Once upon a time, long ago in a well maintained, sunny kitchen garden in Dark Hole lived some magical lusty green vines named “silent doctor” spinach.
Now, there were three spinach vines that crept up on the enchanted bungalow of Mr Sphinx. They grew, stretched and wrapped around the roof of the bungalow until they caught the attention of Mrs Polly, the village seamtress who worked for Mr Sphinx, and often complained about anaemia, poor vision, constipation, liver congestion and acidity.
One day Mrs Polly decided to use some of Mr Sphinx’s spinach. She had read somewhere to use two teaspoons of lime or lemon juice to assist with absorption of iron.
Mrs Polly enjoyed the spinach juiced or steamed. She seldom cooked it. As the weeks went by, her health challenges improved significantly.
Mrs Polly was so happy she decided to tell the entire nation how she felt.
Therefore, from village to village the word spread; so now everyone in Dark Hole, including Olive and Popeye, were using spinach.
From that day onward, Mrs Polly and the other villagers lived happily ever after. In this the 21st century, I am now charged with presenting the latest research findings.
Spinach or Spinacia oleracea belongs to the chenopodiaceae family. I call it “Monarch Of The Greens”. Its properties include antioxidants, some amino acids, water, chlorophyll, vitamin A, B 2 and 6, C, E and K, magnesium, fibre, manganese, folate, iron, calcium, iodine, potassium, copper, protein, phosphorus, zinc, niacin, selenium and Omega 3 fatty acids.
Research indicates that spinach can improve the immune system.
It can also be employed for bronchitis, haemorrhoids, dyspepsia (chronic indigestion), asthma, diabetes, high cholesterol; breast, colon and prostate cancer; weak eyes, tumours, obesity, insomnia, high blood pressure, poor circulation, neuritis, skin and hair challenges, atherosclerosis, intestinal worms, osteoporosis, kidneys, bladder and liver challenges, duodenal ulcers, bleeding gums and headaches, including migraines.
It supports the thyroid gland and can also be employed for psoriasis, acne, abscesses, burns, wounds and asthenia. It is a detoxifier.
A spinach recipe for constipation: one cup of spinach juice, two to three carrots and a small piece of fresh ginger. Blend ingredients for ten minutes and use as recommended.
In conclusion, may the Creator bless you as the light of spinach sparkles. Continue to positively focus on its taste, nutritional and healing nature. Additionally, it is “children-friendly” and small amounts of spinach in “bakes” is good, considering all the talk about iron overdose from iron prescriptions.
It grows easily in Barbados, so check its purple berries. Follow folklore, consider spinach, like Mrs Polly and the villagers from Dark Hole.
Maybe, you too can live happily ever after.
• Annette Maynard-Watson, teacher and herbal educator, may be contacted at silentdoctors@gmail.com or telephone 250-6450.
DISCLAIMER: It is not our intention to prescribe or make specific health claims for any products. Any attempt to diagnose and treat real illness should come under the direction of your health care professional.
