of the recent “Exchange and Engage Roots Herbal” event are encouraging Dominicans to embrace the island’s natural resources as part of a healthier lifestyle, saying greater use of locally available herbs and fresh foods could help reduce the burden of non-communicable diseases (NCDs).
Speaking during the event on King George V Street, researcher, author, and natural wellness educator, Paula Lockhart (PhD), said the initiative was designed to reconnect people with Dominica’s natural heritage through herbal medicines, cane juice and traditional wellness practices. She said the event featured herbal teas, fresh herbal and cane juice combinations, and activities for children, who were rewarded with healthy refreshments while learning about local medicinal plants.
Lockhart said the campaign aims to encourage healthier lifestyles at a time when diseases such as diabetes, hypertension, cancer and kidney disease account for an estimated 75 to 80 percent of deaths in Dominica and the wider Caribbean.
“We have what it takes here to be healthy by nature and in nature,” she said, urging Dominicans to make natural wellness central to their health and well-being.
She also encouraged families to make greater use of locally grown fruits and herbs instead of relying on imported processed foods, adding that the island possesses both the natural resources and traditional knowledge needed to promote better health.
As part of the initiative, organizers introduced a children’s colouring and activity book highlighting medicinal herbs found in Dominica, including purslane, broadleaf plantain, blue vèrvenn with the aim of teaching younger generations about the island’s natural remedies.
Herbal practitioner Ronald Dejean said the event also provided members of the public with practical demonstrations on preparing fresh herbal juices and medicinal drinks using locally available plants.
He said participants learned about herbs traditionally associated with managing conditions such as hypertension and diabetes, while also sampling blends of fresh herbs with cane juice.
“The response from the public was very positive,” Dejean said. “People were delighted with the taste and are looking forward to more of this innovation when it comes to herbal medicines.”
According to Dejean, herbal medicine should be viewed not only as a treatment for illness but also as a preventive approach to maintaining good health.
He said the public demonstrations were intended to show that preparing herbal remedies can be done using ingredients readily available in home gardens and kitchens, while emphasizing the importance of educating people about the medicinal properties of local plants.
Dejean also promoted Nature’s Treasure, a children’s colouring book produced by Roots Herbal to introduce young people to Dominica’s medicinal plants and their traditional uses.
Both speakers encouraged the public to continue supporting the initiative which is intended to empower people with knowledge about natural wellness while promoting greater appreciation of Dominica’s rich herbal resources.
Watch Youtube video of “Exchange and Engage Roots” below
