Guinea hen weed: A powerful Jamaican herb - News - Jamaica Gleaner - Tuesday | October 18, 2011

Guinea hen weed: A powerful Jamaican herb - News - Jamaica Gleaner - Tuesday October 18, 2011

Anamu kills cancer cells - Laboratory investigations show that anamu retards the growth of several strains of cancer and leukemia cells. In a plant screening programme performed at the University of Illinois at Chicago, more than 1,400 plant extracts were evaluated for the prevention and treatment of cancer. Anamu was one of only 34 plants identified with active properties specifically against cancer

Anamu fights infections - It demonstrates broad spectrum antimicrobial properties against numerous bacteria, viruses, fungi and yeast. Compounds in anamu directly kill and or inhibits the growth of these germs. Interestingly, many alternative medicine practitioners believe that infection plays a major role in many cancers. Anamu is widely used in folk medicine for treating infections.

Anamu relieves pain - Its traditional use as a remedy for arthritis and rheumatism has been validated by clinical research that confirms its pain relieving and anti-inflammatory effect. Researchers in Sweden demonstrated its COX-1 inhibitory properties (cyclooxogenase-1 inhibitors are a new class of popular and profitable arthritis drugs). Anamu extracts have been found to relieve pain and inflammation even when applied topically to the skin.

Anamu lowers blood sugar - While anamu has not been widely researched for diabetes, it had been documented to lower blood sugar levels by more than 60 per cent in laboratory animals. This reflects herbal medical practice in Cuba where anamu has been used as an aid for diabetes for many years.


Contradictions to anamu
Anamu has been found to cause contractions of the uterus that can lead to abortions and miscarriages. As such, it should not be used by pregnant women.
Anamu contains a low concentration of a blood thinner called coumadin. People with any bleeding disorder like hemophilia or who are on blood thinning medication should consult their health-care provider before using anamu.