Login or Register

Caribbean Medicine Cabinet: Growing Cerasee and Mullein for Winter Wellness

By Yishay Stewart-Mitchell(Wax)

As a passionate cultivator of medicinal plants, I’ve found that some of the most potent remedies come from unexpected places. Two stars in my winter wellness regime are Cerasee and Mullein – traditional Caribbean powerhouses that have found a new home in urban gardens across NYC.

Cultivating Cerasee (Momordica charantia)

This climbing vine isn’t just medicine – it’s a testament to Caribbean resilience. In my Aunt’s Brooklyn garden, Cerasee thrives along trellises, producing distinctive yellow flowers and orange fruits. The late herbalist Dr. Sebi frequently praised this plant as one of nature’s most powerful healers, particularly emphasizing its ability to:

Alkalize the body
Support natural detoxification
Strengthen immune function
Break down mucus
Purify the blood

Growing Tips:

Plant in well-draining soil with full sun exposure
Provide strong support structures (I use 6-foot trellises)
Water consistently but avoid overwatering
Harvest leaves before flowering for maximum potency

Mullein: The Gentle Giant of the Garden

Mullein’s fuzzy leaves are a sight to behold in any garden. This biennial produces a striking flower stalk in its second year, making it both medicinal and ornamental. Key growing points:

Prefers poor to average soil
Requires excellent drainage
Direct sun produces the most robust plants
Space plants 2 feet apart – they get huge!

Traditional Uses and Modern Applications

Following Dr. Sebi’s teachings, I’ve learned that Cerasee’s bitter properties are crucial for maintaining cellular health. He often spoke about how this plant’s complex compounds work synergistically to support the body’s natural healing processes. When preparing Cerasee tea, I follow his recommendation of using spring water and avoiding metal containers to preserve its bioelectric properties.

For Caribbean communities in NYC, these herbs offer powerful support during brutal cold seasons. For Cerasee tea preparation, I recommend:

Harvesting leaves early morning
Drying thoroughly in shade
Storing in glass containers
Using wooden or ceramic utensils for preparation

The Future of Urban Medicinal Gardens

As more New Yorkers embrace traditional healing practices, growing these plants offers both cultural connection and practical health benefits. The rising interest in Dr. Sebi’s approach to natural healing has led to increased demand for these herbs in urban gardens.

For more growing tips, check out:

Remember: While these plants have deep roots in traditional medicine and were highly recommended by Dr. Sebi, always consult healthcare providers before using any new herbal remedy. Happy growing!