This week, the ATC (Agricultural Training Center) students have been learning about medicinal plants and the ailments and conditions they treat. Do you ever use medicinal plants yourself? There are many time-proven “medicines” that you can grow yourself, and Wilner has been teaching about some of the most widely used medicinal plants popular in Haiti. The plants can be added to foods while cooking, as teas, tinctures, or even crushed leaves for a poultice or loose “paste” to apply on the skin to treat many conditions like diabetes, high blood pressure, colds, flu, fever, and more.

For instance:
Lemon Balm tea is useful for calming nerves and promoting better sleep.

Clove Basil or African basil “Fonbazen” (a type of mint) tea is used for improving digestion, headaches, and vertigo.

Aloe vera “Lalwa” for minor burns, cuts, and constipation.

Lemongrass “Stwonèl” and Mugwort (Artemisia) “Amwaz” tea is used for better sleep and dreams and digestive support.

Oyster plant “Boulnando,” whose vibrant green and dark purple leaves are used for improving blood pressure, reducing swelling, inflammation, and general wellness.

Basil “Bazilik” for indigestion, coughs, aches, and minor infections.

Spanish Thyme (Cuban Oregano) “Gwotem” is used for coughs, sore throat, nasal congestion, and aches like rheumatism.

And of course, Moringa “D’Olive,” which has the highest density of nutrition of any plant, in addition to clarifying dirty water and treating parasites.

Our students are enjoying working in the living “pharmacy” and learning about these traditional medicinal plants to improve health and wellness. Thank you for faithfully supporting our Development for Sustainability programs. You are making a difference.

Rad Hazelip, Assistant Executive Director