Saturday 27 April 2013

A-Z Challenge --"X" is for Xylopia aethiopica



Well, Hello there!!! I am so pleased that you stopped by  to visit!
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    For the past many years I have had an interest...no, make that a fascination with herbs, spices and seasonings. - About how they were used by our ancestors centuries ago for a variety of ailments, and how they are used today to enhance your favorite recipe.

With this in mind I am attempting to present a different herb, spice or seasoning  for each day of the  A-Z Challenge. Please drop by often and perhaps we both will learn something new.

Learn more about these terms

"X" is for xylopia  aethiopica
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OK, now it's "crunch" time!! I have to admit I really had to work to come up with this one!!  The good thing is that it is short and sweet..... well sort of!!


A tropical west African evergreen tree bearing pungent aromatic seeds used as a condiment and in folk medicine. It is also know as Guinea pepper.

(gernot-katzner-)
 It is present in rain forests, especially near the coast. It also grows in riverine and fringing forest, and as a pioneer species in arid savanna regions.

X. aethiopica is used extensively in construction, African cuisine and traditional medicine. 
In Senegal, the fruit is used to flavor cafe Touba,a coffee drink that  is the country's spiritual beverage and the traditional drink of the Mouride brotherhood. In the Middle Ages the fruit was exported to Europe as a ‘pepper.’ It remains an important item of local trade throughout Africa as a spice, and flavouring for food and for medicine. The fruit is sometimes put into jars of water for purification purposes.
   
Medicinal Uses:
(flickr.com)

An infusion of the plant's bark or fruit has been useful in the treatment of bronchitis and dysenteric conditions, or as a mouthwash to treat toothaches. It has also been used as a medicine for biliousness and febrile pains. The bark, when steeped in palm wine, is used to treat asthma, stomach-aches and rheumatism.






sources:
Wikipedia



Disclaimer

The material provided on this site is designed for information and educational purposes only. The materials are not intended to be a self diagnostic and/or self treatment tool. I encourage you to use this information as a tool for discussing your condition with your health practitioner.    *The medicinal usages are for informational and educational purposes only*

14 comments:

  1. Congratulations on beating the 'X'! It's a tough one, regardless of your theme. You did very well. The finish line is in sight!!
    Kathy at Oak Lawn Images

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    1. Thanks, Kathy. Thank gawd, as I am wanting to be away from this for awhile...
      Patricia, Sugar & Spice & All Things ? Nice

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  2. Never heard of that one. Glad you managed to find an X in your theme. Not easy and to find such an obscure plant was very well done.

    JO ON FOOD, MY TRAVELS AND A SCENT OF CHOCOLATE

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    1. Thanks, Jo. Two more to go.... am anxiously running (panting and huffing) to the finish line!!!

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  3. Awesome you found the herb that begun with the latter X - that is my first. All the best.

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    1. All the best to you as well..... love your travelling site!

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  4. I wonder how big the pods are. That's interesting how this herb can be used for filtering water. I wonder if it can be grown in California.
    Don't be a Hippie
    Take 25 to Hollister

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    1. The pods appear to be abt. 4-5 " in length, re growing in California.... from a Canadian on the east coast, I think anything can grow in California!!!! Hope to "see" you again.

      Patricia, Sugar & Spice & All Things ? Nice

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  5. Well done! I seem to remember resorting to Urtica last year when I was doing food for guinea pigs (it's the common nettle - they love it dried, but not fresh!!)
    Jemima at Jemima's blog

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    1. Thanks so much, Jemima. I love your site and am a new follower. You are a great writer.... have only scratched the surface, but will return later when I have recovered from the Challenge!

      Patricia, Sugar & Spice & All Things ? Nice

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  6. Love the idea of peppery coffee! Congratulations on finding such a tasty X post topic :-)

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    1. Thanks, Lisa, I pretty love coffee with any taste, and I agree that peppery would be a nice change. Tks for stopping by.

      Patricia, Sugar & Spice & All Things ? Nice

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  7. Very informative post ... I really didn't know any of this, but am always happy to see the various medicinal benefits we get from plants/herbs. Thank you.

    Silvia @ Silvia Writes

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  8. X was definitely one of the more challenging letters and you did a great job finding an herb that begins with x. I had never before heard of this and think it would be great fun to try.

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