic)
initial weakness
increased urination! (when you consume 8-10 glasses of water a day or 4-6 glasses of juice and 2-3 glasses of water a day ONLY, you are destined to visit the toilet ALLOT)
weight loss?
fasting is time consuming (in terms of preparation) and difficult to incorporate if you exercise, work, socialize, or move around allot
Some Tips:
***Be prepared*** physically, emotionally, mentally and spiritually- do your research, consult your healer/physician/lover/friend/parent for advice, meditate and pray on it, get informed.
Ease into it properly-I suggest cutting down on meals 2-3 days before you begin the fast so you can used to consuming less. This will confuse your body less and not make your hunger pangs as severe.
Drink allot of clean water!
Take a break from intense exercise, or you might pass out.
Think about how fasting will effect your social life; you may not be able to go out as much or for a long period of time unless you bring your juice/water with you.
Phase out of the fast and transition back into "normal" eating slowly and patiently, and be conscious of what you put in your body. *I personally will be eating raw whole foods for a few days after and completely vegan for at least 2 weeks after. Because of personal preferences, I will almost certainly return to consuming seafood a week or two after that.
Check out "Fat, Sick & Nearly Dead", a documentary which explores the natural healing effects of fasting by juicing. It's so inspirational.
I would like to note that in my opinion, the most important part of a fast is how you transition out of it and return to eating again. I would advise you to not run to your closest McDonalds and/or eat 3 massive meals the day after. I would even suggest avoiding red meat, dairy, fried foods, and big meals for a few days...at the very least. But hopefully, that won't be your first impulse, because believe me, you will feel cleansed, fresh, strong,and ready for a new healthy start!
*Medical Disclaimer: Though Naïka of Naïka in Balance is in pursuit of a medical degree, she is NOT a licensed health practitioner.
Naïka believes individuals have the power to make informed health decisions on their own. If you feel that it is necessary to consult your healthcare provider before using any of the remedies mentioned, please do so. Knowledge is power and your health is your wealth.
Due to the popularity of Sunday's post, where I make a promise to talk about the ingredients in my avocado deep conditioning mix, I figured I would jump right into it and discuss one of the key ingredients, jojoba oil (pronounced ho-HO-ba). Jojoba oil is actually a liquid wax produced in the seed of the jojoba plant (Simmondsia chinenis), a plant which is native to Arizona, California, and Mexico. I call jojoba oil liquid gold, not only because of it's multifaceted and glorious benefits, but also because its color is a clear golden one.
One of the most talked about benefits of jojoba oil is that it highly resembles the natural oil produced by our skin and hair, which is called sebum. This is great because when our body absorbs jojoba oil, it mixes easily with our natural sebum, and this actually tricks the body into "thinking" that the jojoba oil is the sebum. Consequently, the body will produce less sebum, which fortunately means less clogging, less acne, and more oil balance. #Winning. Though jojoba oil is a little on the pricier side, it could be found in most beauty supply stores, health food stores, and of course online. I like to buy the 100% natural form from Trader Joe's for about $6.
Here's a jojoba oil option on Amazon!
Benefits:
contains many micro elements, nutrients, and vitamins
is a natural anti-bacerial, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory
can cure mild acne and get rid of various skin infections such as eczema, psoriasis, etc.
it is naturally non-comodegenic, so it won't cause irritation
Uses:
Moisturizer: I'm currently experimenting with natural and cheaper alternatives to lotion, particularly facial lotion. So far, jojoba oil has been a nice skin moisturizer because it doesn't evaporite like water-based moisturizers tend to and because it doesn't make my skin too oily
Make-up remover: This is my favorite way to use jojoba oil. I just put a few drops on a cotton swab to remove my make up. Even though it takes longer to remove makeup with in comparison to a traditional make-up remover, jojoba oil is cheaper, more effective, and natural!
Sealant: For natural hair in particular, it is important to "seal" your hair with an oil or butter after moisturizing it with water or a water-based moisturizer. I like to use jojoba oil to seal sometimes because it is very light and makes my hair shiny
Scalp-massage: I mix jojoba oil with a few drops of tea tree oil as a scalp massage, which is quite popular for stimulating hair growth through increased blood circulation. It is also one of the BEST natural remedies for dandruff
Carrier oil: I often use jojoba oil as a carrier oil in mixtures which involve essential oils, such as in my avocado deep conditioning mix
Have you ever tried jojoba oil?
Stay engaged,
N
Connect with me!
Medical Disclaimer: Naika, the writer of this blog, is Naturopathic Doctor and Acupuncturist. Please do not take this as medical advice, without consulting your health care practitioner. Also remember, knowledge is power and your health is your wealth!
As you all may know by now, I'm a natural hair buff. I love taking care of my curls with simple and natural products and mixtures. Mixing simple products together is an easy way to save money and make the most out of what you have. This morning, I woke up and was craving some avocado and cassava for breakfast. #Haitian. One of the avocados was a little too ripe so I said..."Why not put this in my hair?". While mixing my little concoction, I thought I'd blog about it to share this lovely mix. I'll do an in depth post about each of the ingredients in the mixture because I use them all allot and in different ways. In short, avocados are rich in vitamins, good fat (mono-saturated), and other amazing nutrients, which help promote healthy and shiny hair above all. Extra virgin olive oil, as discussed here, is also rich in vitamins (especially vitamin E) and good fat as well. Jojoba oil is stellar because it resembles the oil naturally produced by our hair and skin (sebum) and has allot of vitamin E as well. #teamvitaminE. Lavender oil is an essential oil (particularly great for aromatherapy), and is excellent for nourishing and moisturizing the scalp. The types of oils I use in the mix vary depending on my goal. Sometimes I substitute one of the oils for coconut oil or coconut milk when I want more of a protein mix to strengthen my hair, and sometimes I use a different essential oil for a different smell or purpose. Today I wanted extra moisture so I used moisturizing ingredients.
