Your Cup of Tea- Vèvenn latjé wat

Some lament the decline in the population of species of local medicinal plants. The widespread use of weedicides is considered a contributing factor in the loss of these herbal medicines. One such plant is the vevenn latje wat (vevenn). But do not despair. Somewhere in a rural area not too far from you is a field of indigenous medicines as pictured below. The vevenn latje wat is alive and able to save lives.

Field of Vevenn (purple variety)

The fresh leaves of the plant are prepared in a tea as a remedy for 

1. As a cooling tonic and blood cleanser
2. Asthma treatment
3. High blood pressure
4. Worms
5. Treatment for uclerated stomachs

The leaves are mashed, moistened and heated and used 

1. To cure wounds and sores
2. For inflammation

White Vevenn

There are two varieties of the plant: the white and the purple. The distinction is made by the corresponding colours of the flowers.

Purple Vevenn

Is is an old wives tale or there is healing power in this plant? Now it is your turn to try this herbal brew and share your experiences.

Additional resources:

Integration of Medicinal and Culinary Herbs in An Agroforestry Combination on St. Croix, USVI

Plants of St. Lucia