The above video was captured in the summer of 2019 as I led a plant walk and medicine-making session with the Dagara Community in Barbados.

Lantana camara is known by many local names, including Buddy Me Eye, Red Sage, Wild Sage, and White Sage. It is native to Central and South America and the Caribbean, with geographical expansion along the tropics. It is part of the verbena family and considered an “invasive” species globally, meaning it quickly propagates and takes over the space of other species, some of which can be native, endemic or vulnerable. The shrub is particularly resistant because it can survive and thrive in various climatic conditions, including drought, heat and humidity. It is one of the better-known medicinals in gardens, along roadsides, empty lots and backyards. The tree produces an aromatic scent that attracts pollinators, and the flowers appear in many different colours, including red, yellow, white, pink, and orange.

According to the St. Vincent and the Grenadines Botanical Gardens, Buddy Me Eye is used widely as folk medicine across the country. Traditionally, the leaves are decocted or infused and used as a drink to help with respiratory illnesses like asthma, coughs, and colds. The herb is also useful for stomach and colon cancer. 

Scientific studies have noted that leaf extracts exhibit antimicrobial, fungicidal, insecticidal, nematicidal, and biocidal activity. The extract from L. camara is used to treat cancers, chicken pox, measles, asthma, ulcers, swellings, eczema, tumours, high blood pressure, bilious fevers, catarrhal infections, tetanus, rheumatism, and malaria. The plant’s oil can treat skin itches as an antiseptic for wounds and externally for leprosy and scabies.

Contraindication: If ingested, the unripe green berries can cause vomiting, diarrhoea, dilated pupils, and laboured respiration.