Unknown Light Artist

BAHAMIAN BUSH MEDICINE

People of the Caribbean have long preserved an age-old system of herbal and natural healing that dates all the way back to the African heritage of the slaves who were brought to these islands centuries ago. Throughout the years, on near-deserted islands with no doctors, hospitals and pharmacies, it was the homeopathic knowledge and expertise passed down from generation to generation, that would end up promoting health, curing disease and saving lives.

Although we live in the modern world, the use of bush medicine is still very much alive in the Bahamas today and many Caribbean families rely heavily on the herbal wisdom and natural remedies that have been passed down by their ancestors.

In the Bahamas alone, over 100 plants are currently being utilized for their curative properties, and while some might be tempted to scoff at these ancient, natural medicines, it might come as a surprise to learn that over 25% of the world’s commercial drugs derive from plant-based chemicals found in the tropics.

Unknown Arist

BLACK SALVES

Around the mid-nineteenth century, Native American herbs became very popular in Europe and a Dr. J.W. Fell, working at Middlesex Hospital in London developed a paste made of bloodroot, zinc chloride, flour, and water. This was directly applied as a paste to a malignant growth and generally destroyed the tumor within two to four weeks.

Bloodroot (Sanguinarea canadensis) is one of the most beautiful eastern North American woodland herbs and was commonly used to treat cancer by the Native Americans. Since that time it has been identified as a primary ingredient in most escharotic salves and pastes, as these are called, used for the treatment of cancer. The alkaloid, sanguinarine has been indeed found to possess powerful anti-cancer properties.

Unknown Light Artist

Vipassana Meditation

Ten-day Meditation Discourse Summaries

DAY TWO MEDITATION DISCOURSE

Universal definition of sin and piety- the noble Eightfold Path: Sila and Samadhi.
The second day is over. Although it was slightly better than the first day, difficulties still remain. The mind is so restless, agitated, and wild like a wild bull or elephant, which creates, havoc when it enters a human dwelling-place. If a wise person tames and trains the wild animal, then all its strength, which has been used for destructive purposes, now begins to serve society in constructive ways. Similarly the mind, which is far more powerful and dangerous than a wild elephant, must be tamed and trained; then its enormous strength will start to serve you. But you must work very patiently, persistently, and continuously. Continuity of practice is the secrete to success.