Jamaican Sorrel Drink - It's Health & Medicinal Benefits

by Betty Sheriff
(Newark NJ, 07103 USA)

QUESTION:I understand that Sorrel helps lower High blood pressure in people? Is that true, where can I research this? I hate taking pills every day.

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ANSWER: by Wellesley November 07, 2011

Hi Betty (My aunt's name),

Yes, I heard that too. In fact, I am hearing that it has a lot of good medicinal properties including acting as an antibacterial inhibitor but it also has powerful anti-cancer properties!

In 2007, Keisha Shakespeare Blackmore of the Gleaner wrote, "Valero Wynter, product development officer at the Scientific
Research Council in Kingston notes that the Northern Caribbean University in Manchester is doing extensive research on sorrel. The institution's research proves that it has anti-cancer properties that are effective in the fight against certain breast cancers. He further stated that it has many medicinal properties. But one of its major benefits is that it helps control high blood pressure. White sorrel contains anti-hypertensive properties that prevent a build-up of clots in the blood vessels. Also, it is regarded as a diuretic that assists with bladder functions and flushing the kidneys. It is also effective against worms, acts as an anti-bacterial inhibitor and decreases the rate of alcohol absorption." Full article.

Rosalee Brown added, "Sorrel is not only a tasty and refreshing drink, but nutritious. The plant is rich in vitamin C, calcium and other minerals and antioxidants. It also has some amount of protein. The plant's medicinal value has been respected for centuries in Africa and Mexico where teas made from the calyces are traditional folk medicine treatments for a variety of ailments including high blood pressure." Full Article

So definately, there seems to be some credence to the information. I would suggest that you contact the Scientific Research Council here in Jamaica or even the folks at Northern Caribbean University (Google them for contact) to get more information. I am hoping that they are making some good strides in this initiative.


Read More about: The Jamaican Sorrel Drink here
Also See: The Jamaican Travel Guide

Wellesley