Due to popular demand we are reaching into our archives! Today we publish the May 3, 2007 edition of Buckston and Huber’s Alternative.

Cayenne or bird pepper as it is known locally is a staple and medicine for people the world over. It is one of the most powerful and yet harmless natural stimulants, owing to its nonnarcotic properties.

Widely used in Africa, Asia, the Caribbean, as well as in South and Central America, cayenne is from the Solanaceae family and originated from Zanzibar — the island off the coast of Tanzania that is now officially the Republic of Tanzania.

It is now found in most tropical and subtropical countries where there are many varieties, ranging from Jamaican bird pepper to the African red pepper and the American chili pepper.

Cayenne derives its name from the Greek “to bite” — in allusion to the hot pungent properties of the fruit and seeds — and has acclimatised well to life on the African continent, where the hottest peppers come from. Since its introduction to Britain from India in 1548, it has become appreciated in the cooler countries of North America and Europe.

It is deeply incorporated into the East Indian culture, and Afro-American slaves were the first to use cayenne pepper in the New World.

Cayenne may be used as a condiment and as medicine. It is especially good for colds and flu. Swallow two peppers twice a day or sprinkle a small amount of the powdered herb over your meal or make some tea with the powder to do the trick. It’s also a powerful stimulant, which influences the heart immediately and equalises blood pressure. It is good for internal and external bleeding, and acts as a catalyst for other herbal medicines to work effectively.

People who suffer from strokes, heart attack, arthritis, rheumatism and backaches due to kidney disorders should find it helpful. It is also very beneficial in cases of diabetes as it lowers the blood sugar level and will alleviate kidney problems. It is also the best thing for healing ulcerated stomach.

Particularly effective for healing old ulcerated wounds (sore foot) in quick time, cayenne pepper powder can be combined with golden seal or slippery elm and placed on the wound. It is useful also to ward off diseases because it cleanses and equalises blood pressure and rebuilds the body’s cells and tissues.

In addition, it is beneficial for aging people. It is said to prevent heart attacks and can act as an internal disinfectant against tumours, sore throat, chills, congestion and indigestion. It also aids in the assimilation and elimination of the large and small intestines. It is great, too, for indigestion as it helps to rid the body of gas and heals the stomach while digestion continues to take place. It is also a good agent for suppressed menstruation.

I have used it even for eye lotion with aloe vera and the doctor has informed me that my eyes are healthy. Taking cayenne alone internally helps the eyes, especially for diabetics.

In preparing the eye lotion, you only need a tincture of cayenne to half a pint of aloe vera/rosemary (boiled together). This is a good eye cleanser and is also very good for sore throat.

How to prepare a tincture

Method

* Use alcohol as a preservative. The best of

them is vodka, but you can also use gin, brandy or rum.

* Use four ounces of powdered or cut herb to one pint of vodka, rum, gin or brandy.

* Combine both in a clean container and shake well.

* Leave for two weeks (shaking the mixture daily).

* After two weeks, let the herbs settle and pour off the tincture by straining it through a piece of cheese cloth.

NB: A little glycerine or honey can be used to improve the taste of the tincture, if it is to be used internally. Vinegar can also be used to prepare the tincture for external uses. In this case, you can use cider vinegar.

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.

Ensuring a good night’s rest

Acouple mentioned to me recently that they were suffering from insomnia. While my colleague Buckston mentioned some herbs helpful for the condition, you can try to assure a good night’s rest by observing the following:

* consume no ‘heavy’ meals at least three hours before rest

time;

* exercise or engage in physical activity during the day;

* ensure your bedroom is well ventilated;

* do deep breathing exercises before bed;

* take a barefoot walk in the grass after a shower of rain or in

the night dew; and

* finish the day’s business and review how you spent it, then mentally change what was not satisfying to you and

prepare yourself for the new day. Do not be held back by unfinished business!

Additionally:

* surround yourself with people who are supportive of you;

* find your calling. Fulfilment and happiness are important

to your general wellbeing;

* read something spiritually uplifting;

* relax for a while with the sounds and sights of nature;

* have a nice, warm herbal bath before going to bed; and

* if possible, get someone to give you a massage.

One OBSERVER WEST reader I spoke to recently at the Charles Gordon Market in Montego Bay asked me to write something about peanuts. It is my pleasure, and in keeping with the tradition of this column, to give you a recipe that I have enjoyed since coming to Jamaica and embarking on this ital levity.

Peanut rice Ingredients:

* 2 cups rice

* 1 cup peanut

* 1/2 cup split peas (green or yellow) or 1/2 cup blackeyed peas

* pimento, thyme, rosemary, pepper, onion, garlic, tomato, celery

* Cabbage, callaloo, pak choi, mustard (greens)

* Dry herbal seasoning (of your choice or your creation)

* Milk of 1/2 a small coconut

Method

1. Wash and cut all ingredients. 2. Bring two cups of water to a boil. 3. Add peanuts, pepper and black-eyed peas (if you chose to use it), pimento and thyme and cook until half-done (about 15 – 20 minutes). 4. Add rice and split peas, seasonings and coconut milk. 5. Adjust water to cook rice, about 1/2 inch above the rice. 6. Add the greens when the rice is above water level. 7. Simmer and remove from heat when done. 8. Stir and let sit for 10 minutes with cover off pot so steam can escape.

Enjoy this three hours before you plan to get your well-deserved rest. Until next time.

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.

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.