Turmeric is a member of the ginger family and is commonly used in curries. - File
Dear Dr Robertson,
I read your article in the Wednesday Gleaner on Jamaica botanicals with interest. However, I had a few questions. At the end of the section on turmeric you wrote that the plant must be grown commercially. Were you referring to turmeric or cauliflower. Also, I wondered why either one required commercial production for use? Also, do you know where Guinea Hen plants could be purchased?
- Anthony Hron
Dear Dr Robertson,
Thank you for your article on Jamaican botanicals. I would be grateful if you could indicate where the herbs, which you discussed in your article, could be obtained .
- Tricia Chung
Dear Readers
I referred to turmeric to be grown commercially. Most farmers have been throwing away turmeric off the land for many years. Did you know that turmeric and curry are imported? The plants are available for show; you could check the University of the West Indies biotechnology laboratory where they do turmeric for tissue culture.
Guinea Hen plants are very common in cool areas, for example, Highgate in St Mary, Port Antonio, Portland and Glengoffe in St Andrew. If you visit websites for the pictures of Peteveria or Anamu, I am sure you might find Guinea Hen weed in your own backyard.
- Dr Diane Robertson
Send questions and comments to our health specialists at Your Health, c/o The Gleaner, 7 North Street, Kingston; email:yourhealth@gleanerjm.com. Unless otherwise indicated, letters and the specialists' responses are usuallypublished.
