By Lochan Mungal

To my surprise, while doing research, I was ecstatic to be informed that Mr. Duke traveled to Trinidad and Tobago for specimens of this bitter-tasting herb for its medicinal properties. In all parts of the world this plant, Neurolaena lobata, is known by different names: Zebapique, Jackass Bitters, Tres Puntas.

Jackass bitters was believed to be a sacred plant of the Mayans and used as a ceremonial incense. It grows within the Caribbean, Southern Mexico, Central America, and the northwest of South America.

This weedy herb species is also found throughout the Caribbean islands. It grows 1-2m tall and has alternate trilobed leaves. The yellow flowers grow in compact groups at the top of the branches. All portions of the plant have a bitter taste.

It is a natural bitter, multi-use herb, which may be drawn as a tea or infused in wine or white rum to create bitters.

Jackass bitters is a popular herb of the Asteraceae family that is utilized in Trinidad and Tobago as well as the Caribbean for a variety of ailments, most ordinarily the flu.

This is a natural herb that is used to prevent or treat infection, intestinal parasites, malaria, fungus, skin rashes and sores, and ringworm, and it also helps regulate blood glucose levels. Due to the herb’s bitterness, it is thought to assist with digestion, balancing the appetite, curbing sugar cravings, and cleansing parasites from the body.

More than Diabetes

Mr. Duke primarily focused his research and findings on using Jackass Bitters for the controlling of diabetes, but the herb has so much to offer medicinally.

It has also been used for malaria, high blood pressure. and liver problems and as an insect repellent. Additionally, it has been used for skin diseases, stomach pain, and ulcers.

The leaves also contain a potent anti-parasitic agent effective against intestinal parasites, candida, and fungal infections. They are also used to heal wounds and infections. For spots on the skin the leaves are crushed and rubbed on the legs or other afflicted parts.

Jackass bitters has potential to be used in wound care because of the flexibility of its constituents to arrest bleeding from fresh wounds, inhibit the expansion of bacteria, and accelerate wound healing.

Traditionally, the herb is employed topically to bathe wounds and infections or as a hair wash to obviate lice.

Lochan Mungle is an herbalist, tutor, and mentor. 101 Edible & Medicinal Plants of Trinidad & Tobago www.facebook.com/101ediblemedicinalplantstnt