** We are wanting to work with interested people to help save up to $500 on your package, ask me how!!!
THIS NOVEMBER 17-22, 2023- IN NEGRIL, JAMAICA located on the stunningly beautiful property at Ocean Cliff Hotel Negril, Jamaica. You will get the opportunity to dive deep into your health and wellness journey by treating your mind, body and spirit with sunshine and sweet ocean vibes.
Unplug, relax, participate in morning yoga ON THE CARIBBEAN SEA, guided meditations, a Chakra basics workshop(with certificate of completion), snorkel cliff side reefs, relax in saltwater infinity pool, individual healing sessions with the one Kristin Urban (owner of Centered Healing LLC) and learn about what herbs can help you on your healing path with an herbal consult from Empress Roots…and MORE!
This retreat is inclusive of choice of 3 room styles, (can have own room or share with 2-3 friends for a discounted price) 3 healthy meals a day + smoothie, unlimited herbal teas, airport transportation to and from Montego Bay airport, a sweet welcome kit, day trip to 7-mile beach, an amazing commUnity of other like-minded humans, and an unforgettable experience of a lifetime.
RESERVE YOUR SPOT TODAY – SPACE IS LIMITED.
We look forward to hosting you and sharing our love of Jamaica with you!
Lemon grass, also known as fever grass in Jamaica, grows wild all over the island. I love to pluck leaves from the fresh plant and draw it in tea to start my morning. It has so many amazing health benefits.
It’s a super source of vitamins and minerals including vitamins A, B and C, potassium, magnesium, phosphorous, manganese, zinc, folate and iron. As its name suggests, fever grass is known to counteract the effects of fever (especially in children) but also for adults.
Enjoying fever grass tea is a great way to relax your mind, nuff people find sipping a cup of hot tea to be super soothing because it has anxiety-reducing properties. It is also known for its quality in reducing cholesterol levels.
Fever grass also contains some infection-preventing qualities. Including fungal infections. Boil in water and then steep in Jamiacan Ceresee to create a powerful anti-fungal infusion for skin. Allow to cool and apply directly to skin to relieve and draw out infection and toxins.
You can find lemongrass essential oils in many health food shops. Essential oil is used to uplift you mood (if diffused), and it is a powerful topical for skin (when used with a carrier oil). The leaves and the essential oil – which is anti-fungal and anti-bacterial – are used in traditional medicine to relieve spasms and increase perspiration. The essential oil is an effective treatment for conditions including athlete’s foot, ringworm, lice and scabies and used to wash wounds. I also use it in my Empress Roots Natural Bug Spray, and it does a really great job at keeping bugs away.
Some Jamaicans have been known to chew to improve dental health and keep the mouth feeling clean. Long known by elders in Jamaica, fever grass tea is used as a pain fighting remedy, inducing relieving arthritis pains.
The tea is also known to combat bloating (or to relieve “gas” as many Jamaican would tell you). The tea is also excellent for the treatment of digestive problems. It here it relaxes the muscles of the stomach and gut, relieving cramping pains and breaking wind. Drinking fever grass tea can have diuretic effects, meaning it stimulates the kidneys to release more urine than usual.
I ethically harvest fever grass from my community in Orange Hill, Jamaica, dry it, and bring it back to Wisconsin to process for tea. It’s packaged in teabags as well as in bulk. Please see my store or contact me for purchase.
Greetings Friends! Join me on my adventures in Jamaica.
Road to Orange Hill
It’s another beautiful sunshiny day here in the Orange Hill, Jamaica. I give thanks everyday for this life I’m living. The life I’ve created for myself by manifesting my hopes and dreams into reality. By clearly asking the Universe/Jah/God (whatever you call this higher source) for what I want/need, and working at it daily. Putting positive light on every aspect of what I desire, speaking about it as if it already happened.
What true happiness looks like…
WE have the power to create our own destinies, to make our dreams reality. I’m living my dream as I write this.At times I cant even believe it i have to pinch myself. Then realize;
“Yo Erin, you did this, you are a powerful bright beam of light, and you can fucking do anything you put your mind to!!!! Memba that!”
Our thoughts become things, and we have more power than we even realize. It might sound crazy, but its true. Set your intentions, work twords them, talk them into reality. Your dreams can come true too! Make it happen. OK? OK! 😉
Sea-stone shaped like a heart
I’ve had this website up and running for a few months mainly focusing on Empress Roots herbs, but now its time for me to dig deep and share with you my “Life in Jamaica“. I will try to incorporate some of the Jamaican language, called “Patois” (pronounced patwah) so you can learn some of the words and phrases. Patois comes from French origin meaning “rough speech”. The language began to develop in the 1600’s in Jamaica with the slave trade—the mix of the European cultures and African created “Creole”. I’ll end up writing a separate blog post focusing primarily on language and common phrases at a later date.
In the coming weeks/months…
Chronixx performing at Pier One; Montego Bay
…you will notice content being added to the Roots Girl Radio page. My goal is to share with you some of the local music that you hear coming form the sound-systems, and some of the new and upcoming artists.
I will also be sharing photos, videos, interviews, and more!
