There are three chief species of mint in cultivation and general use: spearmint, peppermint and pennyroyal. But there are many varieties of mint throughout the world all held in high esteem for their invaluable medicinal properties.

The common garden mints peppermint and spearmint – were introduced to Jamaica in 1927. They are native to the Mediterranean and came to the island by way of Britain, where the Romans had introduced it. Mints were cultivated in abundance by the great Mesopotamians and were a favourite of the Romans.

The first thing to note about mints is that they open the appetite and prevent the curdling of milk in the stomach, which makes them a great partner for milk.

Peppermint (mentha piperita) is one of the most popular and important varieties of mint. It grows wild throughout Europe, but is cultivated here in Jamaica for domestic and commercial purposes.

It grows well in the cooler climates of Manchester, St Elizabeth and St Catherine, but should thrive almost anywhere else in Jamaica, as the conditions are well suited.

Peppermint oil is the most extensively used oil of all the volatile oils, both as a medicine and commercially. The anti-spasmodic action is more marked in this oil than any other oils, and it greatly relieves stomach pains. It is therefore invaluable in the treatment of certain types of dyspepsia and is a great remedy for colic and flatulence.

It may also be used for other pains and cramps in the abdomen. Wide use is made of peppermint to cure cholera and diarrhoea. It is generally combined with other medicines when being used for stomach complaints.

It can be used with purgatives to prevent griping in infants, and is also used for nausea and to disguise the taste of unpleasant drugs or medicine.

Peppermint is also used to ease palpitations of the heart. It is good for rising internal heat and inducing perspiration in slight colds or early indications of a cold. The herb, combined with other herbs, is good for many ailments, such as hysteria, nervous disorders and teething in children, especially when combined with fennel.

Here are some of the herbs you can combine with peppermint:

. rosemary, fennel and skullcap;

. pennyroyal, cinnamon and lavender;

. sage and ginger.

Buckston Harrison is well known for his work as a herbalist, especially in western Jamaica. He resides in Sheffield, Westmoreland.

Huber

Exotic Fruit tree series

Black sapote

If anyone should ask me which trees to plant on a little bit of land or to acquire on a small budget, I’d recommend the Black sapote.

This native of Central America, commonly called the “chocolate pudding fruit”, is a nourishing and filling fruit to have in your yard or garden.

The tree possesses nearly black roots; dark-greenish leaves and small blossoms, which appear in spring. When mature, the fruit ranges in size from a big naseberry, of which the tree is a cousin, to the size of an orange. When ripe to perfection, the inside is a golden-brownish texture.

Be careful, however, not to pick the sapote at the wrong time or to keep it too long because it might turn a bit slimy and taste unpleasant. It can make a very good juice or rather something resembling nice, rich chocolate milk. It may also be used in puddings and cakes.

It is beyond me why this tree is not more popular. It has been on the island for decades, and I absolutely cannot understand how such a rich, filling fruit could be kept out of anyone’s farm or garden. The sapote fruits mature in under a year and change colour from yellowish green to army green, and then ripe. I don’t know much more about the tree or fruits yet, as it is still a learning experience in dealing with this delightful fruit.

Here is a recipe I found on the Internet.

Dulce de Sapote Negro

Ingredients

. 3 to 4 ripe, soft black sapotes.

. 2 cups orange juice

. 1/4 to 1/3 cup light honey.

. 2 tablespoons finely shredded orange rind

. 1 teaspoon grated orange rind.

Method

. Pull off stems and green skins from sapotes

. Remove seeds

. In food processor combine sapote pulp, honey, orange rind and orange juice and puree.

. Chill.

Mixture will be a bright, shiny blackish-brown. Serve in dessert dishes with shreds of orange rind as garnish. Makes 4-6 servings. This pudding-like mixture can also be frozen as a sherbet.

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.

FROM THE MAILBOX

Dear Buckston,

Do you have a remedy for poor circulation of blood and Parkinson’s disease? My Uncle and Grandmother are suffering from them.

Thanks,

M L.

Dear M L,

I am sorry that your uncle and grandmother are suffering from these ailments. For the poor blood circulation, increase the calcium and iron content of the body and take vitamin E and folic acid. Try sarsaparilla and cayenne pepper. Regular, full body massages are also recommended.

For the Parkinson’s, try damaina, goto kola, gingko biloba and it is essential that the sufferer takes good amounts of vitamin B, especially brewers yeast.

Buckston.

Buckston and Huber’s Alternative is not intended as a substitute for the diagnosis, cure, prevention or treatment of disease. You may send your questions and comments to thealternative@jamaicaobserver.com