Medicinal Plants
Suriname is rich in diverse plant species, many of which have been traditionally used for their medicinal properties. This page provides a comprehensive breakdown of these medicinal plants, highlighting their uses, benefits, and local significance.
APOCYNACEAE
Geissospermum laeve (Vell.) Miers.
Local Names: Bergi bita
Uses: The bark of Geissospermum laeve is traditionally used to treat fever, malaria, and digestive disorders. It is known for its bitter properties which are believed to have medicinal benefits.
Why it’s a Good Medicinal Plant: Geissospermum laeve contains alkaloids which have been shown to possess anti-inflammatory and antimalarial properties.
Justicia pectoralis Jacq.
Local Names: Tonkawiwiri, Papawiwiri
Uses: This plant is used for its calming effects and to treat respiratory conditions such as asthma and bronchitis. It is also used as a tea for its soothing properties.
Why it’s a Good Medicinal Plant: Justicia pectoralis contains coumarins and flavonoids, which have sedative and anti-inflammatory effects.
Justicia calycina (Nees) V.A.W. Graham.
Synonym: Rhacodiscus calycinus (Nees)
Local Names: Bruduwiwiri
Uses: Known for its medicinal leaves, Justicia calycina is used in traditional medicine to treat colds, coughs, and other respiratory issues.
Why it’s a Good Medicinal Plant: The plant’s leaves contain compounds that help in reducing inflammation and have antimicrobial properties.
AMARANTHACEAE
Amaranthus dubius Mart. ex Thell.
Local Names: Weti/Redi Krarun
Uses: Commonly used as a leafy vegetable, Amaranthus dubius is also known for its benefits in treating digestive issues and anemia.
Why it’s a Good Medicinal Plant: This plant is rich in vitamins A and C, iron, and calcium, making it valuable for nutritional and medicinal purposes.
Anacardium occidentale L.
Local Names: Kasyu (Sr), Mèrèhè
Uses: The cashew tree is used for its nuts, which have various health benefits, and the leaves and bark are used to treat diarrhea and skin conditions.
Why it’s a Good Medicinal Plant: Anacardium occidentale has antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antimicrobial properties, making it effective in treating a range of ailments.
Annona muricata L.
Local Names: Sunsaka (Sr), Kaiedi (Ar), Hurusulu (Ca), Atuku
Uses: Known as soursop, this plant is used to treat infections, insomnia, and high blood pressure. Its leaves, fruit, and seeds are all used in traditional medicine.
Why it’s a Good Medicinal Plant: Annona muricata contains acetogenins, which have been shown to have anticancer properties.
Annona reticulata L.
Local Names: Kasyuma (Sr), Kashima (Ar), Boeah Nona (J)
Uses: The custard apple is used to treat wounds, infections, and digestive issues. The seeds, leaves, and fruit are all utilized for their medicinal properties.
Why it’s a Good Medicinal Plant: It contains antioxidants and has antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory effects.
APOCYNACEAE
Tabernaemontana undulata Vahl
Synonym: Bonafousia undulata (Vahl) A. DC.
Local Names: Daguston, Manbat’bati, Merkiti, Snekibita
Uses: This plant is used to treat pain, fever, and skin conditions. It is known for its strong medicinal properties.
Why it’s a Good Medicinal Plant: Tabernaemontana undulata contains alkaloids that are effective in treating pain and inflammation.
ARACEAE
Colocasia esculenta (L.) Schott.
Local Names: Taya, Dasin
Uses: Commonly known as taro, this plant is used for its edible corms which are rich in nutrients. It is also used to treat digestive issues.
Why it’s a Good Medicinal Plant: Colocasia esculenta is high in fiber and essential nutrients, making it beneficial for overall health.
Philodendron solimoesense A.C. Sm.
Local Names: Makatitei (Sr), Maka Tatay, Babali Lopu (Au), Bái Bái Lopu
Uses: Used in traditional medicine to treat skin conditions and wounds.
Why it’s a Good Medicinal Plant: The plant has antimicrobial properties that help in the healing of wounds and skin infections.
ARECACEAE
Astrocaryum vulgare Mart.
Synonym: Astrocaryum segregatum Drude
Local Names: Awara
Uses: The fruit of this palm is consumed for its nutritional value, and the oil extracted is used for skin and hair care.
Why it’s a Good Medicinal Plant: It is rich in fatty acids and antioxidants, promoting healthy skin and hair.
Euterpe oleracea Mart.