I moved to this beautiful likkle (little) island in September 2018.
I’ve stayed here on and off for the last year and a half. 2-3 months. (going back to Madison Wisconsin when I’m not here). I live in an energetic community in the hills of Westmoreland parish called “Orange Hill”. What can I say about this amazing community? Maaaaaannnn, its got this energy like no other place I’ve ever lived. Everyone knows each other, and “hails you up” (greets you) wherever you go. Smiles, laughter, jokes, and good vibes all deh bout (all around). The people here are one of a kind. People are warm and generous., always willing to help or put a smile pon your face. The positive outlook and chill vibes is felt throughout. Below is a video of a rasta freestylin’ at Chantel’s bar – while we play dominoes. Enjoy! 😀
My body feels so healthy and strong here. My hair is stronger and shiner, my skin is soft, moist and clear, my heart, head, and soul feel free. It’s a feeling like no other….the tropical climate makes me feel alive and vibrant. I can’t even begin to explain it, you have to come here to know. Once you know, you know.
One thing that you notice right away when you enter Orange Hill…
Sweet Sop Fruit (also called sugar apple)
…is the energy and the air. The air quality up here is just different. It’s clean and fresh. The cool breezes flow through the fruit trees and keep the place feeling nice. You will also notice the sights and sounds of this colorful community right away. Houses are painted bright colors and you are sure to hear music playing from one yaad (yard) to the next. The music is a big part of what makes most Jamaican communities so vibrant and uplifting. If you ask any Jamaican about what music is to them – nuff (enough) times their answer will be “Music is life!”
Lizard called; Anole
Orange hill is a big farming community. Dem (they) farm fruits, vegetables and herbs. You will sight (notice) many cattle, goats, chickens, dogs and puss (cats). In addition there are many different varieties of lizards, crabs, frogs and insects. It’s definitely considered “country life”…I love it.
Upon rising every morning…
Enjoying jelly coconut wata (water) down at seaside
…As the sun rises, I hear the roosters call and the sounds of community members “calling” to each other. Many people get up early and go to the “bush” (the woods where any of the crops are grown). Therefore, It’s best to take care of business early in the morning before the sun gets too hot. One of my favorite things to do early in the morning is to go down to the seaside, (what they all haul up) drink a jelly coconut and watch the waves…
Practicing yoga down by the sea
It’s one of my favorite spots to meditate and listen to the ocean speak to me, the birds call to me as i watch the sea crabs walk sideways pon di rocks. It’s the best way to start my mornings. Many days the ocean can be “moody”. If you turn your back to it, it will swell and big waves form. If you “trouble it” it will show you who’s boss. I love it. There is nothing more humbling than the sounds of the sea in the morning. I give thanks for those mornings.
There are a few community gathering spots in Orange Hill. One is a “ball field” where pickney (kids) and adults play football (soccer) in the evenings or early mornings. This is also a location where people keep events – including birthday parties, domino tournaments, sound systems and more. In the dry months (when its not rainy season) this place is always poppin’!
Playing a game of Ludi
The other place is the main shop in the community that most people call “Aunties”. It’s a gathering spot to watch the news and movies, play dominoes and ludi (a game introduced in England in 1896, and has become popular in the Caribbean -a game of luck and strategy), hear the latest happenings in the area, attend community meetings, and you can basically get any likkle thing at the shop. It’s the best chill spot in central Orange Hill.
Passion fruits from the tree in our yaad, strained into juice
One will sight many fruit trees in Orange Hill. Including ackees, mango, breadfruit, june plum, banana, plantain, sour and sweet sop, passion fruit, guava, cherries, guinep, limes, oranges, avocado (pear) and much more! I will go into more detail about Jamaican fruits and vegetables in a later post. As a result, no one can ever go hungry in this place. It’s a fruit lovers paradise. I love to blend and mix fruits to make smoothies. Sooooooooo refreshing pon a hot day.
I could go on and on about this amazing place called Orange Hill…
Me sitting down at seaside in the morning
…The people, the climate, the land – but I will save some of my boasting for another day. I am loving life in my new community and feel welcomed and blessed every moment. More to come…stay tuned.
Every part of this tree (leaves, pod, fruits, sap, seeds, oil, flowers, roots and bark) has medicinal properties. Moringa leaves are literally one of the most powerful natural medicines with benefits for hair, skin and body and are a rich source of Vitamin A, Vitamin B, Vitamin C, Vitamin D and Vitamin E.
Moringa leaf contains 18 amino acids which are useful for the basic building blocks of our body, proteins. I draw a cup of moringa “bush tea” nearly every morning. Its great for detoxifying, increasing energy, aids in digestion, settles nerves and is high in antioxidants. Gives me a general feeling of “wellness”.
Benefits for skin and hair
Currently I am infusing moringa leaf in coconut oil to make a salve. Moringa leaf contains iron, anti-inflammatory and antiseptic properties. This helps to cure minor injuries like bruises, cuts and burns. It also helps in quick healing of injuries. I am so excited to make this salve when the oil is ready.
