Diandra Grandison, Staff Reporter

THE STAR has learnt that persons are selling grated pear seeds under the guise of dried Bissy, allegedly due to the increasing demand for it. The herb is currently being used by many for the treatment of the Chikungunya virus.

Bissy, also known as kola nut, is a well known Jamaican medicinal remedy, brewed and used for poisoning and other ailments.

According to reports, in a bid to earn extra cash and keep up with the demand, some unscrupulous persons have been mixing the dried bissy with the grated pear seed and selling it to unsuspecting persons.

THE STAR spoke with herbal vendors in the Corporate Area and they stated that they are aware of the practice, with one vendor stating that it is the consumers who are to be blamed for this practice.

"Yes, I hear about it, but that will happen to people who love likes. Dem will see me the regular man weh out here a sell everyday and come and seh no, dis too likkle bit and buy from a next man weh dem don't know where him come from, but chru fi him own nuffa them go buy from him and dem don't know what is in it," the irate vendor expressed.

The vendors also stated that since the outbreak of the Chikungunya virus in the island, the bissy nut, and in particular the dried bissy have been selling like 'hot bread.'

A small bag of the dried bissy, is now currently being sold for $100. Previously it was being sold for $50. One of the vendors even boasted that he is currently out of stock and is eager to have it replenished to keep up with the demand.

Concerns

Many Jamaicans have, however, expressed concerns about the practice, with some having fears that it could lead to other health complications and even death.

But Poison Information Co-ordinator at the Caribbean Poison Information, Network (CARPIN), Sherika Ballingsingh told THE STAR that pear seed is not harmful to humans, "research has not shown any poisoning to humans unless someone is allergic to it, however, it is poisonous to animal."