"Cerasee on Lattice" - ©A. Derek Catalano

Download full size: 3024x4032

 

Cerasee (Momordica charantia) in The Bahamas: A Comprehensive Study

 

Introduction

Cerasee is one of the most widely recognized and commonly used medicinal plants in The Bahamas and throughout the Caribbean. For generations, Bahamians have relied on cerasee tea as a traditional bush medicine for a variety of ailments, from digestive complaints to skin conditions. The plant is deeply rooted in Bahamian folk medicine and remains popular today despite the availability of modern pharmaceuticals.

Known scientifically as Momordica charantia, cerasee belongs to the cucumber family (Cucurbitaceae). It is also known internationally as bitter melon, bitter gourd, balsam pear, and karela. While cultivated as a vegetable in many parts of Asia, in The Bahamas it is primarily valued for its medicinal properties.

 

"Stinking Passionflower" - Bahamas AI Image

 ©A. Derek Catalano

The Stinking Passionflower in The Bahamas

The Stinking Passionflower, scientifically known as Passiflora foetida, is one of the most unusual and recognizable wild vines found throughout tropical and subtropical regions of the world, including The Bahamas. It belongs to the passionflower family, a group of plants famous for their intricate flowers and climbing vines. Although some passionflowers are cultivated for their edible fruit and ornamental beauty, the Stinking Passionflower is mostly known as a wild-growing medicinal vine that thrives in disturbed soils, roadside thickets, bushy lots, coastal scrublands, and abandoned fields.

In The Bahamas, the plant is familiar to many older Bahamians who grew up in the Out Islands or rural communities where knowledge of “bush medicine” was commonly passed from one generation to another. Despite its unpleasant odor and somewhat untidy appearance, the vine has long been valued in folk medicine and traditional remedies.

 

"Lone Thistle" - ©A. Derek Catalano

 

The Golden Guardian: Exploring the Mexican Prickly Poppy (Argemone\ mexicana)

In the sun-drenched landscapes of The Bahamas, few plants are as visually striking or as ecologically resilient as the Mexican Prickly Poppy. Known locally as the "Thistle" or sometimes "Donkey Thistle," this plant is far more than a roadside weed. It is a botanical powerhouse with a deep history in traditional Caribbean medicine and a unique set of biological characteristics that allow it to thrive where other plants fail.

Origin and Geographical Distribution

The Mexican Prickly Poppy, scientifically classified as Argemone\ mexicana, is a species of poppy native to Mexico and Central America. Over centuries, it has naturalized across the Caribbean, South America, and even parts of Africa and Asia.

In The Bahamas, it is considered a naturalized exotic. It migrated through natural seed dispersal and human movement, finding the archipelago’s calcareous soil and subtropical climate to be an ideal match. Today, it can be found on almost every major island, from the pine barrens of Abaco to the dry coppices of Inagua.

Sourbush a.k.a. Cure For All

 

Sourbush a.k.a. Cure For All - ©A. Derek Catalano

 

 More info

Used for various ailments 

 

 Download full size: 2688x2574

 

Related article: Bush Medicine in The Bahamas

Acklins Cascarilla Festival

 

The 5th Annual

 

Acklins Cascarilla Festival

 

June11th-14th, 2026

 

Spring Point, Acklins

 

The Acklins Cascarilla Festival is a vibrant cultural celebration held annually on the island of Acklins in The Bahamas. The festival honors the island’s rich heritage and highlights the historical importance of the cascarilla tree.

 

Related article: Cascarilla: Nature, Uses, and Value

"Cascarilla Tree" - Bahamas AI Image

©A. Derek Catalano

 

The cascarilla tree — its biology, geography, harvesting, uses (traditional, commercial, scientific, and industry), and what it would take to establish a lucrative cascarilla processing/export business in The Bahamas.

The Cascarilla Tree and Its Bark: Nature, Uses, and Value

 

1. Botanical Description

Cascarilla refers to the dried bark of Croton eluteria, a small aromatic tree in the spurge family (Euphorbiaceae). The plant is native to the Caribbean region, including The Bahamas, and also grows in parts of Central America and other tropical areas. It typically grows as a shrub or small tree up to about 12–20 feet tall with pale yellowish-brown fissured bark, scanty lance-shaped leaves, and clusters of small white fragrant flowers (often in spring).

The name Croton eluteria reflects its botanical lineage: Croton from the Greek for “a tick” (referring to seed shape) and eluteria said to reference the island of Eleuthera in The Bahamas.

In the field, the bark is easily stripped from twigs and branches, then dried before further processing.

Bush Medicine Pot

 

"Bush Medicine Pot" - ©A. Derek Catalano

 

 Bro-in-law preparing to boil another batch of bush medicine to drink.

We have a tradition of using homeopathic remedies in The Bahamas and Caribbean.

 

Using these leaves:

Moringa
Guava
Avacado
Soursop

 

After boiling, pour in a cup and drink it down.