What you'll need (amounts may vary depending on the length and thickness of your hair): 1/2 avocado 2 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil 2 tablespoons of jojoba oil 2 tablespoons of conditioner (optional) few drops of lavender oil as a preservative (optional) *Note: I listed the amounts for those of you who might be very particular when it comes to measuring. Surprisingly, I'm anti-measuring. I just pour and mix and pour and mix, and stop when my heart desires.
What I did: 1. Part my hair into four sections 2. Spritz section with water until damp 3. Apply mix and distribute evenly throughout strands 4. Repeat on each section 5. Put on a plastic cap (with an optional heating cap on top) and wait at least 20 minutes 6. Rinse mixture out and proceed to shampooing and/or conditioning
Hibiscus is a genus of flowering plants of the Malvaceae amily, and is native to warm-tempered regions in the world, like Haiti. In fact, Hibiscus, known as choeblack or rose kayenn in Haitian Kreyol, is Haiti's "unofficial" National flower. Apart from being beautiful and serving as a common ornamental plant, it has many different medicinal and culinary uses.
You may be wondering how Hibiscus got the name choeblack, which is the "Kreyol version" of shoeblack (what it is called in Jamaica). Lo and behold, hibiscus has historic uses as a shoe-polisher, hence shoeblack!
In Haiti, Hibiscus is often used to treat inflammation, diarrhea, and hematomas. It is antibacterial, antispasmodic, and anti-hypertensive by nature. Hibiscus is also jam-packed with vitamin C, flavonoids, and other healing constituents. In some places, such as Venezuela, it is used to treat tumors due to its well-documented anti-carcinogenic activity. On a daily basis, hibiscus is known to successfully treat different kinds of aches (headaches, toothaches, earaches), boils, burns, and menstrual irregularities.
I have read and heard that hibiscus can also bring down the body's heat. When you add the flower concentrate to water with a little bit of sweetener if desired, you have a cooling concoction to make the harsh heat a little bit more tolerable.
Some more benefits:
helps decrease blood pressure and increase good cholesterol (HDL)
can boost immunity
natural diuretic
high in antioxidants
Suggested uses:
drink as tea or juice (as it is known for having a delicious tart cranberry-like flavor)
as a hair conditioner, anti-dandruff treatment, and growth stimulant in Ayurveda
to make syrups, jams, and sauces
as a natural coloring and flavoring agent
You can find Hibiscus in local floral shops, garden shops, and health food stores. But if you're lucky to live in climates where this flower is bountiful....happy pickings!
In health,
Dr. Naika
The "Haitian Treasures" series was created by Dr. Naika in 2012. This series explores the magnificent benefits and uses of Haiti's natural resources, which Dr. Naika calls "Haitian Treasures". In this series, Dr. Naika explores the tie between Haiti's natural resources and natural, traditional, and holistic healing.
This blog post was originally posted on Dr. Naika's lifestyle blog, Naika in Balance. Dr. Naika's work is copyrighted. Please do not copy or repost Dr. Naika's work without citing her content as the original source.
Soursop, Annona Muricata, is a plant found in Central America, the Caribbean and some parts of Sub-Saharran Africa.
I've seen this plant all over Haiti during my travels and only knew it as that yummy, half-sweet/half-sour, oddly creamy, massive green fruit, with spikes on the outside and black seeds on the inside.
Little did I know that this popular fruit, known as corossol or kowosol in Haitian Kreyol, and as guanabana in Spanish-speaking countries, is known for having incredible health benefits and is one of the most commonly used medicinal plants in the Caribbean. The pulp is often eaten directly from the fruit, but it can also be made into a tea, milk, or ice cream, and can form a concentrate by crushing its leaves to form a powder. What makes soursop a "hot topic" fruit is that it is constantly being researched for its proclaimed anti-cancer benefits.
Benefits:
high amounts of vitamins B1, B2, and C
mild sedative, diuretic, anti-hypertensive, anti-inflammatory, etc.
there is scientific evidence indicating that soursop's extracts can selectively inhibit the growth of human breast cancer cells
when consumed alone during periods of fasting, it relieves liver ailments and other impurities
Uses:
can alleviate skin eruptions (including eczema, wounds, and poisonous reactions)
can prevent UTI's (due to its high levels of vitamin C, which increases the acidity level of urine, which in turn decreases the number of bad bacteria present in the urinary tract)
can alleviate constipation due to a high level of fiber
The uses are almost endless. It's known as a"miracle fruit" in many countries in the Caribbean. What a fruit! Can't wait to eat this up during my next trip to Haiti.
In health,
Dr. Naika
The "Haitian Treasures" series was created by Dr. Naika in 2012. This series explores the magnificent benefits and uses of Haiti's natural resources, which Dr. Naika calls "Haitian Treasures". In this series, Dr. Naika explores the tie between Haiti's natural resources and natural, traditional, and holistic healing.
This blog post was originally posted on Dr. Naika's lifestyle blog, Naika in Balance. Dr. Naika's work is copyrighted. Please do not copy or repost Dr. Naika's work without citing her content as the original source.
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