Guinea Hen Weed (Tea)

Guinea Hen Weed is a part of the Phytolaccaceae family. It is known by the scientific name Petiveria Alliaceae. There are other common names used such as anamu, apacin, guine, gully root, Jamaican garlic weed,  mucura, and tipi. It possesses a mild garlic smell and taste due to its sulfur compounds. Other ingredients included coumarin, flavonoids, lipids, and triterpenes which are beneficial. It has been used as a natural herbal medicine and for religious purposes for centuries.

This herb flourishes in places with tropical climates. I’ve come to learn about guinea hen weed from my stepfather, a Jamaican native. He surely knew of an herb from his birthplace to treat many ailments. This plant reaches close to 5 feet in height. The leaves, roots, and stems are boiled to make tea. Or turn into a numbing topical agent.

Religious Purpose

There are religious ceremonies held where the guinea hen weed plant is used in many ways. For instance to cleanse any negative energy and clear out evil spirits. Many people utilized guinea hen weed plants in spiritual baths.

Medicinal Purpose

Guinea hen weed has been used for centuries all around the world.

Places	Purpose herb is utilized for…
Brazil	·       antispasmodic ·       arthritis ·       decrease poor memory ·       diuretic ·       malaria ·       menstrual promoter ·       rheumatism ·       skin conditions by decreasing inflammation ·       stimulant ·       sweat promoter ·       treat edema
Central America	·       pregnancy to ease childbirth, birth pains, and induce abortion.
Cuba	·       anti-inflammatory ·       cancer treatment ·       diabetes ·       induce an abortion
Guatemala	·       digestive conditions ·       fever ·       flatulence ·       muscle pain reliever ·        skin diseases
Jamaica	·       anti-inflammatory ·       anxiety relief/ body relaxation ·       cancer/ tumor treatment ·       menstrual promoter ·       pain reliever ·       reduce muscle spasm ·       reproductive aid ·       treat yeast infections
South and Central America	·       a natural cold and cough remedy ·       cancer treatment ·       immune system support ·       pulmonary infections ·       respiratory issues such as influenza.

Cautionary Usage

According to Drugs.com, there is limited data on guinea hen weed’s effects on the body. Certain groups of people are cautioned when using it.

• Pregnant women since it can stimulate the uterus causing premature contractions inducing a miscarriage.
• Have blood disorders, such as anemia (reduced red blood cells that circulate oxygen from the lungs within the body), hemophilia (blood is not clotting as it should), sickle cell disease (cells become hardened and deformed), thalassemia (reduction in hemoglobin produce by the body which is an asset to red blood cells), and venous thromboembolism (VTE) (underdiagnosed blood clotting condition).
• Hypoglycemia glucose (blood sugar) levels are below the standard range. It is due to guinea hen weed having the effect of potentially lowering glucose.
• Diabetes, in which the pancreas does not produce enough insulin. This results in a spiked increase in glucose levels.

Types to Purchase

Often picked leaves, roots, and stems are packaged together. There are ½ ounce packages priced at around $6. You can order it from websites such as Angelbrand.com, and Etsy.com.

They are often sold with leaves and roots grounded in a tea bag. They are priced at $8 for a 24-pack of 100% Jamaican Guinea Hen Weed Tea Bags. Check the herbal stores it may be hard to find at the local supermarket. Or just have it shipped directly to your doorstep from Amazon.com.

Guinea hen weed capsules are another option. They’re priced at $14 for 400 milligrams /100 capsules or even $22 for 500 milligrams/ 60 capsules. They are sold online on websites such as Amazon.com, Swansonvitamins.com, and Walmart.com.