The name "allspice" was coined as early as 1621 by the English, who thought these pea-sized berries combined the flavor of cinnamon, nutmeg and cloves. As a matter of fact, Allspice is one of the most important ingredients of many cuisines around the world. In Arab cuisine, for example, many main dishes call for allspice as the sole spice added for flavoring. In addition, this spice is used in Folk medicine- In Caribbean, for instance, there is a long history of using Allspice berries for folk healing. Jamaicans also mix them with hot tea for colds, menstrual cramps and upset stomach. Costa Ricans are known to use Allspice to treat dyspepsia and diabetes