I would like to take a minute to introduce the Kola Nut, also known as Bissy in Jamaica, to those of you who are not already familiar with it's properties. According to authors M. Henry and K.S.Harris, once grated and boiled, Bissy Tea is considered a "miracle medicine" that is said to remove poison from the body, stop vomiting, relieve upset stomach, nausea, menstrual cramps, headaches, gout and control diabetes. For more information on Bissy Tea and other Jamaica herbal remedies, you will want to check out the book "Jamaican Herbs & Medicinal Plants and their Uses," published in 2006 by authors Henry & Harris. These are images of our very own Bissy at the bakery, just before being grated, boiled, sweetened and consumed by Tony to relieve an upset stomach. If you need to feel better and want to try some Bissy Tea, give us a call and let us know you're coming. We would be glad to prepare a pot of fresh Bissy Tea to share with you, Island Organix style!

Tony has been brewing some herbal teas from wild harvested plants of Jamaica, known as Bush Teas, for our staff lately. Traditionally it is believed that regular consumption will help fortify the immune system, particularly important during the long and cold winter season. Today I want to describe to you one blend that has become a favorite of ours at the bakery. It boasts of a slightly lemony aroma, and leaves a mild sweet and spicy taste in your mouth. While I won't get into the specific effects of the wild plants in our tea mix, I would like to share with you the list of plant names to perhaps further inspire your own research. This blend, dubbed the Vitali-tea, contains: cinnamon leaf, cinnamon branch, fever grass (aka lemongrass), and soursop leaf. If you are reading this blog and you are curious about our Vitali-tea, send an email to owner[@]islandorganix.com with your name and mailing address, and we will send you a complimentary sachel of our wild harvested bush tea good for atleast 2-3 servings. Here's to your health!