Good for various ailments and keeps you in good health.

Download full size: 2652x2766

 

Related pic: Bush Prep

Related article: Bush Medicine in The Bahamas

Cerasee Flower with Ants

 

"Cerasee Flower" - Bahamas AI Art

©A. Derek Catalano

 

Download full size: 4032x3024

 

Related article: Cerasee Fruit

Related article: Bush Medicine in The Bahamas

Related story: Grammy, Li'l John and the Cerasee

View: Cerasee on Lattice

View: Cerasee Fields Forever

Hold On To Tradition

 "Traditions" - Bahamas AI art

©A. Derek Catalano

 

 

Hold On To Tradition

In the islands where the turquoise waters gleam,
Where the skies are bright and the palm trees dream,
A rhythm beats deep in Bahamian hearts,
A culture alive, where history imparts.
Hold on to tradition, to the roots that run deep,
To the stories passed down, to the memories we keep.

In the still of the night, when the conch shells call,
The Junkanoo drums awaken us all.
With feathers and bells, we dance in the street,
A pulse in our veins, the rhythm of feet.
Bright costumes of color, a sight to behold,
An echo of ancestors, brave and bold.
For in the parade, we honor the past,
A celebration of spirit, a culture steadfast.
Hold on to tradition, let it light up the way,
For the future is built on the past of today.

The hands of our elders weave stories in straw,
With each twist and turn, there’s beauty and awe.
Straw work and sculpture, from wood carved with care,
Speak to the craftsmanship long nurtured there.
Through market stalls brimming with treasures untold,
We cherish these gifts that our forebears have sold.
Hold on to tradition, to the art of our land,
Where the skill of the people is steady and grand.

 

 "Bush Tea" - Bahamas AI art

©A. Derek Catalano

 

Bush Medicine in The Bahamas

 

Introduction

Bush medicine, also known as herbal medicine or traditional medicine, has been an integral part of life in The Bahamas for centuries. It involves the use of indigenous plants and herbs to treat various ailments, a practice rooted in the deep cultural and historical heritage of the Caribbean. The Bahamas, with its rich biodiversity, is home to a vast array of plants that have been used for medicinal purposes long before the advent of modern medicine. This report provides an in-depth exploration of bush medicine in The Bahamas, examining its cultural significance, historical origins, and some of the various plants used in this traditional healing practice. Additionally, it will compare bush medicine to modern medical practices, investigate the claims of its efficacy in treating serious illnesses like cancer, and underscore the importance of preserving this knowledge for future generations.

Cerasee on Lattice

 

 

"Cerasee on Lattice" ©A. Derek Catalano

 

Cerasee is a vine that is boiled and used to make a bitter tasting drink that we use in the Caribbean for colds and purifying. Commonly referred to as bush medicine. Good stuff. Highly recommended. :) 

 

Related link: Cerasee Pods

Cerasee Fields Forever

 "Cerasee Fields Forever" ©A. Derek Catalano

 

 Nassau, Bahamas.

Cerasee - Caribbean Dictionary: "A vine bearing a small bumpy skinned yellow or orange fruit. The leaves are used to make a bitter herbal tea that is regarded for its medicinal and purgative properties." - Cerasse Fruit

 

Related article: Bush Medicine in The Bahamas

Bush Prep

 

"Bush Prep" ©A. Derek Catalano

My bro-in-law preparing to boil a batch of bush medicine to drink.

We have a tradition of using homeopathic remedies in The Bahamas and Caribbean.

Fever grass
Life leaf
Grapefruit peel
Orange peel
Lemon(cut up)
Ginger
Garlic
All Spice
Cloves
Turmeric
Onion

Down the hatch.

Download full size: 4032x3024

 

Related pic: Bush Medicine Pot

Related article: Bush Medicine in The Bahamas

Cerasee Fruit

 

"Cerasee Fruit" ⒸA. Derek Catalano

Cerasee - Caribbean Dictionary: "A vine bearing a small bumpy skinned yellow or orange fruit. The leaves are used to make a bitter herbal tea that is regarded for its medicinal and purgative properties." (source)

Cerasee is a popular bush medicine used here in The Bahamas.  The vine with the leaves are boiled and used as a hot tea. Taste like hell. A true test of bravery and courage. lol.

The photo shows the fruit of the cerasee plant. The fruit are ripe when orange and may be eaten. Just break open the pod with your fingers and eat the fruit inside. If left on the vine the pod will eventually burst open by itself.

Strangely, unlike the bitter cerasee vine, the fruit are sweet and consist of a red, sweet skin over a small, flattish seed that you spit out.  I ate that one on the left. :)

Derek

 

 

Related poem: Grammy, Li'l John and the Cerasee

Related article: Bush Medicine in The Bahamas

The Bush Bar is open

 

Bush tea is ready and The Bush Bar is ready for you. Now offering a mix of flavourful blends.