Jamaica Fiwi Roots

Jamaica Plants and Herbal Remedies

Bush Medicine & Ethnobotanical Index


IMPORTANT: The information provided is for educational and historical purposes only. Medical claims or advice are not endorsed. Never take any herbal remedies without first consulting a qualified healthcare practitioner.

Fitweed

Eryngium foetidum | Also known as: Culantro, Shadow Beni, Spirit Weed

Fitweed plant illustration

Fitweed is a popular food herb in the Caribbean. It is one of many 'corianders' used across the world, although it is not closely related. A chutney made with fitweed leaves, they say, stimulates the appetite.

As a medicine, fitweed is recommended in a tea for diarrhoea, vomiting and constipation and also for flu and fevers. In Jamaica it's used for colds and convulsions in children and, combined with Rivina humilis (rouge plant), to treat eye diseases. It is also used to bring on menstrual bleeding.

Fitweed leaves illustration Some herbalists say fitweed is an aphrodisiac and, indeed, Sloane commented it 'excites venery' (sexual intercourse). He also noted its use for venomous snakebites. The root, eaten raw, is said to be good for scorpion stings.

As well as being a popular food herb, it appears in many herbal traditions. In Brazil it's used to bring down fevers, in Africa for headaches and boils.

Traditional Usage & Quick Reference

Botanical Name: Eryngium foetidum
Local Names: Fitweed, Culantro, Shadow Beni, Spirit Weed
Parts Used: Leaves and roots
Traditional Applications: Digestive relief (diarrhea, vomiting, constipation), flu and fever reduction, colds, infant convulsions, eye conditions (combined with Rivina humilis), menstrual stimulation, and raw root use for stings.
Common Preparations: Infused leaf teas, raw root preparations, culinary chutneys, and herbal mixtures.
Cautions: Used traditionally as an emmenagogue to promote menstrual flow; consult a qualified healthcare practitioner before internal use during pregnancy.
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