Due to popular demand we are reaching into our archives! Today we publish Buckston Harrison's contribution to the November 16, 2006 edition of Buckston and Huber's Alternative. Huber's contribution is current.

MEN, arrowroot is probably the last thing your doctor would recommend as a cure for impotence, but this herb of Caribbean origin has been known to rebuild stamina, improve sexual proficiency and increase sperm count.

The arrowroot, which dates back to the days of the Arawaks, is now a rare, almost extinct plant in Jamaica. However, it grows abundantly in Montserrat, St Vincent and St Lucia.

This multi-purpose plant is believed to have derived its name from the Arawaks (Tainos), who utilised it as an antidote for the poison from the arrows of the Caribs who used to hunt them. Even today, it can be used as a poultice to dress wounds.

Jamaicans will be familiar with the tuber or root of the plant being used traditionally by mothers as a nutritious porridge or cereal for children and also as a thickening agent in food preparation.

A cup of tea made from one blade of the plant also works wonders in relieving diarrhoea and other gastric problems. It is even more potent combined with guava or yam leaf, especially negro yam leaf.

Hi Buckston,

Thank you so much for the speedy response to my questions concerning natural treatment for warts on face and neck. I was pleasantly surprised when I read it in the newspapers today (November 9). I grew up playing with Monkey Fiddle, but I have not seen much of it around in recent times. I will certainly go in search of it now and try it.

Thanks again for your response and your very useful, informative column.

Method

1. Grate the arrowroot tubers (or blend with a little water);

2 Cover your face with the grated arrowroot;

3 Allow it to dry, and then;

4 Wash it away to reveal the smoothest skin imaginable.

Buckston Harrison was well known for his work as a herbalist, especially in western Jamaica. He resided in Sheffield, Westmoreland up to the time of his untimely passing on March 22, 2010.

Huber's Green juice

* 1 Cucumber

* 3 Stalks fennel

* 1 Sprig callaloo

* 1 sprig of parsely

* 6 leaves pak choi

Method

* Blend the ingredients using as little water as possible

* Strain and serve immediately

Thomas 'Bongo Tommy' Huber is a Swiss national who migrated to Westmoreland's Retrieve District 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.

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