Music producer turns herbalist - Blending herbs for big names in the industry

In an unexpected transition, Vaughn ‘Vagga’ Wint has moved from producing Billboard hits to curating healing medicines, and becoming a highly sought-after herbalist, particularly among entertainers.

Formerly the director of True Loyal Records, Wint produced music that resonated across airwaves including Alkaline’s On Fleek, Vybz Kartel and Gaza Slim’s Anything A Anything, and Konshens’ Push Fi Start.

“I’m doing this thing that focuses on nutrition. The food that God made is good for our body and what man made hurt us,” he told THE WEEKEND STAR. His journey from the studio to the herbalist’s den wasn’t something that he saw himself doing before he started True Loyal Alkaline Products. The catalyst for the shift came when Wint witnessed the healing impact of his natural products on an individual who was suffering from a particular illness.

“I used to keep a lot of parties all over, some people told me I must change what I am doing. A man tell me seh I must think about things in life and I pray to God Almighty through Jesus Christ to give me something to do. He send my friend I used to go school with name Fergie and he start teach me about the herbs and the alkalinity of the body,” he said.

“When I give people the natural food and juices, [late actor] Charles Hyatt was there as the first evidence and introduced me to come on Morning Time and that’s how it come about,” he added. After approximately five years of making herbal products for his clients, Wint is well versed on the body and how the different herbs contribute to holistic wellness.

“Your brain needs potassium phosphate, your heart is magnesium with calcium, blood is iron, bone is calcium and your muscle is magnesium. So you have certain types of herbs that are good for your brain like the elder berry. For the heart, there is horton berry but anything with calcium like sea moss. What we try to do is to try to fix the body with the natural herbs and juices,” he told THE WEEKEND STAR.

The herbs that he uses to make his products are easily accessible, however, he said that people often shun them for pharmaceuticals. He added that in some cases the best herbs for popular complaints are often sourced abroad, but even then, one has to be mindful because some herbs are not natural and can be harmful to the body.

“You must always consult a doctor, they alone can tell you if the body is recovering from any sickness. If someone has cancer they have to eliminate the acid intake in the body and get the alkaline food,” he said.

“It’s not like I’m any magician; it goes back to nature. Just follow the food and the juices that we make, for example diabetes. It is not hard to overcome, you limit the sugar intake in the body and you consult your doctor to make sure your body is recovering. When we give someone the juices and the herbs, they consult the doctor and the doctor says yes keep on doing what you are doing,” he added.

Entertainers like Buju Banton, Intence, KipRich and Tanto Blacks have posted testimonials commending Wint.

“I can tell you anything, but if you don’t have evidence of what you are doing, it don’t make any sense. I have to respect Buju Banton and Tanto Blacks. Buju see the evidence and always try to send people for me to help and guide them what to eat,” he disclosed.

He most commonly treats persons living with diabetes, some as young as 15. In addition to the juices, which start at $1,000, Wint cooks lunches and delivers them in Kingston and surrounding areas.

Ionie Brown, who considers herself as Wint’s first ‘test subject’, said she had struggled with diabetes for 10 years. “After taking the medicine that Vagga gave me, with diet, when I went back to the doctor he asked me how I know I was diabetic,” she said. “I still buy things from him to maintain my health.”