Farm to Glass
The Botanicals of The Bahamas
In partnership with the University of The Bahamas, we study the phytochemical properties of native plants—investigating their protective, cosmetic, nutritional, and therapeutic potential.
16 Species Studied
A Living Pharmacopoeia
Each plant has been researched for its phytochemical properties by the University of The Bahamas. Select any plant to explore its traditional uses, compounds, and benefits.
Cascarilla Bark & Leaves
Croton eluteria
A small tree found throughout The Bahamas and the Caribbean. The bark is used as a flavouring agent in the liquor Campari and has long been valued in Bahamian bush medicine.
Traditional Uses
Digestion, flu, cosmetics
Phytochemicals
Vanillin, Thujene, o-Cymene, D-Germacrene, a-Pinene, D-Limonene, Phenolic Acid, Gentisic Acid
Phytochemical Benefits
Antioxidant, antidiabetic, sedative, antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, anti-ulcer, insect repellent, improves digestion
Please consult your doctor before using Cascarilla to treat any ailment.
Featherbed
Diospyros crassinervis
Also known as Stiff Cock and Boa Wood, this tree is found on the central and northern islands of The Bahamas. Its leaves are traditionally used in teas as an aphrodisiac.
Traditional Uses
Aphrodisiac teas
Phytochemicals
Tannin, Limonene
Phytochemical Benefits
Antioxidant, antiseptic, antiviral, reduces blood glucose, digestive, antitumor
Please consult your doctor before using Featherbed to treat any ailment.
Damiana Leaves
Turnera diffusa
A wild shrub common in the Caribbean. The stem and leaves are used to make teas, liquor, tequila, and smoothies. Widely used in the herbal industry.
Traditional Uses
Aphrodisiac, stimulant, gastrointestinal issues
Phytochemicals
a-Pinene, Nonanal, Linalool, Eucalyptol, Beta-Caryophyllene, Alpha-Terpineol, Guaiol
Phytochemical Benefits
Anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, antiviral, insect repellent, antifungal, antioxidant, anti-cancer
Please consult your doctor before using Damiana to treat any ailment.
Guava Leaves
Psidium guajava
A medium-sized tree bearing sweet edible fruit with small seeds. The fruit is used in juices, beverages, and the traditional Bahamian pastry guava duff.
Traditional Uses
Digestion, gastroenteritis, dehydration, diabetes, wounds
Phytochemicals
Nonanal, Beta-Caryophyllene, Acoradien, a-Curcumene, a-Pinene, Eucalypto
Phytochemical Benefits
Liver fibrosis treatment, antifungal, neuropathic pain, osteoarthritis, antioxidant, treatment of depression and anxiety
Please consult your doctor before using Guava to treat any ailment.
Soursop Leaves
Annona muricata
The leaf extract holds anti-inflammatory and neurogenerative properties. The leaf, fruit, and bark contain hundreds of compounds, many with anticancer properties.
Traditional Uses
Anti-inflammatory, neurogenerative support
Phytochemicals
Nonanal, Quercetin, Kaempferol, Anonaine, Luteolin, Tangeretin, Genistein, Cinnamic Acid
Phytochemical Benefits
Digestion, antifungal, anticancer, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, antibacterial, antidiabetic
Please consult your doctor before using Soursop to treat any ailment.
Cocoplum Leaves
Chrysobalanus icaco
Also called Pork-fat Apple, native to the Caribbean. The fruit can be used in jams, the leaves in juices and teas, and externally as a skin rub.
Traditional Uses
Teas, juices, skin rub, seed oil
Phytochemicals
Nonanal, Quercetin, Kaempferol, Oleanolic Acid, Myricetin, Betulinic Acid
Phytochemical Benefits
Digestion, antifungal, cardioprotective, anticancer, anti-inflammatory, antiviral
Please consult your doctor before using Cocoplum to treat any ailment.
Almond Leaves
Terminalia catappa
From the West Indian Almond tree. The leaves and fruit are used to make teas, milk, wine, and rum. Non-beverage uses include oils, candies, and cosmetics.
Traditional Uses
Teas, beverages, oils, cosmetics
Phytochemicals
Nonanal, Tannin, Saponin, Quercetin, Ursolic Acid, Kaempferol, Punicalagin
Phytochemical Benefits
Digestion, antifungal, astringent, antiseptic, skin moisturizer, anti-inflammatory, antibacterial
Please consult your doctor before using Almond to treat any ailment.
Strong Back
Bourreria ovata
Found throughout the Caribbean. The leaves are used in teas to treat a wide range of ailments and are valued for their restorative properties.
Traditional Uses
Digestion, fevers, colds, flu, pain, skin infections, aphrodisiac
Phytochemicals
Phenolic Acid, Gentisic Acid, D-Limonene
Phytochemical Benefits
Antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anti-carcinogenic, food preservative, antidiabetic, antibacterial, neuroprotective
Please consult your doctor before using Strong to treat any ailment.
Cerasee
Momordica charantia
A vine also known as Wild Balsam Apple, found throughout tropical and subtropical regions including The Bahamas. Traditionally used in strengthening teas.
Traditional Uses
Colds, flu, gastrointestinal issues, strengthening teas
Phytochemicals
Alkaloids, Momordicin, Charantin, Catechin, Gallic Acid, Flavonoid, Limonene
Phytochemical Benefits
Anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, stimulant, anticancer, pain relief, antidiabetic
Please consult your doctor before using Cerasee to treat any ailment.
Lemongrass
Cymbopogon flexuosus
Also known as Fever Grass in the Caribbean. Used in teas and as a flavoring due to its lemon-like character. Its essential oils are valued in cosmetics and as an insect repellent.
Traditional Uses
Teas, flavoring, essential oils, insect repellent
Phytochemicals
Citral, Nonanal
Phytochemical Benefits
Antidiarrheal, antioxidant, antidiabetic, antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, anticancer, insecticide
Please consult your doctor before using Lemongrass to treat any ailment.
Kamalame Bark & Leaves
Bursera simarouba
Also known as Gumbo Limbo, found on all islands of The Bahamas. The leaves are traditionally used in teas and baths for a variety of ailments.
Traditional Uses
Rheumatism, back pain, circulatory problems, aphrodisiac
Phytochemicals
o-Cymene, Beta-Caryophyllene, D-Limonene, D-Germacrene, Humulene
Phytochemical Benefits
Liver protection, anticancer, antibacterial, antiviral, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory
Please consult your doctor before using Kamalame to treat any ailment.
Sweet Margaret
Psidium longipes
Also known as Wild Guava, found throughout The Bahamas. The leaves have a distinctive sweet odour when crushed and the fruit is a berry that turns dark red to black.
Traditional Uses
Colds, digestion, aphrodisiac
Phytochemicals
Limonene, Eucalyptol, a-Eudesmol, b-Eudesmol, a-Pinene
Phytochemical Benefits
Antifungal, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anti-cancer, anti-tumor, antimicrobial
Please consult your doctor before using Sweet to treat any ailment.
Five Finger
Tabebuia bahamensis
Native to The Bahamas, also known as Dwarf Bahamian Trumpet Tree. Named for leaves that grow in batches of five. Used in the famous “Twenty-one Gun Salute” love potion.
Traditional Uses
Aphrodisiac, antibacterial teas, shampoos, body creams
Phytochemicals
Ursolic Acid, Lapachol
Phytochemical Benefits
Antibacterial, antimicrobial, anticancer, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, antidiabetic, antiseptic
Please consult your doctor before using Five to treat any ailment.
Lignum Vitae
Guaiacum sanctum
A treasured hardwood tree native to The Bahamas, historically valued for its dense wood and medicinal resin. The national tree of The Bahamas.
Traditional Uses
Aphrodisiac, skin treatments, pain relief
Phytochemicals
Saponin, Flavonoid C-Glycoside, Beta-Caryophyllene, Humulene
Phytochemical Benefits
Cancer treatment, liver function, antibacterial, skin wound healing, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant
Please consult your doctor before using Lignum to treat any ailment.
Sapodilla Leaves
Manilkara zapota
Also known as Naseberry in the Caribbean. Prized for its extremely sweet and malty fruit. The sap was historically used for gum and the seed oil for hair care.
Traditional Uses
Sedative, antidiabetic, anti-inflammatory
Phytochemicals
Myricetin, Nonanal, Vanillic Acid, Caffeic Acid, Ampelopsin, Epicatechin
Phytochemical Benefits
Antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anti-cancer, cardiovascular health, antibacterial, antifungal, antiviral, antidiabetic
Please consult your doctor before using Sapodilla to treat any ailment.
Love Vine
Cassytha filiformis
Commonly found throughout The Bahamas and the Caribbean. The vines are boiled to make a concentrated bush tea valued for its restorative properties.
Traditional Uses
Aphrodisiac, gynecological concerns, skin treatments, pain
Phytochemicals
Saponin, Flavonoid C-Glycoside, Beta-Caryophyllene, Phytate, Eremophilene, Humulene
Phytochemical Benefits
Cancer treatment, liver function, antibacterial, skin wound healing, hair conditioning, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant
Please consult your doctor before using Love to treat any ailment.
Traditional Uses & Healing Properties
THE SCIENCE OF NATIVE BOTANICALS
Beyond flavor. The native plants and fruits of The Bahamas are chosen not only for their taste, but for their natural health benefits. Across the islands, botanicals have long been valued for providing natural antioxidants, digestive support, and anti-inflammatory properties.
Through our ongoing partnership with the University of The Bahamas, researchers actively study the medicinal and phytochemical properties of these plants. Discoveries surrounding ingredients like Cascarilla, Lemongrass, and Sweet Margaret help us bridge the gap between traditional wisdom and modern science.
Whether extracting essential oils or creating botanical digestifs like Featherbed Fernet—long recognized in Bahamian bush medicine as a natural restorative and aphrodisiac—our process is designed to capture the true, inherent goodness of the islands.
The farm is maintained by Ms. Forbes, a dedicated steward of Bahamian agriculture whose hands-on experience ensures every plant reflects the same care and authenticity that define the spirits.
“These spirits don’t just taste like the islands—they’re made of them.”
University of The Bahamas Partnership
Science Meets Tradition
Through a Memorandum of Understanding with the University of The Bahamas, our research program investigates the phytochemical properties of native plants—determining the most efficient means of extraction and documenting their protective, cosmetic, nutritional, and therapeutic uses.
This collaboration builds a growing knowledge base for Bahamian agriculture and supports the development of every blend we create—bridging generations of bush medicine wisdom with modern science.
