Guinea Hen Weed (Anamu): Benefits, Tea Recipe, Side Effects & How to Use It

Authentic. Wildcrafted. Real Advice. Before you brew your first cup, know that this guide is rooted in traditional Jamaican bush medicine and backed by generations of island wisdom.

We source our guinea hen weed directly from the hills of Jamaica—never farmed, never sprayed.

Listen to me now, my darling. You’re asking about guinea hen weed, also called anamu, and I tell you—it is one of the most powerful gifts from the earth.Does it work? Yes, man! It’s been our "cure-all" in Jamaica for generations because it fights inflammation and cleanses the blood like nothing else.

To make the tea, you just steep the dried root or leaves in hot water for 10 minutes, but mind the smell—it’s strong!Let me walk you through everything you need to know about this "wonder bush."

What Is Guinea Hen Weed?

In Jamaica, we call it gully root because you often find it growing wild near the gullies and damp places.Scientists call it Petiveria alliacea, but to us, it’s just the "garlic weed," a key traditional Jamaican remedy for various ailments.

If you ever walk past it in the bush and brush your foot against it, you’ll know!It has a sharp, pungent scent just like onions or garlic.That smell is how you know the medicine is strong.This herb isn't just a Jamaican thing, though. From the Amazon rainforest (where they call it mucura) to the hills of St. Elizabeth, people use it as a sacred protector for the body.

The Science (Very Simple)

I know you don't want a long lecture, but it’s good to know why it works.The secret is in a special compound called dibenzyl trisulfide.Think of this compound like a tiny soldier. It goes into your body and looks for cells that shouldn't be there, or things that are causing swelling and pain, and it gets to work.

Because it contains a lot of sulfur (that’s the garlic smell!), it’s also amazing at "scrubbing" your blood.It’s like doing a deep clean of your house, but for your veins.

7 Real Benefits (With Personal Stories)

1. Guinea Hen Weed for Inflammation

This is the big one. My neighbor, Miss Gladys, used to struggle to open her jars in the morning because her knuckles were so stiff.She started drinking a small cup of guinea hen weed tea every other day.After two weeks, she was out in her garden pulling weeds herself! It really helps soothe those aching joints.

2. Boosting the Immune System

In the winter months or when the "flu-fever" is going around, this herb is your best friend.It strengthens your natural defenses so you don't catch every little cough that passes by.

3. Blood Sugar Support

I’ve seen many people in the community use anamu to help keep their "sugar" in check.It’s a great companion to a healthy diet if you're watching your glucose levels.

4. Respiratory Relief

If you have a heavy chest or a lingering cough, the vapors from a hot cup of this tea can open you right up.It’s a staple in Caribbean bush medicine for a reason.

5. Digestive Aid

Sometimes the stomach gets a bit "sour." A weak infusion of guinea hen weed can help settle things down and kill off any "bad bugs" hiding in your gut.

6. Skin Health

Because it cleans the blood, your skin starts to show the results.I had a cousin with terrible breakouts, and once she did a 7-day cleanse with gully root, her face cleared up beautifully.

7. Mental Clarity and Stress

It might smell sharp, but it actually helps calm the system.When your body isn't fighting inflammation, your mind feels lighter and sharper.

How to Make Authentic Jamaican Guinea Hen Weed Tea

Making this tea is a ritual. You can't rush it! Here is exactly how I make it in my kitchen.

What You Need:

• 1 tablespoon of dried wildcrafted guinea hen weed (root and leaf mix).
• 2 cups of fresh spring water.
• A slice of ginger (optional, to help with the scent).

Steps:

• Boil the water: Bring your spring water to a rolling boil in a small pot.
• Add the herb: Turn off the heat and add your guinea hen weed.Never "hard-boil" the herb for too long, or you'll lose the medicine in the steam!
• Steep: Cover the pot tightly. Let it sit for 10 to 15 minutes.
• Strain: Pour it into your favorite mug.
• Enjoy: Drink it warm. Don't add sugar if you can help it—honey is okay, but it's best "straight."

Note: The tea will have a distinct garlic-like aftertaste. That’s the dibenzyl trisulfide talking!

Guinea Hen Weed Dosage & Best Ways to Use

When it comes to guinea hen weed dosage, less is often more.This isn't a tea you drink by the gallon like peppermint.

• For General Health: 1 small cup (4–6 oz) per day, three times a week.
• For Intense Support: One cup daily for 7 to 10 days, then take a break.

The "Bush" Rule: My grandmother always said, "Give the body a rest."Drink it for two weeks, then take one week off.You can find it as fresh vs dried herb. The fresh herb is very potent, but the dried root is often better for making a strong, medicinal tea that lasts.

Guinea Hen Weed for Cancer (The Traditional View)

Now, I have to be very clear with you, my love.Many people in Jamaica search for guinea hen weed for cancer because our elders have used it for "growths" for centuries.While some studies are looking at how it interacts with bad cells, this is not medical advice.You must talk to your doctor before using any herb if you are fighting a serious illness.We use it to support the body, but it’s not a replacement for professional medical care.

Guinea Hen Weed Side Effects & Safety

As much as I love this herb, it is powerful, and you must respect it.

• Pregnancy: Do NOT drink this if you are pregnant or trying to get pregnant.It can cause the womb to contract.
• Blood Thinners: If you are on medicine for your blood pressure or heart, talk to your doctor first.Guinea hen weed can thin the blood slightly.
• Stomach Sensitivity: If you have a very sensitive stomach, start with a very "thin" (weak) tea to see how you feel.

Always remember: Talk to your doctor before starting any new herbal routine. Safety first!

My Honest Opinion + Customer Stories

I’ll be honest with you—the first time I tried it, I hated the smell!I thought, "Auntie, how can I drink this?" But after I saw how it stopped the swelling in my ankles after a long day of standing, I became a believer.

One of our customers, Mr. Brown from Negril, told us:
"I’ve been using the HerbalPapa guinea hen weed for my back stiffness. I feel ten years younger when I wake up in the morning. The garlic smell is a small price to pay for feeling this good!"

Comparison: Guinea Hen Weed vs. Other Herbs

FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions)