Herbs Blog

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Jamaican Caribbean Sea…

The blessed island of Jamaica is lined with stunning beaches and limestone cliffs.  Thelimestone is formed over millions of years from the accumulated skeletons of sea-dwelling creatures such as mollusc and corals. Two thirds of the island is covered in this rock.

Silver Sands Beach on the North Coast

One of my favorite things to do in my spare time is to explore new beaches and spend time on the seashores of this sea. From swimming, snorkeling, cliff jumping, boating, or just chilling on the shores, the energy of the Caribbean sea is like nothing else. It’s literally indescribable! 

Whenever I spend time in, on or next to this ocean – I feel closer to the higher powers at be. It’s a sacred place, a place of healing and strength. I can sit and listen to the waves tell stories. In addition, I have the freedom to tell the ocean any little thing on my mind. I feel like it’s listening and assisting in guiding me to look deep within and search for comfort, healing.  I listen to the signs around me to help establish answers to my questions and wonders of life. It’s a beautiful thing.

You cant really overstand it, until you experience it first hand.  I would love if you would come visit an allow me to show you around and experience this healing bliss for yourself. Anything is possible in Jamaica.  As we explore these places, I absolutely love snapping photos and taking videos to share these amazing beautiful locations of the island. Please enjoy and leave comments if you feel the vibes to do so 😉

~ Blessed Love,  Erin

This seaside location is nearby where I live in Orange Hill. If you take the road down the hill to the sea there is this amazing chill spot that locals call “Haul up”. In the morning hours before the sun gets hot is my favorite time to sit here and take it in. It’s super secluded and special to me.

 

Xtabi – West End Cliffs, Negril

This next place I’m sharing on the west end of Negril was captured at the beautiful property of Xtabi. (Xtabi is an Arawak word meaning “Meeting Place of the Gods) The wata is always super clear and clean at this location. The reef is thriving and the energy here is incredible. I spent many hours working on this website at this location, taking in the ocean energy, the sunshine and looking out at the dolphins frolicking out at the deep sea. This place is magical in every way. There are three platforms with ladders to use for swimming and cliff jumping, its a favorite among tourists and locals alike.

Frenchman’s Cove

This gem is located in the eastern parish of Portland. In the sleepy town of Port Antonio.  This is one of my favorite places on the east side of the island. It’s a special place where the river meets the ocean. The cold fresh river water mixes with the warm salty sea water in a lush, crystal-clear, sandy paradise setting.  There are many birds and stunning wildlife that share this area, along with The energy at this place is something else! There is a small fee to enter the area, but its totally worth it. I could easily spend an entire day here. The cove is one of the most stunning I’ve ever seen. I highly recommend spending a day (or longer) here.

 

 

 

 
Silver Sands Beach, Duncans

 

7 mile beach, Negril

 

 

Negril’s 7 mile beach is known to be one of the most popular in the world, rated #8 by Trip Advisor Travelers Choice award for 2018. Known for its white sand and crystal clear turquoise water, it’s a beach that will take your breath away with it’s beauty. Take in the laid back vibe and the sounds of reggae in your ears as beach bands walk up and down the 7 mile stretch giving you a taste of the “sounds of Jamaica”. One can enjoy many waterspouts including kayak, paddle board. One of my favorite things to do is take a glass bottom boat to the reefs and the island off the coast called “Boobie Key” to enjoy a fresh caught lobster cooked over an open fire. It’s a MUST try.

So many adventures to be had!!!!

While you’re chillin’ at the beach, you could also try parasailing, take various fishing trips, catamaran cruises and more! If your looking for more of a chill vibe, you may choose to spend many hours lounging in a beach chair with an umbrella enjoying a cold drink and a book. Some of the best people watching can be done from this beach. From watching kids and tourists play, locals selling fruits, patties, coco bread, jelly coconut, hand made jewelry and just about anything else you can think of.  You can easily spend an entire day at this beach enjoying all it has to offer. There are many many bars, restaurants, hotels and little chill spots up and down this beach. There’s something to do for everyone! I enjoy spending afternoons here with friends and family…lounging, swimming and feeling my feet in the sand.

I will be adding to this post as I collect more photos and videos on my travels. Thanks for reading/looking!




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Why I love Orange Hill (and you will too!)

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.

Thanks for reading. Love and Light. ~ Erin

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Jamaican Turmeric Root Powers

turmeric root

Turmeric Root…is one of the most important miracle roots medicine in my apothecary.

Jamaican Turmeric Root grows easily in the tropical conditions of this beautiful island, and can be found all over the hillsides of the Jamaican countryside. It is harvested and sold in many of the local markets.

Medicinal Benefits of Turmeric:

The medicinal benefits of turmeric are impressive:

  • Fights Inflammation.
  • Powerful Antioxidant
  • Protects the heart
  • Helpful for fighting diabetes and cancer
  • Brain Boosting
  • Great for skin (fights eczema or psoriasis) and helps stop acne.

I scored some roots the other day and decided to tincture it.  As a tincture, turmeric can be used on its own as a daily supplement, or it can be blended with other herbs to create healing tinctures and balms.

Culinary Uses of Turmeric:

  • Turmeric is the main ingredient in the popular dish “curry”.
  • One of my favorite ways to prepare turmeric is in a ‘Golden Milk” drink. Golden Milk is a hot tea, prepared with a milk of your choice, turmeric, cinnamon, honey, black pepper and ginger root.
  • Add turmeric to smoothies or juices
  • Golden Honey can be prepared to fight colds symptoms

Turmeric is a really beneficial medicine. Tincture is for purchase at https://empressroots.com in 2oz  or 4 oz bottles. We also make a healing balm with black turmeric available for sale as well at https://empressroots.com/products/

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Moringa Miracles

Moringa. The Miracle plant.

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. moringa leaf image

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.

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Lime Leaf Love

Lime Leaf:

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,

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Jamaica Cerasee – let’s talk about the sweetness of this bitter herb

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.

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Jamaican Wild Parsley (Purslane)

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.

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Whatcha know ’bout guava leaf?

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.

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Black Turmeric Magic

We were given this beautiful unique root from a local organic farmer to “play” with. We infused a powerful healing oil and tinctured the rest of it. The oil ended up in a healing balm and is used topically.

Black Turmeric is not as popular as yellow Turmeric. Black Turmeric is used for mainly medicinal purposes.

The healing properties of Black Turmeric include:

Cancer
The Black Turmeric’s curcumin may help prevent if not kill cancer cells from growing.

Lung Illnesses
Black Turmeric has been known to improve or treat lung illnesses such as asthma, bronchitis, pneumonia, etc.

Natural Anti-Oxidant
The curcumin in Black Turmeric is very effective in neutralizing free radicals. This is why if taken in moderation; it has been known that Black Turmeric can neutralize the free radicals which our body cannot. Thus, negating the effects of aging and cancer cells.

Active Anti-Inflammatory
The Black Turmeric has been known to be a very effective anti-inflammatory. A compound, such as the curcumin, found in the Turmeric is a natural anti-inflammatory compound.

Pain Reliever
Black Turmeric is an excellent pain reliever. From rashes, toothaches, osteoarthritis to stomach problems, Black Turmeric may help relieve situations like these.