Cerasee
Cerasee is associated with Jamaican bitter bush-tea traditions. The name is often used for Momordica charantia, a plant also associated with bitter melon. Plant part and preparation matter.
Explore cerasee →Caribbean heritage · Botanical educationCaribbean Bush Tea.
Caribbean Bush Tea.
More Than a Cup.
Across Jamaican and wider Caribbean households, “bush tea” is more than a single recipe. It is a living tradition of plants, preparation and knowledge shared between generations.
Understanding the tradition
What is Caribbean bush tea?
“Bush tea” is a broad expression used in parts of the Caribbean for infusions prepared from plants such as leaves, flowers, stems and roots. It does not describe one standardised ingredient list, one island-wide practice or one method of preparation.
In Jamaica and across the Caribbean, families have passed on their own ways of identifying plants, making infusions and understanding their place in everyday life. The plants and meanings can differ between communities and households.
At RastaRoots, we explore this heritage alongside botanical identity, flavour, preparation and modern research. We distinguish traditional uses from scientifically established effects.
Important: Traditional use is part of cultural history, not proof that a plant or tea treats a medical condition. Some herbs can interact with medicines or be unsuitable during pregnancy.
Know your Rootz
Plants connected to Caribbean herbal traditions
Sorrel / Hibiscus
Caribbean sorrel drinks are commonly made with the calyces of Hibiscus sabdariffa, often with spices. Recipes vary across households and celebrations.
Explore sorrel →Ginger
Ginger is prized for its warming, spicy flavour and features in drinks and food traditions across the Caribbean and far beyond.
Explore ginger →Sarsaparilla
Sarsaparilla is associated with Caribbean roots-drink heritage. The common name can refer to different species, so accurate plant identification is important.
Explore sarsaparilla →Our free Herbal Library also introduces mint, lemongrass, moringa and bitter melon, with attention to plant identity and safety.
Heritage meets modern ritual
How RastaRoots carries the story forward
RastaRoots is a Manchester-built British-Caribbean tea brand. Our five botanical infusions are inspired by Caribbean heritage, but they are not presented as exact replicas of a particular family’s bush-tea recipe. Ingredients are sourced from around the world.
Bush Doctor · Root
Cerasee, bitter melon and moringa create a bold botanical blend connected to the theme of keeping traditions alive.
Explore Bush Doctor →Five blends · One collection
Roots Fire, Bush Doctor, Empress Bloom, Iron Root and Cool Mind make up the 25-sachet Founder Discovery Collection, currently available for £19.99 pre-order.
Compare the five blends →Find your ritual. Keep your Rootz.
Try five Caribbean-inspired herbal infusions in the RastaRoots Founder Discovery Collection. Founder pre-orders are expected to dispatch in November 2026; dates are not guaranteed.
Quick answers
Caribbean bush tea FAQs
Is Jamaican bush tea one specific recipe?
No. It refers to a range of plant infusions; ingredients and methods vary across households and communities.
Are cerasee and bitter melon the same plant?
Both names can refer to Momordica charantia, but may describe different plant parts and preparations.
Does bush tea contain caffeine?
Infusions made only from caffeine-free botanicals generally do not contain caffeine, but recipes vary. Check ingredients, especially if a blend includes tea leaves or other caffeine-containing plants.
Can Caribbean herbal teas treat illnesses?
Traditional use does not establish medical efficacy. Herbal teas are not substitutes for medical care, and some plants have safety considerations or drug interactions.
Are RastaRoots teas grown in Jamaica?
No such claim is made. RastaRoots is a Manchester-built brand with Caribbean-inspired blends using ingredients sourced worldwide.
Learn more in our Herbal Library and RastaRoots FAQs.