Red Water Grass (Zebrina pendula): The Healing Herb Hiding in Plain Sight

If yuh grew up in rural Jamaica—or even just spent enough time in somebody's yard—there’s a good chance yuh passed by this plant without thinking much of it. Red Water Grass, also known as Zebrina pendula or Wandering Jew, is that trailing herb with purplish-green striped leaves that loves to spread itself along damp spots. Pretty to look at, yes—but let me tell you, it’s way more than a decorative ground cover.

What Is Red Water Grass?

This creeping herb belongs to the spiderwort family, and is known for its resilience and adaptability. In Jamaica, it naturally grows wild around shaded moist areas, especially near water tanks, old tyres, and places with a bit of shade. But here’s the kicker—it has long been used as a medicinal herb, especially among our older folks who understood its cooling and detoxifying properties.

Traditional Jamaican Uses

Back in the day, when belly cramps or urinary issues came up, Red Water Grass was one of the go-to bush remedies. You might’ve heard your granny or an old-time bush doctor talk about it as a cleansing herb. In traditional Jamaican medicine, it was steeped as a tea or used in herbal baths to help relieve inflammation, flush the urinary tract, and soothe skin rashes.

Health Benefits of Red Water Grass

Modern studies have started to back up what we’ve known in the hills all along. Here are some of the notable benefits:

• Anti-inflammatory: Helps to reduce internal swelling, especially in the urinary tract and digestive system.


• Diuretic: Promotes urination, which makes it useful for cleansing the system and easing water retention.


• Antibacterial and Antifungal: Some early research shows it can fight off common bacteria and fungi, supporting wound healing.


• Cooling to the Body: Especially helpful in managing fevers or heat rashes, either through tea or external wash.


• Skin support: Crushed leaves are sometimes applied to bruises, minor wounds, or rashes to reduce irritation.

How It's Typically Used

In our Jamaican tradition, the most common way to use Red Water Grass is to boil a handful of the fresh leaves to make a gentle tea. Some even mix it in with other cleansing herbs like shame old lady or guava leaf for a more powerful effect. Others use it in baths or make a poultice from the crushed leaves for skin problems.

That said, if yuh can't get the fresh bush, don’t worry—grounded Red Water Grass is still a helpful option. Just about ½ teaspoon of the powdered herb can be steeped in hot (not boiling) water for a few minutes to make a light herbal tea. It can also be added to baths as a skin rinse or even blended into capsules for convenience. So while we stick to the old-time ways, there’s room for a little modern twist too, especially when it's prepared properly.

It’s truly one of those quiet herbs—always around, always available, and now more than ever, worth paying attention to. If you’re looking to bring this traditional Jamaican gem into your own wellness routine, you’ll find it right here on our e-store.

Click here to explore more of our authentic Jamaican herbs
Last updated: June 3, 2025.