September 24, 2008

Acacia


Acacia seeds are often used for food and a variety of other products.
In Burma, Laos and Thailand, the feathery shoots of Acacia pennata (common name cha-om, ชะอม and su pout ywet in Burmese) are used in soups, curries, omelettes, and stir-fries.
Honey made by bees using the acacia flower as forage is considered a delicacy, appreciated for its mild flowery taste, soft running texture and glass-like appearance. Acacia honey is one of the few honeys which does not crystallize.[4]In Mexico the seeds are known as Guajes: Guajes or huajes are the flat, green pods of an acacia tree. The pods are sometimes light green or deep red in color -- both taste the same. Guaje seeds are about the size of a small lima bean and are eaten raw with guacamole, sometimes cooked and made into a sauce. They can also be made into fritters. The ground seeds are used to impart a slightly garlicy flavor to a mole called guaxmole (huaxmole). The dried seeds may be toasted and salted and eaten as a snack referred to as "cacalas". Purchase whole long pods fresh or dried at Mexican specialty markets.


Acacia farnesiana is used in the perfume industry due to its strong fragrance. The use of Acacia as a fragrance dates back centuries. In The Bible, burning of acacia wood as a form of incense is mentioned several times.

Many Acacia species have important uses in traditional medicine. Most all of the uses have been shown to have a scientific basis, since chemical compounds found in the various species have medicinal effects. In Ayurvedic medicine, Acacia nilotica is considered a remedy that is helpful for treating premature ejaculation. A 19th century Ethiopian medical text describes a potion made from an Ethiopian species of Acacia (known as grar) mixed with the root of the tacha, then boiled, as a cure for rabies.[6] An astringent medicine, called catechu or cutch, is procured from several species, but more especially from Acacia catechu, by boiling down the wood and evaporating the solution so as to get an extract.

Alkaloids:
Egyptian goddess Isis
As mentioned previously, Acacias contain a number of organic compounds that defend them from pests and grazing animals.[3] Many of these compounds are psychoactive in humans. The alkaloids found in Acacias include dimethyltryptamine (DMT), 5-methoxy-dimethyltryptamine (5-MeO-DMT) and N-methyltryptamine (NMT). The plant leaves, stems and/or roots are sometimes made into a brew together with some MAOI-containing plant and consumed orally for healing, ceremonial or religious uses. Egyptian mythology has associated the acacia tree with characteristics of the tree of life (cf. article on the Legend of Osiris and Isis).

More psychoactive and properties of acacia



September 14, 2008

: ::Umeboshi: ::


The ume plum
Prunus mume has been used for over 2,000 years in China as a food and for its health promoting properties. Through the influence of Buddhism the knowledge of ume plum cultivation spread to Japan. There are written accounts dating from 10th century Japan describing the salted and pickled umeboshi plums. The desire to preserve the revered plum and yet to keep its sodium content low, led to the development of ume concentrate called 'bai-niku' or 'bai-niku ekisu.' The development of ume plum concentrate that is convenient to store and lasts for years, expanded the value of the ume plum. By the 1920s ume plum concentrate's beneficial properties were so highly revered that the Japanese military distributed it as an antiseptic to soldiers and sailors to prevent dysentery and motion sickness.
Ume Plum foods are often referred to as the 'king of alkaline food.' Its concentrate is used in traditional health regimens to achieve optimal balance. Plum Concentrate's organic acids and minerals are believed to provide not only nutrients but combine to form a 'super tonic'. Plum Concentrate is rich in citric acid that readily combines with minerals in the foods we eat, creating an easily absorbed mineral salt. Traditionally valued as a digestive aid and for its antibacterial properties.
Simply use a small spoon to measure 1 gram of concentrate. Place the concentrate in hot water or tea, stir and drink while hot. It can also be taken right off the spoon.
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