If you chew the leaves of Gymnema Sylvestris, you won’t taste the sweetness of anything you eat within the next two hours. Consequently, in countries such as India and Africa where the herb grows profusely, it is known as the sweet blood sugar herb and the sweet destroyer respectively.

Gymnema Sylvestris is very helpful in controlling the blood sugar levels in people with type one and two diabetes and can be used alongside insulin and other prescribed medications.

However, it ought to be used on the advice of a doctor who will be best positioned to recommend the rate of reduction of insulin.

Indigestion, dyspepsia, liver disorders and tissue fluid retention are among some of the other ailments that the herb, which has been used for years in ayurvedic preparations, is useful for treating.

Because of its ability to curb the craving for sweets, the herb is of great use to people who consume foods that are high in carbohydrates in that it is believed to help them to pass out sugar that they would not normally be able to burn.

Some doctors have claimed that gymnema lowers tryglycorides and blood cholesterol.

The herb grows in China and reports there are that it is an anti-sweetener which reduces weight.

Studies conducted in India as early as 1930 show that gymnema reduces hypoglycemia in animals.

And recent pharmacological studies have shown that the gymnema is most active on the tastebuds and the absorptive surface of the intestine.

The important active ingredient of gymnema is an organic acid called gymnemic acid.

This is made up of molecules whose arrangement is similar to that of humans, thereby preventing the tastebud from being activated by any sugar molecules presented in the food, and reducing the metabolic effect of sugar by preventing the intestines from absorbing the sugar molecules after digestion.

A paste of the herb is an effective antidote which neutralises the poison of snake bites and is mixed with castor oil is also a good external treatment for mumps by lowering fevers and reducing swollen glands.

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

From the mailbox:

Dear Buckston,

My mom is an avid reader of your column so after finding that I have three large fibroids which requires urgent surgery, it was only natural that she told me to write to you first before doing the surgery. What I’d love to know is, is there any alternate medicine for my condition and if so what is your recommendation.

Thank you.

If your doctor recommends surgery, you should give serious thought to it, because these conditions, while reversible, require sustained attention to proper dieting in accordance with your body type. As a general guide, however, red raspberry tea should be good for your condition. Additionally, you must give some thought to topping up your levels of iron and folic acid. I could also give you astrological advice if you call me.

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

Huber’s substitute for macaroni and cheese

Going ital requires creativity and discipline. However, if you spend enough time in your kitchen, you can capture the taste of so-called ‘buttery goodness’ using a variety of nuts, seeds and herbs.

You will find that ital breads paired with avocado pears more than make up for the taste of bread and butter.

Coconut rundown goes well with several staples such as cassava, dasheen, breadfruit and yam.

Then there’s my version of that greasy all-time favourite; macaroni and cheese.

Try it.

If you get it right, I guarantee you won’t stop licking your fingers, and you certainly won’t get a sour stomach.

Ingredients

. 1 hot pepper (optional)

. 1 bay leaf

. 6 pimento seeds

. 1 dash cloves

. 4 tablespoons coconut oil

. 1 onion

. 2 medium-sized tomatoes

. 1 cup coconut milk

. A handful of finely chopped parsley, chives and/or escallion

Method

1. Place hot pepper, bayleaf, pimento and cloves in a muslim bag.

2. Place muslim bag in a quart boiling water, so a to avoid having to pick them out of the final dish

3. Boil the pasta in the water till cooked, drain and set aside

4. Place coconut oil in a dutch pot

5. Cut up onion and tomatoes

6. Cook till half-way done

7. Add coconut milk

8. Simmer until the tomatoes and onions are done

9. Add pasta and simmer till done

10. Sprinkle with finely chopped greens

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.