Bitter orange, coconut, and cucumbers are three natural foods that are commonly used by Dominican people as medicines. Whenever they have ailments such as coughing, kidney problems, or high cholesterol, they look towards naturally available remedies to treat these issues. With the difference in locale between New York City and the Dominican Republic, frequently available goods in the Dominican Republic are not easily located by the diaspora in New York City. As a result, the diaspora uses the remedies they know, and discover the healing effects of what is accessible around them.
Common foods, used by both the diaspora and natives, include soursop, bitter orange, coconut, watercress, cinnamon, guava, garlic, ginger, radish, oregano, lime, and onion. The anthropologists of the New York Botanical Garden noticed that in NYC, Dominicans tend to purchase these foods at botanicas, bodegas, and Asian grocery stores. In Dominica, people usually obtained their medicinal plants from their patios, gardens, neighbors, or street vendors. Regardless of the location, everyone uses nearly every part of the food in a helpful manner. This includes the skin of the fruits, seeds of the plants, or the roots to make juices, tea, or a paste that can be applied to skin.
Since it is more difficult to obtain certain foods, researchers learned from diaspora interviewees that they found new methods that were not mentioned by Dominican natives. Such methods include but are not limited to using cucumbers for hypertension, celery for bronchitis, and pineapple for intestinal problems. They also utilize foods not attainable in the Caribbean. For example, the diaspora uses dandelion and pear for kidney problems, lemon for asthma and high cholesterol. Even though there are many possible solutions, these plants are not a panacea. It is recognized that reaching out to a physician when someone is sick is the most ideal option, and that some food remedies counteract the effects of Western medicines in unhelpful ways. Due to these concerns, all food medicines are advised to be used with caution. Please consult a medical professional before using the foods below for the purposes mentioned.
Despite the efforts to use natural foods as remedies, the problem of Dominican neighborhoods in New York City being food deserts make it difficult to keep good health. Food deserts are locations where fresh fruits and vegetables are generally unavailable; one of those areas is South Bronx, so the Department of Health makes an effort to establish Green Cart stands that sell fresh produce; however, health issues persist. You can read more about health issues and diet in the Caribbean Diet & Effects on Health page under the Health tab.
Broccoli can be used to lower high cholesterol.
Pineapple can help with slimming.
Garlic can be used for hypertension.
Lime can be used for bruises.
