Our Story
Rooted in Tradition
Hyacinth & Merton Cooke — Founders
The Beginning
Some stories begin with a dream. Ours began with roots — deep in the soil of Jamaica, and replanted with love in the heart of South Florida.
When Hyacinth and Merton Cooke immigrated from Jamaica, they brought with them more than memories of the island. They carried generations of herbal wisdom, a deep reverence for natural healing, and a vision: to share the power of those traditions with their new community. With no outside backing and nothing but hard work and belief in what they were building, they opened the doors of Jamaica Herbal in Lauderdale Lakes in the early 2000s — and built something their community would cherish for generations.
The Heart & Soul
Hyacinth was the heart and soul of those early years. Her knowledge of herbs, natural remedies, and holistic wellness ran deep, shaped by a lifetime of learning that no textbook could replace. She guided customers through their health journeys — not as a salesperson, but as a neighbor, a teacher, and a healer. Together, she and Merton created something rare: a place that felt like family the moment you walked through the door.
Passing the Torch
In 2012, Hyacinth and Merton passed the torch — and the team that carried it forward made a commitment to honor everything they had built. The warmth, the herbal wisdom, the community focus, the Jamaican roots — none of that changed. What grew was the reach.
Today
Today, Jamaica Herbal has two locations — our original home in Lauderdale Lakes and a second store in North Lauderdale — and ships products nationally, bringing the Jamaica Herbal experience to natural wellness believers across the country. Our shelves remain stocked with carefully chosen health foods, herbs, supplements, and natural beauty products. Our juice bar still serves fresh, made-to-order juices and smoothies made with the kind of wholesome goodness this brand was founded on. And now, both locations serve freshly baked vegan Jamaican patties — a taste of home, done the natural way.
A place that felt like family the moment you walked through the door.
OUR GRATITUDE
We are grateful for the opportunities this country has given us — the chance to build something meaningful, to serve our community, and to carry a dream rooted in Jamaican tradition into homes from Florida to every corner of the United States.
Our Mission
To Enlighten, Uplift, and Nourish — Body, Mind, and Community.
Just as nature intended.
Welcome to Jamaica Herbal.
We're glad you found us.
VISIT US
Two locations ready to serve you.
JAMAICA HERBAL — LAUDERDALE LAKES
