Rice bitters is a medicinal herbal remedy for colds, mucous congestion as well as fevers

Rice bitters can clean up that awful skin.

This article was extracted from The Jamaica Observer.

BUCKSTON... ...& HUBER’S ALTERNATIVE

Thursday, April 08, 2010

Due to popular demand we are reaching into our archives! Today we publish Buckston Harrison's contribution to the November 2, 2006 edition of Buckston and Huber's Alternative. Huber's contribution is current.

Rice bitters or Andrographis paniculata is an extremely bitter herb, which is believed to have been brought to Jamaica by Vietnamese refugees back in the 1960s.

It has adapted very well to the Jamaican climate but is getting rare, and only a few people still have it today.

Health benefits of rice bitters

The medicinal value of the herb is phenomenal. I have been advised by scientists from the University of Pennsylvania, who came here and took samples from me for testing, that it can be used for people who are infected with the Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV).

They say it has antiviral and anticancer agents. I can attest to it being good for skin lesions and I have dispensed it for people who suffer from HIV and who have serious skin problems, with remarkable results.

The herb is also good for toning the prostate, keeping it functioning. Additionally, when men experience frequent urination, a cup of the tea is a sure cure.

The preparation for all the above ailments is three leaves or one teaspoon of the dried herb per cup of tea.

Buckston Harrison was well known for his work as a herbalist, especially in western Jamaica. He resided in Sheffield, Westmoreland up to the time of his untimely passing on March 22, 2010.

Read more: http://www.jamaicaobserver.com/westernnews/huber-plus-buck-rerun-8-04-10-_7522886#ixzz1hQCp1iQj

This herb is not recommended for children.

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Other health benefits

It is of the Acanthaceae family. One of its common names is wild rice and its bitter constituent is andrographis (C15H2704) and it is not to be mistaken as a glycoside or alkaloid.

Some researchers have concluded that it contains a couple bitter principles, which are a yellow crystalline element (C19H2805, m.-pt. 206°) as well as kalmegh (C19H5105 m.-pt. 180°). 

It is very rich in potassium and it contains essential oils.

Additional health benefits include it as a treatment for flu, sinusitis, digestive conditions, heart conditions and anemia. 

It may also be made into a beverage to treat various ailments including respiratory conditions.

Due to the fact that it is among the bitter herbs, it is therefore capable of re-energizing a person who has lost his or her strength and vitality through mental pressures and consumption of very poor appetite. 

It is a very strong blood purifier and therefore has the ability to cleanse the blood of viral infection.

This herb with medicinal properties such as anti-viral, anti-bacterial and anti-cancer, rice bitters is an excellent plant to grow for your ailments.

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Updated March 6, 2020