FREIDA NICHOLLS, who is a two-time Olympian, is the leader and woman whom I most admire. She holds that esteemed place behind my mother as an exceptional, charismatic and motivational leader.
In retrospect, Ms Nicholls made a decision about my life that was priceless and her conscious suggestions caused me to flourish.
A dearly departed elder informed me about that priceless decision and I often hope that more leaders exist who truly care about the welfare of others.
Real leaders show kindness, love, support, understanding and respect to workers. They often avoid adding stress to the work environment through unethical practices.
I am sure that Ms Nicholls is not aware of my admiration of her humane qualities. This often reminds me of the need to treat others with the utmost respect and kindness. We never know whose life we can secretly touch, therefore we must always be mindful how we treat others.
I feel such gratitude towards Ms Nicholls that if she needed a pint of blood to save her life, I will be at her beck and call. She touched my life in an extraordinary way.
When I think about her, silent doctor clammy cherry explodes in my mind. I am dedicating this superb herb to her.
Cordia obliqua or fragrant manjack, glue berry, Indian cherry, losora, Sebestain plum or soap berry is a member of the Boraginaceae family.
We may remember using the fruit of the tree to glue our books back together at primary school, but in some countries the fruit is pickled and sold commercially. However, clammy cherry has other uses:
In some countries, it is used for boils, stomach ache and headache, mouth ulcers, colicky pains, indigestion, to strengthen teeth, for depression, to reduce fever and as a sexual enhancer.
 Java and Bengal – used as a tonic.
 Java – the fruit treats uterus, gonorrhoea, urethra, chest challenges and as a laxative.
 Punjab – expectorant and for ringworms.
 India – colic and pain.
 Ayurveda – fever, leprosy and dyspepsia.
 Barbados – cooling tea Â
 Pakistan – fever, irritation in the urinary passage, for thirst and dry mouth.
The most amazing part of the clammy cherry tree is the fruit which research shows as hepatprotective, anti-inflammatory, analgesic, expectorant, demulcent, aphrodisiac, diuretic and anthelmintic.Â
Finally, clammy cherry must not be underestimated in the healing process. I implore readers, especially in the Caribbean, to pay particular attention to the fruit of this tree which is commercially sold. So go out there and find those trees and do research.
 Annette Maynard-Watson, a teacher and herbal educator, may be contacted via [email protected] 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.