The infused oil is also beneficial for the hair and scalp as it has many vitamins and minerals. Can be used to cleanse the hair and scalp, prevent hair damage, dandruff, dry and lifeless hair. Also increases blood circulation of the scalp and boosts hair growth.
The extract of moringa leaves has many therapeutic and skin purifying properties. It removes impurities from the skin and rejuvenates it. It also enhances fairness and maintains the natural skin color.
Take a handful of Moringa leaves. Grind with little water.
Make a smooth paste
Apply it evenly on your face as a mask (Leave it for 15-20 min)
Wash off with water for beautiful glowing skin.
Try incorporating this plant into your life and you will soon see and feel its benefits.
Lime shrubs are found all over the island of Jamaica. They can root from within the porous rock-stone, and thrives lavishly from the clean Caribbean sunshine and rainwater. This is one of my go-to plants to help relieve digestive problems. I drink a glass of lime water nearly every morning to help release acid and gas. It’s also loaded with vitamin C which is so good for boosting the immune system. Most people are familiar with the fruit, but don’t know the benefits of the lime leaf.
The tea is a herbal medicine for nerve tonic, high blood pressure, peptic ulcers, colds, asthma, digestion, constipation, respiratory conditions and can be used as a sedative.
Lime leaf contains Vitamin C as well as flavonoids which makes it a good medicinal herb known to treat heart disease and cancer. I like to chew lime leaves to prevent nausea and upset stomach.
In Jamaica, many people use lime leaf in “bush tea” usually consisting of lemongrass (fever-grass), sour-sop leaf and lime leaf. These herbs are usually readily available in every Jamaican “yaad” in the countryside. To make the tea, simply boil about 6 leaves in water let it “draw”. Some choose to add a little brown sugar or honey to sweeten it. The juice is also good to be used as a disinfectant for wounds, cuts and bruises.
Another common remedy used in Jamaica to treat sore throat and colds is lime and honey. Squeeze the juice of one lime and mix a tablespoon or two of honey and spoon into mouth for relief.
Lime Fruit :
Lime fruit is great for fighting bad breath, protecting the liver, detoxifying the blood, aids in weight loss, fights inflammation, enhances mood, re-hydrates the body,
Man! This is one of my “go-to” herbs! It has countless benefits. It can be made into a tea and consumed internally or used externally to treat skin conditions. It’s known for its bitter flavor, but trust me – this herb works! Jamaicans, and people throughout the Caribbean, have been harvesting the vine as well as the fruit for many, many years. It’s typically known in Jamaica as “clean-out. It has powerful abilities to “purge” any toxins from the body.
Cerasee has been known to treat parasitic worms, liver problems, diabetes, skin problems such as psoriasis and eczema and rashes, aid with high blood pressure, ease bellyaches and menstrual cramps. It has detoxifying properties and is used as a blood and body cleanser or as a “wash out” to purge the body, It’s used as a tonic to detox the body of toxins, therefore increasing energy, vitality, and stamina It also aids ulcers, bile and digestive disorders. Ceresee is good for all joint ailments, such as arthritis, rheumatism, gout, and other similar ailments. Also known to settle the nerves and aid fatigue.
Cerasee is rich in: Vitamin A, Vitamin C, carotene, calcium, iron, phosphorous and alkaloids.
Wild Parsley (Portulaca Oleracea) or purslane, is a succulent herb that is widely used by many American and Jamaican herbalists alike. It is packed with vitamins and minerals. This herb is known for boosting the immune system, cleansing the colon, and great for skin. It is great to add to salads, mix with Callaloo style Caribbean dishes, or blended with a green smoothie.
Health Benefits of Purslane:
Soft, succulent purslane leaves have more omega-3 fatty acids than in some of the fish oils. It is an excellent source of Vitamin-A, also a rich source of vitamin-C, and some B-complex vitamins like riboflavin, niacin, pyridoxine and carotenoids, as well as dietary minerals, such as iron, magnesium, calcium, potassium, and manganese.
Packed with antioxidants, antibacterial and anti-inflammatory agents and beneficial tannins, fresh guava leaves are considered as a natural pain reliever. Guava leaves aid in weight loss as well as been known for diabetes by prevents the absorption of sucrose and maltose by the body.
In addition guava leaf lowers cholesterol, has been known to treat diarrhea and dysentery, aids in digestion, treats toothaches, beneficial for dengue fever, prostate cancer, reduction of allergies, and is a helpful aid in treatment for wounds and infections,
Guava leaves benefits for skin
When it comes to skincare, guava leaves can greatly help in improving your skin and treatment of various skin disorders. Including treatment of removal of blackheads and acne, anti-aging benefits and anti-itch properties. Being rich in nutrients and antioxidants, guava leaves help in promoting healthy hair growth. To stop hair loss, boil a handful of guava leaves in a liter of water for around 20 minutes. After cooling, apply it on your scalp and massage rigorously.
My body feels so healthy and strong here. My hair is stronger and shiner, my skin is soft, moist and clear, my heart, head, and soul feel free. It’s a feeling like no other….the tropical climate makes me feel alive and vibrant. I can’t even begin to explain it, you have to come here to know. Once you know, you know.
