Due to popular demand we are reaching into our archives! Today we publish Buckston Harrison’s contribution to the January 4, 2007 edition of Buckston and Huber’s Alternative. Huber’s contribution is current.

The holiday season is now behind us and for many this means a return to their usual existence including work and getting back into what is for many a hectic lifestyle. Many aspects of the holiday may, however, still be with us and negatively affect us as we head into the new year.

Traditionally, people are known to let down their guard around the holidays and the Christmas season would have seen many eating and drinking more than they would usually do on a normal basis. This can result in an excess build-up or food toxicity in the system and especially for weight watchers this would certainly not be a good thing.

Food toxicity can put the body out of balance resulting in constipation, improper digestion, improper elimination of waste and is the source of many of the lifestyle illnesses that ail many in today’s society.

We can put the body back in balance by using herbs that can help to detox the system of some of the things you would have eaten over the holidays. These herbs will help to eliminate wastes, purify the blood and clean the vital organs such as the liver, spleen, kidney and the large and small intestines.

Natural laxative (1)

* Mandrake Herb (can be found in low growing areas near morasses)

* Senna pods or leaves

* Ginger

Method

* Boil the three together as a tea 1 teaspoon mandrake, 3-5 pods of senna and small piece of ginger to 1 cup of tea.

Natural laxative (2)

* Aloe Vera

* Lime juice

* Salt

Method

* Blend the three together

The flesh of the aloe may also be eaten alone. You may also drink lemon juice with water. One lemon per glass of water. Use it for up to a week. Women may also take penny royal, which cleans the womb and the digestive tract.

In addition use lots of fruits in the diet such as oranges, lemon, lime, grapefruit, garden cherry 90 and drink lots of water as water washes the body preferably spring water or filtered water. Those who are concerned about weight can also incorporate a little exercise.

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 Arrowroot Flower Pap

Ingredients

* 1.5 quarts water

* 3 Cinamon leaves

* 0.5 nutmeg grated

* 10 pimento seeds

* 1 dash molasses

* 4 fingers arrowroot

* 0.75 cup wholewheat flour

* 0.5 medium coconut grated

* 1 large carrot grated

* Wet sugar to taste

Method

* Bring water to a boil

* Add cinanmon leaves and pimento seeds

*Grate arrowroots into a bowl, add wholewheat flour with 1/2 cup water and mix to a paste

* Add mixture to boiling water

* Cook for 15-20 minutes, stirring occassionally

* Place grated carrot and coconut into a bowl, squeez out millk and juice and add to porridge

* Add mollasses and nutmeg, stir and let simmer for a cuple minutes

* Remove from fire when done

* Sweeten to taste

* Enjoy a porridge that strengthens

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.