As I sat and pondered, I could not help asking why the priest was so puzzled as he sat by the bed of Little George who was ailing and approaching his 48th birthday.
You see, when Little George was five, a community icon told him that he would never fulfill his dream of becoming a police officer. In academic terms it is called the self-fulfilling prophecy. These were the icon’s exact words: “Little George, your mother was so wicked that you will never fulfil your dreams of becoming a police officer because you will die.”
Little George actually believed that statement and as time passed, he got sick.
I too have witnessed how negative statements can cripple the lives of others. We should avoid speaking negative actions into the lives of others, especially young children. I have seen the psychological harm negative words can cause.
In retrospect, as a young teacher, I may have made some negative statements to my pupils. If I have done that to anyone, I am asking for forgiveness.
That being said, when we are under the spell of the negative effects of the “self-fulfilling prophecy”, after seeking professional assistance we can relax by tending to plants. One of the plants that is very healing is Barbadian- grown silent doctor desert rose or Adenium obesum (Forsk.) Roem. Et Schult. It is one of the most spiritual and powerful plants I have nurtured. Research shows that desert roses are used as follows in other cultures.
• Arabian Culture – The sap and bark are used to treat bone dislocation, rheumatism, sprains, paralysis, swellings, wounds and skin infections.
• Saudi Arabia and Yemen – The juice from the stem and crushed bark is applied on wounds.
• Somalia – Roots decoction used as nose drops for rhinitis.
• Kenya – Latex is rubbed on the head for lice.
• Sahel, Africa – A decoction of roots, alone or in combination with other plants, is used for treatment of venereal diseases. Root or bark extract is used as bah or lotion for skin diseases and lice. The latex is used for decaying teeth and septic wounds.
Finally, care for a desert rose and stop worrying.
• 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 direccton of your health care provider
