APPARENTLY TREES that some Barbadians fear are courageously utilized by others.
Two years ago the former head boy of Christ Church Foundation School, Jason Coats, approached Mr Beckles and me about beautifying an area of the school. We held productive meetings with the principal and the project commenced.
Jason and his team did an excellent job and the hard work is now expressing itself through the beauty of the plants. While we worked in that garden area, I had the opportunity to closely observe many legends.
Last week the spotlight was on one of these legends, namely silent doctor golden shower.
This week one of her companions, silent doctor frangipani which is feared by some, is taking centre stage.
Frangipani, or temple flower, is well utilized in other parts of the world. In fact, its flowers are used in the perfume industry.
I am always amazed at how many resources we have in the areas of trees, plants and herbs and we just let them stand idle as we complain about the decline in tourism.
The Creator does not make mistakes and other countries are gainfully utilizing their natural resources. We have the same advantages but it appears as if somewhere buried deep in our minds we believe that tourism is our only business.
We must utilize our plants as agricultural entities for revenue.
In certain parts of the world frangipani is well respected and research findings about it are amazing.
Research published in the International Journal Of Research In Pharmacy And Chemistry on website ijrpc.com/files/31-264.pdf revealed that frangipani is used in some countries for the following challenges.
“A decoction of the bark is used as a purgative and for fever. The material may be taken as a cooling tea for prevention of heat stroke. In addition, 12 to 24 grams of dried material is used as a decoction for controlling dysentery and diarrhoea.
“The latex is mixed with coconut oil which is warmed and applied to affected areas to treat arthritis, rheumatism and pruritic skin lesion.
“A decoction of the bark is used as a counter-irritant on the gums for toothache and for cracks and eruptions on the soles of the feet, and an infusion or extract from the leaves is used to control asthma.”
Further research revealed that the root bark is used for gonorrhoea, venereal sores and as a purgative.
In Mexico, the flowers are used to treat diabetes. It can also treat scabies, dermatitis and herpes and the root bark has abortive properties.
Finally, it’s time to re-learn about the almost forgotten fragrance flower tree named frangipani.
Annette Maynard-Watson, a teacher and herbal educator, may be contacted via silentdoctors@ gmail.com or by telephone 250-6450.
DISCLAIMER: It is not our intention to prescribe or make specific claims for any products. Any attempts to diagnose or treat real illness should come under the direction of your health care provider.
