Reunion Island herbal teas

After a stunning hike in the ultimate island, it’s time to relax. Enjoy a variety of cosmetic and relaxing treatments in an exceptional setting. Other natural wellness products are also available during your stay: Reunion Island’s herbal teas.

Reunion Island forests are home to 1,708 plant species including 234 endemic and 200 medicinal plants. Amongst theme, 19 medicinal plants found on Reunion Island were registered in the French Pharmacopoeia on 1 August 2013, official recognition of traditional and heritage expertise in medicinal plants on Reunion Island.

Péi plants

These péi plants, all endemic or indigenous to Reunion Island have been chosen by the local population for their effectiveness and their use, and because they are easy to grow.
They are sold in sachets on the island, in France and throughout Europe: ayapana, ambaville, café marron, change écorce, bois d’annette, lingue café, bois maigre, bois d’olive noire, liane d’olive, faham, fleur jaune, etc.

Plants with many virtues

Bois de Joli coeur (Pittosporum senacia)
The leaves are used to treat skin problems. For external application on the skin.
Fleur Jaune (Hypericum lanceolatum)
Used in refreshing herbal teas and for blood circulation. Leaves, flowers and the flowering stem are used in decoctions.
Patte Poule (Vepris lanceolata)
The leaves are used to relieve pain due to small injuries such as bruises, sprains, strains, blues and knocks. It has properties similar to arnica. For external application on the skin.
Lingue Café (Mussaenda arcuata)
This plant has anti-inflammatory and depurative properties. It also makes a refreshing herbal tea. The leaves are used in infusions and decoctions.

Ambaville (Hubertia ambavilla)
The leaves are used to treat stomach ulcers and skin diseases such as eczema, acne and mycosis. Leaves are used in decoctions.
Bois d’osto (Antirhea borbonica)
The leaves have healing properties. For external application on skin.
Bois de reinette, d’arnette (Dodonaea viscosa)
Used for diuretic and anti-inflammatory properties. It is effective for treating joint pain (rheumatism, osteoarthritis, sprains, etc.) but also for treating gallstones. The leaves are used in infusions and decoctions.
Ayapana (Ayapana triplinervis)
The leaves are used to treat digestive disorders (vomiting, nausea, indigestion, intestinal burns, etc.) and diarrhoea. The leaves are used for infusions and decoctions.

Bois maigre (Nuxia verticillata)
Plant with diuretic and draining properties. It is also used to treat cholesterol. Leaves are used in herbal teas.
Café marron (Coffea Mauritiana)
The leaves are used to treat diabetes.
Bois d’olive noire (Olea europaea africana)
The leaves are used to treat high blood pressure.
Change écorce (Aphloia theiformis)
The leaves are used for their diuretic and draining properties. Brown guava is also used locally as a refreshing herbal tea. Leaves are used in decoctions.

Bois Jaune (Ochrosia borbonica)
An endangered plant, protected by a 1987 Ministerial Order. It is prohibited to collect it without authorisation. The bark and leaves are used in herbal tea as a febrifuge and tonic.
Faham (Jumellea Fragans/Jumellea rossii)
Orchid endemic to the Mascarene Islands. The leaves are used in herbal teas to treat flu, colds and asthma.
Liane d’olive (Secamone volubilis)
Has diuretic and depurative properties. Leaves are used in herbal teas.
Bois pêche/goyave marron (Psiloxylon mauritianum)
Used to control excessive cholesterol. It can also be used to treat albuminuria. Leaves are used in herbal teas.

Aplamédom : Association pour les Plantes Aromatiques et Médicinales de La Réunion.

Where to find pei plants ?

Dozens of other plants with medicinal properties grow on Reunion Island: bois de pêche marron, rouroute, le bois de savon, cl’aloés, le benjoin, etc. Learn more:

By visiting traditional creole gardens, by inhaling intoxicating fragrances such as geranium, vetiver and ylang-ylang, or spicy aromas of cloves, cardamom and vanilla.

take in a lungful of fresh air on the island’s botanical trails
stroll around markets. Herbal teas traders explain the health benefits of the different plants, and give you recipes and tips.
sip a herbal tea made with invigorating plants after your table d’hôtes

For more information about guided tours and circuits: Information and booking platform – Ile de la Réunion Tourisme – Tel. +262 90 78 78

Péi wellness – remedies for all

Péi plants

Where to find pei plants ?

To know more