Due to popular demand we are reaching into our archives! Today we publish Buckston Harrison's contribution to the November 23, 2006 edition of Buckston and Huber's Alternative. Huber's contribution is current.

I was dismayed to hear about the untimely passing of Norman DaCosta, the former vice-president of the National Workers' Union, last week. My condolences to his

family and friends. Stress, fatigue and depression are no respecters of persons, especially in comtemporary times.

Consequently, it is important for everyone -- expecially those among us who are feeling run-down -- to seek the help of the dynamic and versatile Scutellaria Lateriflora, also called "scullcap". This plant can sometimes be a persistent weed, but it is worth its weight in gold as a stimulant to the nerves -- similar to quinine but without the harmful effects.

It is described as food for the nerves, supporting and strengthening them and giving immediate relief of all chronic and acute diseases, stemming from nervous affliction and debility.

Traditionally, it is one of the herbs used to cure infertility and is also said to regulate undue sexual desires. Mixed with pennyroyal, it will successfully relieve even the most severe menstrual cramps.

It is high in calcium, potassium and magnesium and contains vitamins C and E, iron and zinc. The plant grows abundantly in the areas of Darliston and Beeston Spring in Westmoreland.

With its calming effects on the nerves, this dynamic herb is also believed to be useful for relieving symptoms of epilepsy, convulsions, sleeplessness, restlessness, spinal meningitis, Parkinson's disease, St Vitus

dance, hypoglycaemia, and

thyroid problems.

It is also useful for fever, hypertension, poisonous bites, aches, and urinary problems.

-- Buckston

Buckston Harrison was well known for his work as a herbalist, especially in western Jamaica. He resided in Sheffield, Westmoreland, until his untimely passing on Monday,March 22, 2010.

Huber's Jackfruit seeds and red peas

Ingredients

* 2 dozen jackfruit seeds

* 1/2 cup red peas

* 1/2 dozen string beans

* 2 arrowroot tubers

* 4 pieces of tumeric

* 1 cup cherry tomatoes

* 2 green bananas

* 1 irish potato

* 1 sweet potato

* 1 hot pepper

* 1 onion

* 1 carrot

* 4 pegs garlic

* 3 cups mixed greens (red and green callaloo, mustard, turnip greens and bush cabbage)

* A sprig oregano

* 1 sprig corriander

* 1 sprig rosemary

* 1 sprig thyme

* 2 tablespoons curry powder

* 1 tablesppon paprika

* 2 dozen pimento seeds (crushed)

* 1 medium coconut (grated)

Method

* Place jackfruit seeds and red peas in dutch pot

* Add a layer of crushed pimento seeds, rosemary and thyme

* Add a layer of chopped hot pepper and other seasoning

* Add a layer of diced arrowroot, irish and sweet potatoes

* Add a layer of the string beans and the mixed greens

* Peel green bananas, dice and add

* Sprinkle with the powdered seasonings

* Add the juice of grated tumeric and coconut

* Add two cups of water

* Bring to a boil

* Reduce the heat and simmer for 20 minutes or until done.

Thomas 'Bongo Tommy' Huber is a Swiss national who migrated to Westmoreland's Retrieve District over 10 years ago. He is a naturalist who lives off the land and is deeply involved in an ongoing effort to create Jamaica's next generation of exotic fruit trees.