- Origin
- North America (Central America and the Caribbean)
Central America and the Caribbean · Herb · № 212
Pimenta dioica
Herb · Central America and the Caribbean
Allspice
Pimenta dioica
The dried berries contain eugenol, like cloves, and give a warm flavour. In Caribbean folk medicine they are used for stomach ache and wind; research is lacking.
Safety notes
Traditional use is no proof of effectiveness; if you are pregnant, breastfeeding, taking medication or have a medical condition, consult a doctor or pharmacist.
Preparation
Dried berries as a culinary herb (e.g. biscuits); in prosperity blends.
Use in traditions
Allspice comes from Jamaica and Central America. The Taíno and Maya used the berries to preserve food and possibly also the dead, and settlers named the spice allspice because it tastes of cinnamon, nutmeg and cloves at once. In Jamaica it is the basis of jerk. In herbal magic associated with prosperity, energy, love and healing.
Applications
Use by tradition
How different herbal traditions describe this herb. Amounts are traditional guidelines checked for obvious errors; they are not medical advice. For poisonous plants no dosage is given on purpose.
Folklore and herbal magic
Symbolic meanings from folk use and modern herbal magic. These are handed-down associations, not effects.
Prosperity, energy, love, healing, luck, purification, protection, money.
Home, kitchen and folk use
Preparation and amount
Dried berries as a culinary herb (e.g. biscuits); in prosperity blends.
- Ways to prepare herbs
- Powder and kitchen