Healing Herbs - Silent doctors
in your conkies

BY ANNETTE MAYNARD WATSON

GREETINGS!

To me, the vow that includes the section "to have and to hold from this day forward, for better or worse, in sickness and in health,so help me Creator" ups the holy matrimony between Independence and conkies - the bride being "silent doctor" pumpkin and the groom the banana leaves.

November is the month of my birthday. My mother had given birth to me a few days before the Union Jack was lowered in 1966. I was therefore nurtured in the essence of liberty and conkies, which makes me appreciate the harmonious and nationalistic cultural splendour of joining the pumpkin and banana leaves.

Pumpkin, or Cucurbita maxima, is a member of the Cucurbitaceae family. It contains zinc, beta carotene, alpha-hydroxy acids, antioxidant vitamins A and C, and is low in carbohydrates. It can boost the immune system, may help to prevent cancer and heart disease, and normalise blood pressure.

It repairs free-radical damage to cells, is good for weight watchers and helps in the fight against some kidney and gall bladder challenges.

It also aids in the fight against intestinal worms and reduces the signs of aging.

Consuming raw pumpkin may decrease the risk of lung cancer in smokers.

Pumpkin seeds contain iron, magnesium, phosphorus, potassium, zinc, copper, vitamin A, B1, B2 and B3, omega-3 fatty acids, protein, fibre and manganese. Both the seeds and vegetable are free of cholesterol.

The seeds are mainly used to treat prostate enlargement. Protective compounds within the seed of the pumpkin, called phytosterols, may be responsible for shrinking the prostate. They can treat arthritis and bone mineral density, especially in men.

Additionally, some cultures believe that Adam used a banana leaf and not a fig leaf to cover himself, so they referred to the banana tree as the "Tree of Knowledge of Good and Evil".

However, banana leaves (Musa sp.) were employed to treat toxic epidermal necrolysis (TEN) in India. The young tender leaves can also be used as a dressing for mild bleeding, blisters and inflammation. Folklore also speaks of a tea of the dried leaves to treat diabetes, asthma, constipation and hypertension.

As our nation celebrates Independence we must proclaim the "silent doctors" not only as healers but as proud heroes. May these fields and hill that are our own be put into effective use as havens for these "healing herbs".

Also, when you prepare conkies, healthwise they should be low in sugar and fat and contain "nuff" silent doctors - cornmeal, pumpkin, nutmeg, coconut and sweet potato. Wrap them patriotically in banana leaves and not foil. Later, pledge your allegiance by dining on them with a complementary brew of dried Pride of Barbados leaf tea.

* Annette Maynard-Watson, a teacher and herbal educator, may be contacted at silentdoctors

@gmail.com or 250-6450.

DISCLAIMER: It is not our intention

to prescribe or make specific health claims for any products. Any attempt to diagnose and treat illness should come under the direction of your health careprofessional.