Local Names: Pina, Swampu Prasara (Sr), Manaka (Ar), Wasei
Uses: Known as açaí, this berry is used to boost energy and improve heart health. It is also used for its antioxidant properties.
Why it’s a Good Medicinal Plant: Euterpe oleracea is rich in antioxidants, fiber, and healthy fats, making it a superfood.
Oenocarpus bacaba Mart.
Local Names: Kumbu (Sr, Sa, Au), Lo (Ar), Kumu (Ca, Way, Trio)
Uses: The fruit is consumed for its nutritional benefits, and the oil is used for skincare.
Why it’s a Good Medicinal Plant: It contains essential fatty acids and vitamins that support overall health.
ARISTOLOCHIACEAE
Aristolochia consimilis Mast.
Local Names: Loangotitei, Loango Bita (Sr), Loango Tetei (Au)
Uses: This plant is used to treat snake bites and skin infections.
Why it’s a Good Medicinal Plant: Aristolochia consimilis has strong antimicrobial properties.
ALOEACEAE
Aloe vera (L.) Burm.f.
Synonym: Aloe barbadensis Miller; Aloe vulgaris Lam.
Local Names: Semperifisi
Uses: Widely used for its soothing properties on burns, wounds, and skin irritations.
Why it’s a Good Medicinal Plant: Aloe vera is rich in vitamins, minerals, and enzymes that promote healing and skin health.
ASTERACEAE
Elephantopus mollis Kunth.
Synonym: Elephantopus tomentosus L.
Local Names: Sneki Bita, Man Kwintu
Uses: Used to treat snake bites and fever.
Why it’s a Good Medicinal Plant: It has anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties.
Sphagneticola trilobata (L.) Pruski.
Synonym: Wedelia trilobata (L.) Hitchc.
Local Names: Desi Wiri, Bakrublad
Uses: Used for wound healing and as an anti-inflammatory agent.
Why it’s a Good Medicinal Plant: Sphagneticola trilobata has been shown to have strong wound-healing properties.
Unxia camphorata L.f.
Synonyms: Polymnia graveolens Rol., Melampodium camphoratum (L.f.) Baker.
Local Names: Kamfrubita, Masangobita, Sabanabita, Sabana Smeriwiwiri
Uses: Known for its camphor-like properties, used to treat colds and respiratory issues.
Why it’s a Good Medicinal Plant: It contains compounds that help relieve congestion and have antimicrobial effects.
BIGNONIACEAE
Arrabidaea bilabiata (Sprague) Sandwith.
Synonyms: Adenocalymma bilabiatum (Sprague) Sandw., Memora bilabiata Sprague
Local Names: Duldul, Prasara Titei, Bokotaballi, Bokota Firoberu, Tônôlôli, Tiapotano, Duludulu, Duruduru
Uses: Used to treat skin infections and wounds.
Why it’s a Good Medicinal Plant: Arrabidaea bilabiata has strong antimicrobial properties that help in treating infections.
Mansoa alliacea (Lam.) A.H. Gentry.
Synonyms: Bignonia alliacea Lam., Pseudocalymna alliaceum (Lam.) Sandw., Pachyptera alliacea (Lam.) A.H. Gentry.
Local Names: Konofruktutitei, Bosgonofru, Tingititei, Knoflookwiri
Uses: Known for its garlic-like smell, used to treat respiratory conditions and infections.
Why it’s a Good Medicinal Plant: Mansoa alliacea has antibacterial and antifungal properties.
Medicinal Plants from Suriname
Suriname is rich in diverse plant species, many of which have been traditionally used for their medicinal properties. This page provides a comprehensive breakdown of these medicinal plants, highlighting their uses, benefits, and local significance.
APOCYNACEAE
Geissospermum laeve (Vell.) Miers.
Local Names: Bergi bita
Uses: The bark of Geissospermum laeve is traditionally used to treat fever, malaria, and digestive disorders. It is known for its bitter properties which are believed to have medicinal benefits.
Why it’s a Good Medicinal Plant: Geissospermum laeve contains alkaloids which have been shown to possess anti-inflammatory and antimalarial properties.
Justicia pectoralis Jacq.
Local Names: Tonkawiwiri, Papawiwiri
Uses: This plant is used for its calming effects and to treat respiratory conditions such as asthma and bronchitis. It is also used as a tea for its soothing properties.
Why it’s a Good Medicinal Plant: Justicia pectoralis contains coumarins and flavonoids, which have sedative and anti-inflammatory effects.
Justicia calycina (Nees) V.A.W. Graham.
