Healing Journey Part 2: My Sponsored Sabbatical in Jamaica

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After my first healing sabbatical in Thailand ended unexpectedly, life took an unexpected turn—I was offered a FREE sponsored healing trip to Jamaica. And let’s be real, who’s saying no to that after what I've been through these past few months?

This journey led me to the Maroons of Jamaica, an Afro-Indigenous people who escaped enslavement and built self-sufficient communities deep in the mountains.

As fierce warriors and skilled herbalists, they resisted British colonization and secured their freedom through fight, skill, and survival. 

I had the privilege of visiting three Maroon villages: Mooretown, Charles Town, and Accompong. Each one offered a unique glimpse into their history, culture, and profound healing traditions.

Mooretown: Waterfalls & Herbal Wisdom

I hiked to a breathtaking waterfall and learned how the Maroons used herbs for survival. Some of the powerful plant allies I encountered included:

• Medina – boosts energy and vitality
• Bochula Button – antifungal, antiseptic, great for skin
• Search Mi Heart – supports heart health
• Joseph’s Tears – used to help Maroons escape to freedom

Charles Town: Dance, History & Remedies

In Charles Town, I explored the local museum, which highlighted the Maroons' history of resilience, resistance, and survival. One of the most memorable moments was sitting with the village healer Momma G, who shared ancient herbal remedies passed down through generations.

 I learned how these plants have supported the Maroons' well-being for centuries. I also had the privilege of dancing with the villagers, an experience filled with joy and connection, where the rhythms and movements brought me closer to their culture and history.

Accompong: Sacred Caves & Ancestral Cleansing

Accompong was by far the most powerful experience. Here, I took part in an ancestral mud cleansing ritual inside a hidden cave, an experience that deeply connected me to the land and the Maroon ancestors.

I also went on an herbal hike to the Peace Treaty Cave, a historic site where the Maroons signed their peace treaty with the British, solidifying their freedom. On the hike, I was taught about the sacred herbs that have been used by the Maroons for generations, as well as the significance of the cave and its connection to the Maroon's fight for freedom.

On my last day in Accompong, I had the honor of dancing with the Accompong Cultural Group. The experience was absolutely magical. They treated me like family, welcoming me with open arms and shared joy. 

This Healing Was INTENSE 😭

Crawling through caves, daily bush baths, crying, bleeding—I experienced it ALL. This was more than a trip; it was a deep spiritual and ancestral transformation.

Want to see more of my healing journey? Let me know in the comments ⬇️.

I’ve also gathered some of the incredible healers I met in Jamaica for a once-in-a-lifetime herbal learning experience.

Ready to learn? Join the Caribbean Herbal Medicine Course.