Bermuda, how many plants can you identify in your neighbourhood that can be used for herbal remedies? 

That’s the question the Department of Culture is asking the public as it introduces ‘Culture in Your Yard’ - the latest series in the ‘Culture@Home’ initiative. 

This week highlights local author Dr. Kuni Frith and her popular book, “Bermudian Folk Remedies-Using Medical Botanicals for Common Ailments”.

In a fun twist, ‘Culture in Your Yard’ invites the community to explore their surroundings to see if they can identify any of the medicinal plants in their neighbourhoods. 

As noted by Dr. Frith, there are a number of trees and fauna in our community that are used as ingredients for traditional healing remedies. 

Today the Minister of Youth, Culture and Sport, Dr. Ernest Peets said, “Using local plants as remedies for healing our ailments has long been a part of our folk heritage and traditions.

“As much of the public continue to remain home during this time, our Ministry recognises that what helps us get through are our bonds as a people. I believe that celebrating our history and our rich traditions in unique ways during this time is an important connection for us. 

“So we thought ‘Culture in Your Yard’ would be a fun and interesting way for residents to explore and learn more about the importance of our folk traditions. Just by taking a walk or a jog in their surrounding neighbourhoods, they will probably see many if not all of the plants on the list that we’ve provided.” 

Dr. Frith added, “Bermuda is blessed with a natural botanical pharmacy comprised of medicinal and edible plants. The book Bermudian Folk Remedies is an excellent reference guide to walk you through our local plant species.” 

Here's the list of featured plants as part of the 'Culture in Your Yard' activity:

Ø  Aloe

This spiky plant has dark green fleshy leaves. It's a natural cure for sunburn and road rash. 

Ø  Banana

These trees are found in people's yards and fields. A great source of vitamins and minerals, Bananas help settle an upset stomach and nausea. The skin soothes rashes. 

Ø  Plantain

This ‘weed’ pops up in grass and the leaves help heal bruising, and a tea helps inflammation. 

Ø  Cedar 

Our resilient endemic tree. A fungus killed many cedars in the late 1940s but fungus resistant strains have been successfully propagated and cultivated. The trees are now protected. Highly prized for its beautiful shape and the cedar wood that was used extensively in boats, houses, and furniture. The berries were made into cedar ale, but be warned that can damage your kidneys. 

Ø  Dandelion 

These ‘weeds’ grow in the grass and bushes. Dandelion tea is soothing and the leaves make a nice salad. 

Ø  Fennel

A feathery green plant found in the shade. Dried stems are great for making kites. The leaves are fragrant and a great addition to soups.

Ø  Guava

These trees have delicious fruits of several flavors, pineapple, strawberry, or tart apple. High in minerals and vitamins. In moderation they help with stomach ache. 

Ø  Loquat

A Bermudian tradition and a fun way to forage in the Spring. These trees produce yellow and orange fruit. Wonderful raw or in cakes, jams, and liqueur. 

Ø  Match Me If You Can

Multicolored reddish leaves in hedges. The leaves can be used to make poultices to place on your chest to fight bad colds.   

 Ø  Mulberries 

These grow on trees which may become tall and broad. The purple berries are delicious. Packed with vitamins and iron, they help with inflammation. 

Ø  Nasturtium 

Bright yellow and orange flowers peek out of these green creeping vines that grow in the shade. The flowers make a delicious spicy salad and the leaves are used in tea and cooking. Packed with vitamin C and iron, they are a boost to your immune system. 

Ø  Natal Plum

This spiky hedge produces purple juicy fruit. Eaten raw or in jams, they are full of vitamins and aid your immune system. 

Ø  Paw Paw

Wild trees with knobby trunks and a cluster of green fruit which turn orange when ripe. They are used as wound cleansers when green. The green fruit is tart and often used in stews. The orange fruit is soft and sweet. These are good sources of vitamins. 

Ø  Prickly Pear

A spiny cactus plant that produces purple spiny fruit. It is a very nutritious food with benefits for heart, digestion, infections and general health.

Ø  Rosemary 

A fragrant bush. The spine-like leaves are used in cooking. The oil from the leaves improves your mood and circulation. 

Ø  Lantana

This shrub produces pretty multicolored flowers. The leaves ease stings and bruises. 

Ø  Spice

These beautiful perfumed trees have dark glossy leaves. The leaves are used in teas and as natural air freshener and ant repellents.   

Ø  Surinam Cherry

Dark red berries on bright green hedges grow everywhere. The fruit is wonderful raw or in jams and pies. The leaves can be used for a soothing tea. 

The public will recall that the Department of Culture launched ‘Culture@Home’, featuring local artists, virtual performances and online activities to help lighten community spirits during these challenging times. All events are currently being shown on CITV and the Department of Culture's YouTube channel and social media platforms. To find out more about Bermuda’s creatives or if artists wish to be featured in the Department’s online catalogue or activities please visit www.creatives.bm or email culture@gov.bm.