A plant record

Indian almond (pye zanmann)

Terminalia catappa

EnglishIndian almond

Kreyòlpye zanmann

FrançaisAmandier

BotanicalTerminalia catappa

Indian almond (pye zanmann) — Terminalia catappa, used in Haitian and Caribbean herbal tradition

Traditionally used

Digestion, liver, skin conditions, fever, inflammation, wounds

Prepared as

Leaf tea: boil handful in 2 cups water 10 minutes, drink half cup twice daily for fever, liver support, and digestive complaints. Kernel oil applied to dry skin and hair. Fresh leaf poultice applied to wounds and inflamed skin. Bark decoction: boil small piece 15 minutes for diarrhea and antimicrobial action. Eat 2-3 fresh kernels daily for antioxidant and immune support.

In three languages

Kreyòl — Pou dyèb vant, pou netwaye fwa a, pou maladi po a, pou lafyèv, pou enflamasyon, pou geri blèsi

Français — Pour la digestion, le foie, les affections cutanées, la fièvre, l'inflammation, les plaies

Safety

Safety notes for this plant are still being written. Until they are, treat it with a cautious hand.

Plants can look similar and be misidentified — always verify with a local herbalist or guide before use.

Kept alongside

LicoricePineapplePeacock flowerCalotropePapayaRingworm senna

More on Haitian plant medicine