Natural Medicine Workshop

Tinctures are natural medicines made from plant extracts. A group of 15 learned to make tinctures at a workshop given by Planeta Feliz.

Wes Allen

Vieques Primero

December 20, 2009

On December 13th, a group of 15 gathered at the Vieques Incubadora for a lesson in traditional healing. The class, given by Sonia Carla of Planeta Feliz, focused on the making of tinctures.

Tinctures, plant-based skin tonics, have been used for thousands of years for the treatment of aches and pains, prevention of infection and for healing many other ailments. Many Viequenses still use tinctures for treating muscle cramps, to cool the skin or for their freshening scents.

Tinctures are made by steeping fresh leaves and herbs in hot water or alcohol, which allows the essential ingredients to dissolve. The ingredients can include dozens of plants, and a tincture can be blended from many different extracts. Common plants grown and found on Vieques include Bay Rum, Eucalyptus and Oregano.

This tincture includes bay rum, rue, eucalyptus, camphor, oregano and sage.

The workshop was produced by Planeta Feliz, an organization which helps communities with health and sustainable development projects. Other projects in Vieques included a free health clinic, a video production workshop and starting a community garden.

Traditional Herbal Medicines and Uses:

Bay Rum Used as a fragrance and as a general astringent.

Rue Used to treat eyestrain, sore eyes, and as an insect repellent.

Camphor Acts as a slight local anesthetic. Effective as a cough suppressant.

Eucalyptus Used in decongestants, and also has insect repellent properties.

Oregano Oregano is one of the best antiseptics because of its high thymol content.

Sage Antibiotic, anti-fungal, astringent and tonic.

Garlic antibacterial, antiviral, and anti-fungal activity.