Atoumo, symbol of Martinique pharmacopoeia

If you are coming to the West Indies for the first time and you like plants and herbal teas, you will hear  necessarily talk about atoumo. Its name probably comes from the French formula à tous maux or à tous les maux, to designate a remedy that cures all health problems. Even if in reality this is not the case, atoumo has considerable properties for the body. Discover them in the rest of this article.

What is atoumo?

Atoumo (or atoumo in Creole) is a medicinal plant highly prized in the Caribbean, particularly in Guadeloupe and Martinique. Its scientific name is Alpinia zerumbet , and it belongs to the Zingiberaceae family, like ginger.

The atoumo (alpinia zerumbet) is a rhizome, a kind of underground stem that grows horizontally. From the nodes along the rhizome grow buds, leaves, and roots.

It is from the same family as ginger, whose flowers have a slight taste.

What does atoumo look like?

It is a perennial herbaceous plant that can reach up to 2 to 3 meters in height. It has long green leaves of tapered oval shapes. At the end of the stems there are white and pale pinkish flowers grouped in clusters.

Where can we find the atoumo?

The atoumo is native to Southeast Asia but is now widely cultivated and used throughout the tropics. In Martinique and Guadeloupe you will find it in all Creole gardens, most often at the back of homes .

What is atoumo used for?

Traditionally, atoumo is used to prevent flu and aid digestion.

How to prepare an atoumo herbal tea?

An atoumo leaf can measure between 40 and 80cm in length. Cut 10cm with scissors. And make an infusion in 95 degree water. Wait 10 min and enjoy it.

Although atoumo is most commonly consumed as a herbal tea, it can be consumed by inhalation, or applied externally as a poultice.

What are the benefits of atoumo?

It is attributed with several therapeutic virtues, including:

• Anti-inflammatory : Used to relieve joint or muscle pain.
• Antiseptic and antibacterial : To treat minor wounds or infections.
• Stimulating and invigorating : Consumed as a herbal tea to invigorate the body.
• Anti-flu : It is commonly used to treat symptoms of influenza, colds, and other respiratory conditions.

What does atoumo taste and smell like?

Taste

• Spicy and Peppery : Atoumo has a characteristic taste that is usually described as spicy, with a slightly peppery note. This taste is reminiscent of ginger, although less spicy and sweeter.
• Herbaceous and Fresh : There is also a herbal component to the taste, with a certain freshness that can evoke lemon or citrus zest.

Smell :

• Aromatic and Fresh : Atoumo has a fresh and aromatic scent, often compared to ginger but with a floral subtlety that makes it more delicate. It can also be slightly reminiscent of lemon.
• Floral and Citrus Notes : In addition to the spicy component, the scent of atoumo includes sweet floral nuances, mixed with citrus touches, which contribute to its pleasant and stimulating aroma.

The flower has a slight taste of ginger in infusion, but can also be consumed as juice.

What is the place of atoumo in the Martinique pharmacopoeia?

The Martinique pharmacopoeia , which is the set of practices, remedies and knowledge related to medicinal plants. It is based on a tradition and know-how passed down from generation to generation. Atoumo is at the forefront of this pharmacopoeia. Firstly for its multiple virtues, and its ability to grow very easily on the territory. It symbolizes the resilience of the inhabitants of Martinique in a region fragile to natural and ecological disasters (cyclones, earthquakes, pesticide pollution).

Atoumo juice recipe

Ingredients :

– 50 g of atoumo flower

– 1 and a half liters of water

– 50 g lemon juice

– Between 100 and 120 g of sugar

Preparation :

Mix the flowers 20 atoumo flower shells in a liter and a half of water, accompanied by 100g of sugar and a lemon cut into pieces with your blender.  Pass the solution through a strainer or a cloth. You will obtain a pink juice. Refrigerate for 1 hour or consume immediately with ice cubes.

Although atoumo has multiple benefits, it is recommended to consult a health professional before undertaking any herbal treatment, especially for people with specific health problems.