Plant Archives: Food

Subject: Akee Scientific Name: Blighia sapida

Akee is Native to Africa where it is not often eaten. However, in Jamaica, the fruit is a favorite food and can be found in all kinds of delicious stews and is especially delicious when prepared with cod. The kicker is, the frut is deadly poison if not prepared propertly!

Subject: Almond Scientific Name: Prunus Dulcis

The Almond is a seed, and like all seeds, contains the energy of life. Stick it in the ground and life shoots out! The life of a new almond tree. This nut is a vitality stimulant of the first order, loaded with health building compounds and disease preventing compounds as well. Read up. this is a must know food.

Subject: Apple Scientific Name: Malus Communis

An apple a day will keep the doctor away. Enough said.

Subject: Apricot Scientific Name: Prunus Armeniaca

Some fruits pack a bigger health punch than others, and, apricots go into the really, really health boost file! An ancient fruit, the apricot has factored into stay well regimens from the earliest day. And, so tasty!

Subject: Artichoke Scientific Name: Scolymus Cynara

The artichoke is a popular food in Europe, and one that is gaining ground in America. Probably a good thing because artichokes contain compounds that stimulate the liver and may even offer the liver protection from dangerous chemicals in our enviroment.

Subject: Arugula Scientific Name: Eruca Sativa

Arrugula is now seen as a fancy green to be added to salads, but, in days gone by, it was seen as much more. The seed was used to stimulate strong vital health, and the leaves were used in health inducing diet regimens. Contemporary research reveals arrugula contains a collection of health building phytochemicals, and, its tasty greens leaves are something we should all eat regularly.

Subject: Asian Plum Scientific Name: Prunus Mume

Ok, this is one weird looking herbal medicine. The raw plum is dehydrated in salt, dried in the sun, and ends up looking more like wild animal droppings than anything else. But, lurking in that unattractive shape, is a powerful medicine and one that the Japanese have sworn by for ages.

Subject: Barley Scientific Name: Hordeum Vulgare

Barley was also used as a topical healing agent for the skin. It was used especially in cases of boils, infected wounds, and swellings. Gerard also says the ointment made from boiling down beer quickly heals old ulcers and new wounds.

Subject: Basil Scientific Name: Occimomum Basilicum

Basil is an herb that the most herb ignorant knows...they sell it at the grocery store and you could not miss this one if you tried. Its an old herb and one that comes packing a great story. Primarily a culinary herb, it does have its medicinal uses, and some magical ones too.

Subject: Black Cumin Scientific Name: Nigella Sativa

Black cumin produces a seed once very popular in Arabian medicine. The seed was used to improve digestion, and, is still sprinkled on top of breads for this same purpose. One of the healing plants of the Bible, black cumin has a really interesting history and one that is worth knowing.