(Seychelles News Agency) - While modern medicines are readily available in many countries today, this was not the case in the past. In Seychelles in the not-so-distant past the locals had to make do with plants that had medicinal properties.

Many of them are still very much used by herbalists and our elders who teach the young about their uses.

1.     Bwa sousouri (Ochrosia parviflora)

In the past, it was used by locals as a form of contraceptive as other modern forms were not common to the islands. In high doses it can cause miscarriage.

Women would use it as a hygienic herbal bath after giving birth. It can also be used to treat stomach gas.

http://tropical.theferns.info/viewtropical.php?id=Ochrosia+oppositifolia

( Charles Morel) Photo License: CC-BY

2.     Bwa koulev (Psychotria dupontiae)

Some believe it will cure around 15 different conditions, including headaches, hyper-tension, unclean blood, menopause and nosebleeds.

( Charles Morel) Photo License: CC-BY

3.     Lerb sat ( Acalypha indica)

If a child is suffering with teething pain, this was mixed with honey and given by  mothers mixed to their young. 

http://herbs.indianmedicinalplants.info/index.php/886-acalypha-indica

( Dinesh Valke/Flickr) Photo License: CC BY-NC-SA 2.0

4.     Bwa torti (Morinda citrifolia)

Used in the past for fast healing of vaccinations, it now more commonly used in Seychelles for a number of ailments by making it into a juice, known now worldwide as Noni juice.

Locals use it especially for its rejuvenating properties. Be warned it has a strong foul smell that is definitely not for the faint hearted.

http://healthyeating.sfgate.com/benefits-morinda-7115.html

( Cerlin Ng/Flickr) Photo License: CC BY-NC-SA 2.0

5.     Roz anmer (Catharanthus roseus)

Grown in most home gardens in the islands, this is used as a tonic for everyone in the family. It has been used by the elders sometimes with children suffering from leukemia.

In some parts of the world, it is used in the treatment of diabetes.

http://bmccomplementalternmed.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/1472-6882-3-4

( Cerlin Ng/Flickr) Photo License: CC BY-NC-SA 2.0

6.     Katrepeng (Cassia alata)

This was used to treat skin conditions and the bark boiled and used as a cleanser. The leaves were used for acne, eczema and sores

The leaves or sap contain anti-fungal properties and can be used to treat any fungal infections such as ringworm. Scientific studies have confirmed the plants effectiveness against skin infections.

http://www.naturia.per.sg/buloh/plants/candlesticks.htm

( Dinesh Valke/Flickr) Photo License: CC BY-NC-SA 2.0