IF there was a movie to be made on a particular plant used in Caribbean “bush medicine”- it would probably be about the soursop.   For around that tree and fruit lies a solid plot with ever popular themes of betrayal, deception and contradiction.  There’s nothing sour about the soursop- that’s the contradiction.

The soursop is also known as the graviola or guanabana/guyabano and is said to be a rich source of Vitamins C, B1 and B2. And, for years, there have been claims and news stories about the soursop being nature’s cancer killer- “10,000 times stronger than chemotherapy” and does not “harm good cells”.  But…but…where’s the deceit and betrayal, you ask? 

Well, as one conspiracy theory goes, since the 1970s, the soursop fruit has been studied by a very large drug manufacturer with test results revealing the powerhouse cancer killer that was the fruit, leaves and bark of the soursop tree.  But, apparently, since the tree was all natural and couldn’t be patented and made into a billion dollar machine- a cover-up ensued. And…that, really, is enough about movies and conspiracy theories.

The soursop fruit is sweet- tangy with a very sweet taste.  And so, I’d never hesitate to obey anyone who tells me to drink lots of soursop juice (with added milk or not) or eat the creamy pulp because it prevents something he or she describes as “liver problems” and also battles “worms”.

And, I’d never be caught avoiding a tea made of two to three young soursop leaves (mature leaves tend to look greener) which many swear is a most effective remedy for sleeplessness. I’d be even more delighted if that tea involves a Christmas bush leaf or a bit of fever grass.

I grew up knowing that you drank soursop tea if you wanted relief from a persistent cough, fever, gas, diarrhea or indigestion.  Or…if…. you wanted an aphrodisiac (both the juice and tea).  Back then, and now too, I suppose, a decoction of soursop leaves was also considered a right tool for battling head lice and bedbugs. The pulverized seeds, supposedly, are just as right a tool for those lice and bugs- but remember the hard black seeds are also considered quite toxic (no eating them!)

Soursop leaf tea was also something relied upon by those who had a bit of trouble with diabetes and hypertension.  They’d be all grins with their doctors and obediently reach for the pills prescribed. Once at home, much to their doctor’s anguish- they’d turn to their soursop tea. It was also a common practice to ignore all those sleep-aid medications and  litter one’s bed with the leaves or place the leaves into pillowcases to help with a good night’s sleep.

I’ve also been told that a poultice can be made of grounded soursop leaves. This poultice applied to the skin gives relief from eczema and rheumatism and also heal wounds. Some also recommend a bush bath- a bath with soursop leaves- for the same as well as to break a fever.

Photo Courtesy- Dunelyn Parker

Disclaimer:

The contents of this page are meant for educational and entertainment purposes only. Statements published here ought not to be taken as expert medical advice designed to treat/cure any diseases or health related conditions. Please talk to your doctor or any qualified healthcare professional if you need medical advice (Believe me, WE at RE:BELLE WOULD!)