Synonym: Rhacodiscus calycinus (Nees)
Local Names: Bruduwiwiri
Uses: Known for its medicinal leaves, Justicia calycina is used in traditional medicine to treat colds, coughs, and other respiratory issues.
Why it’s a Good Medicinal Plant: The plant’s leaves contain compounds that help in reducing inflammation and have antimicrobial properties.
AMARANTHACEAE
Amaranthus dubius Mart. ex Thell.
Local Names: Weti/Redi Krarun
Uses: Commonly used as a leafy vegetable, Amaranthus dubius is also known for its benefits in treating digestive issues and anemia.
Why it’s a Good Medicinal Plant: This plant is rich in vitamins A and C, iron, and calcium, making it valuable for nutritional and medicinal purposes.
Anacardium occidentale L.
Local Names: Kasyu (Sr), Mèrèhè
Uses: The cashew tree is used for its nuts, which have various health benefits, and the leaves and bark are used to treat diarrhea and skin conditions.
Why it’s a Good Medicinal Plant: Anacardium occidentale has antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antimicrobial properties, making it effective in treating a range of ailments.
Annona muricata L.
Local Names: Sunsaka (Sr), Kaiedi (Ar), Hurusulu (Ca), Atuku
Uses: Known as soursop, this plant is used to treat infections, insomnia, and high blood pressure. Its leaves, fruit, and seeds are all used in traditional medicine.
Why it’s a Good Medicinal Plant: Annona muricata contains acetogenins, which have been shown to have anticancer properties.
Annona reticulata L.
Local Names: Kasyuma (Sr), Kashima (Ar), Boeah Nona (J)
Uses: The custard apple is used to treat wounds, infections, and digestive issues. The seeds, leaves, and fruit are all utilized for their medicinal properties.
Why it’s a Good Medicinal Plant: It contains antioxidants and has antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory effects.
APOCYNACEAE
Tabernaemontana undulata Vahl
Synonym: Bonafousia undulata (Vahl) A. DC.
Local Names: Daguston, Manbat’bati, Merkiti, Snekibita
Uses: This plant is used to treat pain, fever, and skin conditions. It is known for its strong medicinal properties.
Why it’s a Good Medicinal Plant: Tabernaemontana undulata contains alkaloids that are effective in treating pain and inflammation.
ARACEAE
Colocasia esculenta (L.) Schott.
Local Names: Taya, Dasin
Uses: Commonly known as taro, this plant is used for its edible corms which are rich in nutrients. It is also used to treat digestive issues.
Why it’s a Good Medicinal Plant: Colocasia esculenta is high in fiber and essential nutrients, making it beneficial for overall health.
Philodendron solimoesense A.C. Sm.
Local Names: Makatitei (Sr), Maka Tatay, Babali Lopu (Au), Bái Bái Lopu
Uses: Used in traditional medicine to treat skin conditions and wounds.
Why it’s a Good Medicinal Plant: The plant has antimicrobial properties that help in the healing of wounds and skin infections.
ARECACEAE
Astrocaryum vulgare Mart.
Synonym: Astrocaryum segregatum Drude
Local Names: Awara
Uses: The fruit of this palm is consumed for its nutritional value, and the oil extracted is used for skin and hair care.
Why it’s a Good Medicinal Plant: It is rich in fatty acids and antioxidants, promoting healthy skin and hair.
Euterpe oleracea Mart.
Local Names: Pina, Swampu Prasara (Sr), Manaka (Ar), Wasei
Uses: Known as açaí, this berry is used to boost energy and improve heart health. It is also used for its antioxidant properties.
Why it’s a Good Medicinal Plant: Euterpe oleracea is rich in antioxidants, fiber, and healthy fats, making it a superfood.
Oenocarpus bacaba Mart.
Local Names: Kumbu (Sr, Sa, Au), Lo (Ar), Kumu (Ca, Way, Trio)
Uses: The fruit is consumed for its nutritional benefits, and the oil is used for skincare.
Why it’s a Good Medicinal Plant: It contains essential fatty acids and vitamins that support overall health.
ARISTOLOCHIACEAE
Aristolochia consimilis Mast.
Local Names: Loangotitei, Loango Bita (Sr), Loango Tetei (Au)
Uses: This plant is used to treat snake bites and skin infections.
Why it’s a Good Medicinal Plant: Aristolochia consimilis has strong antimicrobial properties.
ALOEACEAE
Aloe vera (L.) Burm.f.
Synonym: Aloe barbadensis Miller; Aloe vulgaris Lam.
