Image taken from My Montserrat
Incited passions
On deserted sandy coves
Pan-seared delights on picnic blankets
Shimmering moments in the sun
Undeniable satisfying
Wild life, wet, salty breeze
Dearest memories
The unthinkable
Replenish lost energy
Brightly colored on
private narrow cays
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Poem Written by Brenda L. McCartney
Photographed by Susan Koster
Timeless ponder of mid morning calm
Casuarinas gone, listen to a louder bird song
Wind fan coconut trees and larger palms
As seagulls lines Saunders shimmering sand
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Hues of calmer seas chisel sunrise
As lilt of white ocean enfolds
Golden streaks edge clearer skies
Ravish thoughts blossom then fold
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Satchels of bequest waltz
Lit, gleam tantalize
Ripples of kinder emotions exalt
In pleasured filled eyes
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Poem Written by Brenda L. McCartney
It is early Saturday morning and I am drinking a cup of hot water to get rid of the sharp pains I feel in my stomach – gas. I have been pining for days for a few cups of lemon grass (fever grass). I will ensure that I pull some today for my tea. No matter how many times I try to be careful I always cut my finger on those tall blades of grass. I still cannot resist the refreshing taste early in the morning – especially on Saturdays.
It is important to highlight that in Montserrat we use the term tea for all hot beverages (milk, coffee, and bush). The flavored teas and black teas (Lipton, Tetley) that we find crushed and cured in the bags or tins are new to us as we did not know or acknowledge their existence before. My favorite tea is the creole cocoa tea which is made from Cocoa and rolled into balls. I know it by and large comes from Dominica.
There are various categories of teas; some are used just for the aroma and taste, some are taken for the medicinal uses (colds, inflammations, fever, diabetes etc.). There are many advantages and disadvantages in the use of teas. For instance, I had a grand uncle by the extension of marriage who so much believed in the use of bush medicine that he refused to see a local doctor. He had a wound on his leg and he would heat a particular bush and then he would bandage his leg. He did this daily for years; then the fevers moved from occasional to persistent and my aunt had no alternative but to call the doctor. When the doctor finally arrived they had to amputate his leg.
The cintibibi and aloe vera (aloe vulgaris) can be taken orally or applied to wounds or boils. It was said that cintibibi, when taken when the moon is weak during the last quarter, is good for diabetes.
Leaves that are used for colds are: aloe vera, love vine/yellow dodder, bat root (petiveria alliacea), catmint (menthe), cattle tongue bush (pseudelephantophus spicatus), garden balsam (impatiens balsaminaceae) maiden apple or pum coolie/pung coolie / cerasse (momnordica charantia), gum tree bark (bursera simaruba). The maiden apple is considered miraculous as it is said to relieve heart disease, cure fever and treat diabetes. Breadfruit leaves are used for the treatment of hypertension (high blood pressure).
There are other bushes that are used for their medicinal value that are up for debate such as marijuana (cannabis satva) and the cocoa tea. Bush tea is vital to our culture and remains a rich area of interest.
No matter what tea you enjoy I say enjoy your morning or evening cup!
© 2011 McCartney House
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