Tamarind – Tamarindus indica

Tamarind pods

The exact origin of this Pea family tree is unknown, but is thought to be eastern Africa. Although India has had it under cultivation for so long that it is often thought of as indigenous there. The specific name is ‘indica’ showing that belief.

 

If you have gas or a sore throat and you happen to be in tropical America look for one of the young boys that will be selling bags of the pods. The fruit is good for relieving intestinal gas; it improves digestion, acts as a mild laxative and soothes sore throats. In the Philippines the leaves are made into a tea for relief of fever, being employed for malaria.

 

For food the tart pulp is used to make chutney, curries, beverages and sauces. The pulp is also an ingredient in making the popular seasoning Worcestershire sauce. It is also part of a favorite Indian dish Tamarind fish, which is a pickled product. The young leaves, flowers, and seedlings are cooked and eaten as greens. In Zimbabwe the leaves are added to soups and flowers added to salads.

 

Because few plants survive living under a Tamarind tree there is an old superstition that it is unwise to sleep under one or to tie your horse beneath one! African tribes in some areas held the tree sacred. And in Burma the tree is believed to be the dwelling of the Rain God.

 

In dying the leaves and flowers are used as mordants. The leaves provide a yellow dye for wool, and turns indigo dyed silk green.

Bittercress – Cardamine hirsuta

Hairy Bittercress

This native of Europe and Asia is an annual who loves open areas, cultivated spaces, in fact almost anywhere is fine. It is very capable of being weedy and invasive, but since it adds to the spring time bouquet of greens after a long winter it should probably be forgiven this tendency, It stays green throughout the cold winter, making it a good plant to add to the diet in January and February.

One of the many complaints about this taprooted plant is that it attracts aphids, now this might be good in the garden as a trap plant! If you do want to rid your garden of this plant then remove it before it seeds, it is easily removed with light hoeing.

Cardamine hirsute is the “stiff plant” used in the ‘Nine Herbs charm,’ it was supposed to fight against the serpent. The ‘Nine Herbs Charm’ was recorded in the 10^th century, and was an Old English incantation intended to be uttered over 9 herbs before their used in treating poisonings and infections.

 

To read my former post….check here

Hazelnuts – Corylus avellana

Hazelnuts

Wakening from the dreaming forest there, the hazel-sprig
sang under my tongue, its drifting fragrance
climbed up through my conscious mind…

 

By  Pablo Neruda

This native of Europe and western Asia grows in woods and hedgerows. The Hazel shrubs were part of the hedgerows that were traditional field boundaries in England. The twigs are used as dowsing rods. The wood is soft, easily split, but not very durable…yet it was used for inlay work, small pieces of furniture, wattles, basketry, etc.

 

Several parts are used medicinally…the bark, leaves, catkins and fruits. They are astringent, diaphoretic, febrifuge, nutritive, and odontalgic (treating toothache). The seed is used as a stomachic and tonic. The oil is used in babies and small children to treat threadworms and pinworms.

 

The nut or cob can be eaten raw or roasted, added to breads, cakes, biscuits, and sweets. An edible oil that is used in salad dressings and baking is expressed from the nuts. They are rich in protein, unsaturated fat, thiamine and Vitamin B6.

 

Hazel twigs have been used to make magic wands, and dowsing rods. To create a quick, simple circle of protection use a Hazel rod to draw a circle around you in the dirt! In a similar way the twigs hung over window frames and the door lintel will protect the house from lightening.

Celery Seed – Apium graveolens dulce

Celery seeds

During medieval times witches and magicians used celery seeds before flying. Witches believed the seeds kept them from getting dizzy when flying on their brooms, and therefore they did not fall. Magicians sprinkled the seeds into their shoes to help them fly (it didn’t work). Today in magic use it is believed that chewing them will increase concentration, and used in pillows will induce sleep.

This seed of the common celery is a native of southern Europe, Asia & Africa. Celery grows from the seed, the plant being biennial has to grow for two years to produce seed. They are good companions for leeks, tomatoes, beans, and brassicas.

Celery seed has long been eaten raw or cooked for the treatment of rheumatism, and as a treatment was brought to North America with the first Europeans to come here. The seed is used as a diuretic, often used to treat gout, edema, or dropsy. The seeds are also used as an antispasmodic of the digestive system.

In food use the celery seed is used as a flavoring agent in soups, salads, and stews.

Warning: It is advised that pregnant women not use celery seed due to the possibility of uterine bleeding and uterine muscle contractions!

