Comphrey... Modern-day anti-ageing wonder

Buckston and Huber's Alternative

Thursday, May 06, 2010

Due to popular demand we are reaching into our archives! Today we publish Buckston Harrison's contribution to the November 30, 2006 edition of Buckston and Huber's Alternative. Huber's contribution is current.

COMPHREY (symphytum officinale) has become something of a sacred herb in beauty circles where it has earned the reputation for preserving beauty and a youthful appearance.

The highly versatile plant, which dates back to the days of the Romans, is now widely used in cosmetic products to improve skin quality. It is especially famous in the German film industry where it is used as a mask, called the ultrasonic mask, to make people look younger.

It was introduced to Jamaica by the Ministry of Agriculture in the 1970s as a product for the rabbit and goat rearing industries. But historically, it was used by the Romans in times of war to heal wounds.

Centuries later, this highly nutritious plant, rich in vitamin A, was again used during wartime, becoming a staple for soldiers in World War II when food was scarce.

Recently, it has become controversial as scientists have experimented and developed, through biotechnology, other species of the plant which has been known to cause liver damage.

No need to worry though. The genetically engineered comphrey, developed in places such as the US and Canada, is not the kind we have in Jamaica. To date, there have been no reports of liver problems caused by local comphrey, while there have been cases in the US and Canada.

I currently produce many cosmetic products from this herb including lotions, face creams, astringents and salves for the skin. It can also be used as a tea for many ailments. In addition, it is said to be good for colds, lung conditions -- especially bleeding lungs -- broken bones, and for ulcerated wounds.

But the best way I have found to use the plant is in a bath, and it is my best kept secret for my youthfulness. Simply lather the face and body with three to four leaves weekly, and you will see amazing results.

Additionally, for persons who do not take milk, comphrey is a rich source of calcium and, as a deep-rooted crop, it is rich in trace minerals.

Hi Buckston,

I read with interest the benefits of scull cap in the Observer on Thursday, November 23. I live in the corporate area and would like to obtain this scull cap on a regular basis. Can you say where it can be obtained? Is it in any tablet form?

Harold Wong

Dear Harold,

You can get the raw herb in capsulated form at many of the major health food stores in Kingston.

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 Sapotee/banana snack

Sometimes it's not so much about elaborate recipes as it is about combining choice ingredients. Today's recipe is better for you than most commercially prepared snacks.

Ingredients

* 1 slice of bread

* 1 Black sapotee

* 1 ripe banana

Method

* Remove seeds from sapotee

* Spread sapotee flesh on bread

* Decorate with sliced ripe banana

Enjoy!

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.

Did you watch American football's Super Bowl on Sunday?
	Yes, but just for the advertisements
	Yes, just for the game itself
	Yes, for both the game and advertisements
	No, I did not watch the Super Bowl.

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Comphrey... Modern-day anti-ageing wonder