Due to popular demand we are reaching into our archives! Today we publish Buckston Harrison’s contribution to the November 2, 2006 edition of Buckston and Huber’s Alternative. Huber’s contribution is current.

RICE bitters or Andrographis paniculata is an extremely bitter herb, which is believed to have been brought to Jamaica by Vietnamese refugees back in the 1960s.

It has adapted very well to the Jamaican climate but is getting rare, and only a few people still have it today.

The medicinal value of the herb is phenomenal. I have been advised by scientists from the University of Pennsylvania, who came here and took samples from me for testing, that it can be used for people who are infected with the Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV).

They say it has antiviral and anti-cancerous agents. I can attest to it being good for skin lesions and I have dispensed it for people who suffer from HIV and who have serious skin problems, with remarkable results.

The herb is also good for toning the prostate, keeping it functioning. Additionally, when men experience frequent urination, a cup of rice bitters tea is a sure cure.

The preparation for all the above ailments is three leaves or one teaspoon of the dried herb per cup of tea.

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 Papaya surprise

Frutification is not a one-man show, that is why I must laud the Montpelier Agricultiural show for the opportunities it opened up in terms of spreading the message. I was heartened by the many readers who turned up in support of the column.

It is my hope that in years to come, everyone will be able to produce today’s recipe from their own garden.

Huber’s Papaya surprise

Ingredients:

* 4 black sapotees

* 6 honey bananas

* 1 jelly coconut

* 1 large papaya

Method:

* Place papaya pulp in a bowl

* Do the same with the black sapotees

* Peel and dice honey bananas and add papaya and black sapotees.

* Add the flesh and eater of jelly coconut

* Blend to required consistency, adding water if necessary.

* Enjoy the smoothie.

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.