American Spikenard – Aralia racemose

American Spikenard edible berries beginning to ripen

While the king sitteth at his table,

my spikenard sendeth forth the smell thereof.

A bundle of myrrh is my well-beloved unto me;

he shall lie all night betwixt my breasts.

 

Song of Solomon 1:12-13 The Christian Bible

 

This native of eastern North America can be found on wooded slopes, and in rich, moist woods. You will often find it growing with other woodlands plants such as Jack in the Pulpit, Wild Ginseng, Bluebells, Trillium, Bloodroot, Christmas Fern, Dutchman’s Breeches, and many others. In Rhode Island it is listed as of Special Concern, and must be treat with care.

 

The roots are very aromatic, with a spicy scent. It has been used to treat all types of lung ailments including coughs, TB, and catarrh (inflammation of the mucous membranes). It has also been used for female complaints such as leucorrhea (vaginal discharge), Prolapse of the uterus, and chlorosis (a form of anemia).

 

The native American Indians used this plant extensively…Potawatomi used the root to make a poultice for treatment of swellings; and the Cherokees drank a decoction of the root for backache. Today it is oft used as an alterative.

 

The roots were often used for making early root beers!

 

In magic use spikenard is grounding, balancing and calming. It is known as ‘herb of the student’ because it increases mental clarity, helping the student to learn, remember and recall more easily the lessons at hand.

Avocado – Persea americana

Avocados

…We can draw inner peace from our God
Whomever he or she may be
But we have to believe in something
No matter what
Even if it is the avocado pit growing
On our window sill
Or the passion you put into cooking…

 

By Matthew F. Lynam

 

This native of Mexico and Central America is thought to have originated in Peru. The plant has a long history of cultivation in Latin America with an avocado shaped water jar found in the pre-Incan city of Chan Chan that dates to 900 AD. There is also evidence in Mexico of the cultivation of this fruit for up to 10,000 years.

 

The bark, leaves, pulp of the fruit, the rind of the fruit and the seeds are used in herbal medicines. The leaves and bark are used to treat coughs and digestive disorders. The pulp is used for hair growth stimulation, as an aphrodisiac, to sooth irritated skin, and in treating wounds that are draining pus. The rind is used in the elimination of intestinal worms. The seeds used for the treatment of diarrhea.

 

In some parts of the world the fruit is used as one of the first baby foods it is so nutritious. It is high in fat, therefore often substituted for meat in vegetarian dishes. In Mexico avocado is used in the making of guacamole, in soups, salads, as a side dish or mixed with white rice. The average avocado contains 300 calories, 1.5 g fiber, 11.8 mg calcium, 9.0 mg ascorbic acid, etc.

 

In magic use the avocado is sacred to Osiris. The pit is carried to promote beauty. It is believed eating the fruit will promote lust, and the wood makes a powerful, all purpose wand! Mayan ancestors are believed to be reborn as avocado trees, thereby still providing for their families!

 

In Guatemala the bark is used as a mordant in the dyeing process.

Papaya – Carica papaya

Papayas

…I pick up several papayas, looking for the one,

becoming pensive.

Is it ripe? Should I buy two?…

 

By Kay Posselt

 

This large tree like plant is originally from southern Mexico, Central America and northern South America is now grown in most countries with a tropical environment available. They were introduced to Hawaii just over 100 years ago. Papayas have been used as a meat tenderizer, as a hair conditioner, for food and medicine. The stem and bark have been used for fiber to make rope.

 

Green papaya has been used for contraception and to induce abortion by the women of several countries, India, Bangladesh, Pakistan, Sri Lanka. Also the women who have been enslaved in the West Indies have used them to prevent bearing children into slavery! The green fruit and the tree’s latex have papain (an enzyme) available. This enzyme is used in the treatment of cuts, rashes, stings and burns. The flesh of the fruit is fermented and the resulting gel like paste is used as an ointment.

 

The fruit can be eaten ripe or unripe, without skin or seeds. They have been eaten in curries, salads and stews. The seeds are spicy and are sometimes ground as a black pepper substitute. In Asia the young leaves have been steamed and eaten much like spinach.

 

In magic use the papaya is ruled by the Moon and is often used in love spells. In Guatemala it is believed to be an aphrodisiac that acts specifically on men. It also can be used to protect the home, keep evil at bay, and to manifest desires.

