Due to popular demand we are reaching into our archives! Today we publish Buckston Harrison’s contribution to the March 22, 2007 edition of Buckston and Huber’s Alternative. Huber’s contribution is current.

Ra-moon (pronounced raw-moon) or Trophis Racemosa is an evergreen tree whose bark and leaves have been used as a potent stimuli for decades. The tree which I’m advised is becoming extinct due to the high demand for its bark and leaves, may be found growing wild in some forested areas of Jamaica. It was discovered by early settlers and used as a feed for their animals. Later it was used to revive a failing libido. In the old days, Ra-moon proved an effective fodder for cattle and horses, especially when there was little or no rainfall.

Ra-moon (pronounced raw-moon) or Trophis Racemosa is an evergreen tree whose bark and leaves have been used as a potent stimuli for decades. The tree which I’m advised is becoming extinct due to the high demand for its bark and leaves, may be found growing wild in some forested areas of Jamaica. It was discovered by early settlers and used as a feed for their animals. Later it was used to revive a failing libido. In the old days, Ra-moon proved an effective fodder for cattle and horses, especially when there was little or no rainfall.

During those periods, farmers noticed that their animals continued to get fat and reproduced rapidly. They could not, however, explain the phenomena. A botanist subsequently studied the behaviour of these animals and discovered that they would break down fences to find the Ra-moon tree and feed off the low-hanging branches. Following the discovery, farmers began to reap the branches of the plant to take to the animals. Nowadays, Ra-moon is popularly used as a key ingredient in the preparation of many roots beverages, especially by rural folk. It is often prepared as a tea and is used by both sexes for its aphrodisiac qualities. It is similar in nature to the African Yohimbie bark, but safer, as it has no harmful effect on the kidneys. It is the bark of the plant that is mostly utilised in these preparations. It is found chiefly in Hanover, St Thomas, St James, Westmoreland and St Mary. Many Rastafarians use it. People interested in getting the plant will find it in most food markets across the island. There is also a beautiful Ra-moon tree at Dunn’s River Falls which is easy to spot as it is highlighted with a name tag. I have drunk the Ra-moon tea and can testify to its potency. Even the dust which remains after the branches are removed–usually with a chain saw–is highly sought.

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 fruit vinegar

Ingredients

*1 dozen noni fruit

* 24 bullfrog bananas

* 3 dozen pimento seeds

* 6 bay leaves

* 4 dozen peanut butter fruit

Method

* Wash and drain fruit

* place in a sterilized container

* Add dried herbs

* Cover container tightly and store in a cool dry for three months

* Strain off the liquid and discard the solid

* Add more dry herbs and let stand for at least 6 months to for a potent vinegar

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.