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Traditional Jamaican Medicines- The Guinea-Hen Weed

UPDATED: October 24, 2015- My Testimony 

Last year I decided that for my 40 something birthday I would gift myself a mammogram. It was my first time and it was an uncomfortable experience. A couple of days after the screening I received a call from the Dr., she told me that there was a small spot on my breast that they will need to a second mammogram to determine what it could be. She assured me that it could be nothing and I should not panic. Well, I was concerned and decided that for the next 7 days to the 2nd appointment I would take a shot glass full of the Guinea hen weed (GHW) that I have been soaking in a corner for a few months. My mother had set the bottle up for me but I never really paid it much attention. I knew what people said GHW was good for and if there was ever a time to "test" it that time was now.
After a week of GHW consumption I returned to the clinic for my follow up appointment. Needless to say, the results came back clean. I know there were many prayers but the GHW must have played a part also. Since then, I have taken 1 shot glass full of the GHW in wine up to two times per week as preventative care.
Below you will find my original post, from August 2011 about this amazing herb. I have also included our latest video.


AUGUST 2011

This morning I was on the phone with my mother and she asked if I could check something on the "web" for her. Of course, being the devoted daughter I am, I complied. She told me that ever since she was a child her grandmother would use "Guinea-hen root" and she has continued its use.

She wanted to learn more about it. I used the power of google and the "web" and this is what I found. An article by Dr. Tony Vendryes.


I know my mother also has a bottle at home with the root soaked in rum. I can testify to using it to ease the pain associated with a headache and also mosquito bites. If you have had any encounter with this herb and would like to share your experiences, your comments are welcome.


The pictures were not included in the article but were found online and insert by me.





Herb hero - Guinea hen weed packed with power

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Anamu is a herb that is indigenous to the Amazon rainforest and the tropical areas of the Caribbean, Central and South America and Africa. Its botanical name is Petiveria alliacea, but in Jamaica, it is known as guinea hen weed, guinea hen leaf, garlic weed or gully root.
Anamu has a long history in herbal medicine in all the countries where it grows. Herbalists and natural-health practitioners have traditionally used anamu for a wide variety of conditions, including arthritis, digestive disorders, infections, diabetes, cancer, for pain relief, and to induce abortion.
Over the past quarter of a century, however, modern scientific research has studied anamu intensively. Many biologically active compounds have been discovered in anamu: flavanoids, triterpenes, steroids, and sulphur compounds. The research published on anamu now validates many of the historical uses of this herb.
Interestingly, the researchers found that of the 20 compounds isolated from the plant - several of which had never been identified in nature before - some were similar to compounds found in garlic, a plant known to have medicinal properties.
CANCER INHIBITOR
Laboratory investigations show that anamu retards the growth of several strains of cancer and leukaemia cells. In a plant-screening programme performed at the University of Illinois at Chicago, over 1,400 plant extracts were evaluated for the prevention and treatment of cancer. Anamu was one of only 34 plants identified with active properties against cancer.
How does anamu work against cancer? Several phytochemicals in anamu like astilbin and dibenzyl trisulphide have been documented to directly kill cancer cells. Research showed further that the compounds in anamu were able to differentiate between normal cells and cancer cells, killing only the cancerous cells. In addition, other substances in the herb stimulate the body's natural defences as described below.
BOOSTS IMMUNE SYSTEM
Anamu has also been verified to have immunostimulant properties. It stimulates the immune system to increase its production of lymphocytes and natural killer cells - powerful disease-destroying cells. At the same time, it increases the production of interferon and interleukins - chemicals used by the immune systemin fighting cancers and infections.
FIGHTS INFECTIONS
It demonstrates broad-spectrum antimicrobial properties against numerous bacteria, viruses, fungi and yeast. Compounds in anamu directly kill and/or inhibit the growth of these germs. Interestingly, man medicine practitioners believe that infection plays a major role in many cancers. Anamu is widely used in folk medicine for treating infections.
PAIN RELIEVER
Its traditional use as a remedy for arthritis and rheumatism has been validated by clinical research that confirms its pain-relieving and anti-inflammatory effect. Researchers in Sweden demonstrated its COX-1 inhibitory properties (cyclo-oxogenase-1 inhibitors are a new class of popular and profitable arthritis drugs). Anamu extracts have been found to relieve pain and inflammation even when applied topically to the skin.
LOWERS BLOOD SUGAR
While anamu had not been widely researched for diabetes, it has been documented to lower blood-sugar levels by more than 60 per cent in laboratory animals. This reflects herbal medical practice in Cuba where anamu has been used as an aid for diabetes for many years.
CONTRA-INDICATIONS
Anamu has been found to cause contractions of the uterus that can lead to abortion and miscarriage. As such, it should not be used by pregnant women.
Anamu contains a low concentration of a blood thinner called coumadin. People with any bleeding disorder like haemophilia or who are on blood-thinning medication should consult their health-care provider before using anamu.
DIRECTIONS FOR USE
I recommend using organically grown anamu herb, free of insecticides, herbicides and other pollution.
One heaping tablespoonful of the whole powdered anamu plant is diffused in one litre of hot water. The resulting tea is drunk preferably on an empty stomach. An average dosage is four ounces (about half a cup) twice daily.
MY EXPERIENCE
I was introduced to anamu by a Jamaicanoncologist (a cancer specialist) who had seen good results in some of her patients with the use of this herb. I thank her for her generous spirit. I had also heard impressive stories from Jamaican men with prostate cancer who had benefited from its use.
After doing my own research, I now use it regularly in my practice and find it to be a useful, safe, inexpensive addition to a cancer treatment programme as well as in the treatment of the other conditions listed above.
REMINDER & WARNING
Many persons are desperately looking for a quick fix: a magic bullet that will miraculously cure their illness. The reality is that there is no quick fix. Like so many useful herbs, anamu will give optimal results when combined with optimal nutrition, nutritional supplements, exercise, detoxification, stress management and adequate restful sleep. It must be a part of a programme of healthy lifestyles. It may also be used along with conventional medicines. If you have a serious medical condition, do not self-medicate without the assistance and guidance of a qualified health practitioner.

Email Dr. Tony Vendryes at vendryes@mac.com, log on to www.anounceofprevention.org, or listen to 'An Ounce of Prevention' on Power 106FM on Fridays and Saturdays at 8:00 p.m.

Comments

wow said…
I found this plant at www.guineahenaliveagain.com I hope it works

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