I love things that are multi-functional. My love affair at the moment is with Bay Leaves! I’m realizing how many times in one day I use this magnificent plant in my home and I’m bowled over by its multiple talents and versatility. If Bay was a human it would surely be considered a Da Vinci type genius.

The West Indian Bay Tree (Pimenta racemosa) is an indigenous plant of the Caribbean. In the wild the trees can grow up to 80ft tall but when cultivated for commercial reasons the trees are usually kept at a low 12ft. A bay tree can be identified by its dark blue/green leaves which, when crushed instantly emit the unique and uplifting fragrance.

So why am I so enamoured with bay? Well from the time I wake up and put my pot to boil to prepare for my cocoa tea, bay leaves are already present in my day. A couple of dried leaves in the pot with cinnamon sticks gives my tea a subtle spicy flavour that adds great depth to my favourite morning beverage. Bay leaves can also be drawn in hot water as a tea by itself or mixed with other herbs to make a delicious bush tea mixture. Dried bay leaves are also a great addition to food dishes too and can be put in rice, curries, stews, vinegars, etc.

The fragrance of bay oil often pervades my home due to my usage of the essential oil as a cleaning agent. I pour small quantities in my mop bucket to wash the floor and make mixtures with dish washing liquid to wash the kitchen sides and cupboards. I even make a toilet freshener with it! The bay is more than just a fragrant addition but has antibacterial and insecticide properties and keeps bugs completely… at bay! Continue reading "Bay Leaf Love Affair – The West Indian Bay Tree"

The warm sunshine and beautiful scenery of the Caribbean islands make them a naturally healthy and healing environment. But you still have to do more than just sit in the sun to keep fit and well! Big gymnasiums with a full range of technological equipment are not always available on small islands but don’t let that stop you from enjoying a hard and sweaty work out! There are still many ways to stay fit and well naturally, and with minimal expense.

Firstly get in the garden. I have seen visitors to the islands whose jaws drop when they see the six-pack abs and bulging biceps of bare-chested farmers coming back from a hard days work. These men with their simple tools get more muscle bulk and definition than most of those guys in city gyms pumping iron and chugging back protein drinks! There’s a lot to be said for manual labour especially since much of our work has become based around offices and computers and it’s only our fingers that get a work-out! So make sure you take some time out to dig in the soil, cut back on weeds and plant some food. And all that gardening pays off in double dividends when you have cultivated a variety of produce and also have the health benefit of eating vitally nutritious local foods.

Okay, gardening done, now let’s hit the road – but not in the car! Walking and hiking provide a great source of natural exercise. It’s a typical Caribbean scene at dusk to see small groups or individuals walking on the road in an attempt to lose weight and keep healthy. The American Heart Association recommends that for optimal effectiveness, one should walk at a vigorous pace for 30 to 60 minutes, 3-4 times per week. Of course walking up hills increases the work out and the varied terrain of a nature hike provides extra balance, coordination and mentally soothing scenery. To make it even more fun you can always play hide-and-seek among the trees! Continue reading "Natural Health and Fitness - Caribbean Style"