IMPORTANT: The information provided is for information only. The medical claims or advice are not endorsed. Never take any medicines without first consulting a qualified practitioner.
In 1687, Hans Sloane, a young man just beginning a career in medicine, was invited to go to Jamaica as personal doctor to the island's new English governor, the 2nd Duke of Albermarle. When he arrived in Jamaica, the island had been a British colony for less than 20 years. Before that, it had been a Spanish colony for over 250 years.
His journey would have a huge influence on his life. He stayed in Jamaica for 15 months and spent all his free time exploring the island collecting hundreds of specimens. He made note of how the plants were used locally for food, medicine and in many other ways. His interest in plants was driven by his profession. At the time Hans Sloane was training to be a doctor, most medicines came from plants and all doctors had to study them as part of their training. Of course there was also the financial aspect, a new medicinal plant could make you a fortune.
The information here is based on a combination of his study as documented by the British Natural History Museum and other.
IMPORTANT
The information provided is for information only. The medical claims or advice are not endorsed. Never take any medicines without first consulting a qualified practitioner.