Local Names: Semperifisi
Uses: Widely used for its soothing properties on burns, wounds, and skin irritations.
Why it’s a Good Medicinal Plant: Aloe vera is rich in vitamins, minerals, and enzymes that promote healing and skin health.
ASTERACEAE
Elephantopus mollis Kunth.
Synonym: Elephantopus tomentosus L.
Local Names: Sneki Bita, Man Kwintu
Uses: Used to treat snake bites and fever.
Why it’s a Good Medicinal Plant: It has anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties.
Sphagneticola trilobata (L.) Pruski.
Synonym: Wedelia trilobata (L.) Hitchc.
Local Names: Desi Wiri, Bakrublad
Uses: Used for wound healing and as an anti-inflammatory agent.
Why it’s a Good Medicinal Plant: Sphagneticola trilobata has been shown to have strong wound-healing properties.
Unxia camphorata L.f.
Synonyms: Polymnia graveolens Rol., Melampodium camphoratum (L.f.) Baker.
Local Names: Kamfrubita, Masangobita, Sabanabita, Sabana Smeriwiwiri
Uses: Known for its camphor-like properties, used to treat colds and respiratory issues.
Why it’s a Good Medicinal Plant: It contains compounds that help relieve congestion and have antimicrobial effects.
BIGNONIACEAE
Arrabidaea bilabiata (Sprague) Sandwith.
Synonyms: Adenocalymma bilabiatum (Sprague) Sandw., Memora bilabiata Sprague
Local Names: Duldul, Prasara Titei, Bokotaballi, Bokota Firoberu, Tônôlôli, Tiapotano, Duludulu, Duruduru
Uses: Used to treat skin infections and wounds.
Why it’s a Good Medicinal Plant: Arrabidaea bilabiata has strong antimicrobial properties that help in treating infections.
Mansoa alliacea (Lam.) A.H. Gentry.
Synonyms: Bignonia alliacea Lam., Pseudocalymna alliaceum (Lam.) Sandw., Pachyptera alliacea (Lam.) A.H. Gentry.
Local Names: Konofruktutitei, Bosgonofru, Tingititei, Knoflookwiri
Uses: Known for its garlic-like smell, used to treat respiratory conditions and infections.
Why it’s a Good Medicinal Plant: Mansoa alliacea has antibacterial and antifungal properties.
Why Choose Us for Medicinal Plants from Suriname?
Expertise and Authenticity
Our extensive knowledge and experience with Surinamese medicinal plants make us a reliable source for high-quality and authentic plant products. We are deeply familiar with the traditional uses and benefits of these plants, ensuring that you receive genuine and effective medicinal solutions.
Comprehensive Information
We provide detailed information on each plant, including its local names, traditional uses, and medicinal properties. Our thorough research ensures that you understand the full benefits and applications of each plant, helping you make informed decisions about your health and wellness.
Sustainable and Ethical Sourcing
We are committed to sustainable and ethical sourcing practices. Our plants are harvested responsibly, ensuring the preservation of Suriname's rich biodiversity and supporting the livelihoods of local communities. By choosing us, you contribute to the protection of the environment and the promotion of fair trade.
Quality Assurance
Our products undergo rigorous quality control processes to ensure purity and potency. We prioritize your health and safety by providing only the highest quality medicinal plants, free from contaminants and adulterants.
Customer Satisfaction
We are dedicated to providing excellent customer service. Our knowledgeable team is always available to answer your questions, provide guidance, and ensure a smooth purchasing experience. We value your trust and strive to exceed your expectations with every interaction.
Educational Resources
We offer a wealth of educational resources to help you learn more about the medicinal plants of Suriname. From detailed plant profiles to research articles and usage guides, we empower you with the knowledge to harness the healing power of nature.
Wide Selection
Our extensive catalog includes a wide variety of medicinal plants from Suriname, catering to diverse health needs and preferences. Whether you are looking for traditional remedies or modern applications, we have the right plant for you.
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No matter where you are in the world, we ensure that you have access to the unique and powerful medicinal plants of Suriname. Our efficient shipping and delivery services bring these natural treasures right to your doorstep.
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We continually update our knowledge and practices to stay at the forefront of the medicinal plant industry. Our dedication to innovation and improvement ensures that you always receive the best products and services available.
By choosing us, you are not only investing in your health but also supporting sustainable practices, ethical sourcing, and the preservation of Suriname's natural heritage. Trust us to be your go-to source for medicinal plants and experience the numerous benefits these remarkable plants have to offer.
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