Vanilla Bean – Vanilla planifolia

Vanilla orchid and bean by Koehler

Aromatic vanilla made from the bean
lingering sweet fragrance somewhere in between
the moon, the Milky Way a bright sunbeam
delicious ingredient for vanilla ice-cream…

By Sandra Glassman

 

This member of the Orchid family is a native of the tropical forests of Mexico, but can also be found in tropical areas of Asia, New Guinea, and Africa. Where the vine is cultivated they once believed the Cojon de gato (Thevetia peruviana) tree was the best companion for growth. In Mexico it was used in antiquity to flavor their chocolate. It was introduced to Europe by the Spanish historian and explorer, Hernandez.

 

In Meso-America (an area encompassing central Mexico, Belize, Guatemala, El Salvador, Honduras, Nicaragua, and Costa Rica) it was a special treat that was only allowed to be consumed by the Royalty. Among the Olmec, Zapotec, Teotihuacan, Maya, Mixtec, Totonac and Aztec it was believed only those of the ruling class deserved to partake in this aphrodisiac! In the 1990‘s the Chicago Institute of Smell and Taste it was determined to be a powerful stimulant to men.

 

In folk medicine it is an aromatic stimulant, used to exhilarate the brain, prevent sleep, improve muscular energy, and to stimulate sexual desire! It is used in infusion form for hysteria, rheumatism and low fever.

 

The aroma is used in perfumes, and veterinary medicine. In the Victorian Language of Flowers vanilla stands for innocence, purity, charm, silence, and secrecy. In magic it is utilized in love spells, meditation, healing rituals, and mental clarity & strength.

 

A Warning: do not use the essential oil of vanilla when pregnant. Avoid high  concentrations in skin care of the essential oil.

 

The above pic is from Koehler’s Medicinal-Plants 1887  [Image in Public Domain]

Cornflower – Centaurea cyanus

Cornflower or Bachelor’s Buttons

The wintergreen, the juniper
The cornflower and the chicory
All the words you said to me
Still vibrating in the air

Unknown

Centaurea, the genus for these flowers, was named for an ancient Greek centaur, Chiron. This centaur, according to myth, taught humans the healing power of plants and herbs. He showed them how to heal, by using them on battle wounds, including those he had acquired himself in battle.

Just as Chiron taught in antiquity, this herb is used to wash out wounds, heal mouth ulcers, for eye problems (such as corneal ulcers), conjunctivitis, and minor wounds! It also sooths inflamed and irritated skin. Internally it is used to improve digestion, improve the immune system, tone and regulate the gall bladder, liver, kidneys, and to treat menstrual disorders.

It is also used as a Flower Essence to encourage self knowledge and acceptance of the infinite differences among others. The intense blue color of the flower has been prized for centuries, used as an ink color when mixed with alum, it was often used in Books of Shadows, used to dye linen (but not permanent), and used in watercolor painting. The Minoans of the island of Crete (during the Bronze Age) used the flower petals to invent the blue on their ceramics for which they are so famous.

Cornflowers or Bachelor’s Buttons are used in tea, salads, and garnishes for entrees and drinks. Not only are the flowers edible, but so are the young shoots. And the dye obtained form the flowers is also safe to use in cooking.

Common Mango – Mangifera indica

Mangoes

Mango

It’s a fruit from warm climate
odd shaped I’ll  agree.
Smooth texture outside
and inside you’ll see….

 

I love the mango
so unique you will see.
It grows everywhere here
for all intent it is free.

By Doug Heyman, Key West, Florida
February 2005

 

This plant has been cultivated as early as the 5^th-4^th centuries BC, but only reached Brazil, the West Indies and Mexico after the 10^th century AD. The tree reached Hawaii before 1825, but in most of the Pacific it was only introduced in the last 100 years!

 

The Mango tree is central in Hindu and Buddhist cultures, being sacred in India. It is a symbol of love, and the leaves can often be found decorating the lintels of temples on special occasions. A perfectly ripe mango is oft found in Ganesha’s hand as a symbol of attainment. The flowers are used in the worship of the goddess Sarawati. The Mango has a prominent place in folklore and legend.

 

Many parts of the tree are utilized by man in everyday living: the fruit is food, the flowers and bark are astringent, Diabetes has been treated with leaf infusion, and the wood is used in building. The kernels are used as cattle and poultry feed with proper treatment. They also attract birds, bats, and bees.

 

It is the national fruit of India, Pakistan and the Philippines. It is also used to obtain a yellow dye by feeding the leaves to cattle and harvesting their urine!