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.
Much of the information here is based on his study
as documented by the British Natural History
Museum.
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.