The healing power of herbs

Carl Gilchrist, Gleaner Writer

OCHO RIOS, St Ann:SHE IS the first person to tell you she is not a herbal doctor. However, Nastasia Moncrieffe, operator of Isle of Nirvana at Chuck's Plaza in Ocho Rios, provides the herbs to treat most, if not all, complaints.

"I sell a wide variety of dried organic herbs, multivitamins (herbal supplements) in natural herbal form, and noni - noni with a mixture of other herbs, noni sorrel, alkaline water," Moncrieffe told The Gleaner in a recent interview.

Three months in operation, the store is an oasis for those who believe in the healing power of herbs and they return with news of how well the herbs have worked.

"I have been getting lots of positive feedback from customers," Moncrieffe said.

The small store is packed with almost 140 types of dried organic herbs, after starting out with just 30. Some of the main items being sold include golden seal, which is said to be good for dozens of complaints, including diabetes and circulation; saw palmetto; black walnut; juniper; macca root; gotu kola; black cohosh; pau d'arco, which is claimed to contain anti-cancer elements; ginseng; buchu; eye bright; and skullcap.

COMMON COMPLAINTS

There are herbs for common complaints such as high blood pressure, diabetes, weight loss, menstrual cramps, fibroids, pains, and many, many others.

"Basically, they all sell."

The decision to begin retailing herbs was not primarily influenced by the belief in the healing powers of the plants. It was based on business considerations as currently, there is no other such store in the region. But upon listening to the testimonies of those who have used the herbs, Moncrieffe is now more convinced than ever of their healing powers.

"Even last Saturday, a man came here with a toothache that wouldn't stop," said Moncrieffe. "I gave him two different herbs, told him to gargle with them, and also to drink them as tea. On Monday, he came back and told me he did it and the pain was gone."

Added Moncrieffe: "Now that I have proven that they work, I believe that for some things that you keep on going back to the doctor for, all you have to do is try the herbs. They are naturals, and it works out a lot cheaper. Nevertheless, it is important to consult your doctor before making some decisions on your own."

Even last Saturday, a man came here with a toothache that wouldn't stop. I gave him two different herbs, told him to gargle with them, and also to drink them as tea. On Monday, he came back and told me he did it and the pain was gone.