FIG TREE: MANY USES AND LONG HISRORY
Ficus Glomerata , or Ficus Racemosa is the botanical Name for the fig tree. In sinskrit , it known as ‘Anjira” or “Udumbara’. This tree belong to the family of Vanaspati or Moraceae.
If there is one tree that can be said to belong to the history of humanity, it is certainly the fig tree. It shares with the vine and the olive the honor of beingThe most frequently mentioned in the Bible.
It is thought by some, that Adam and Eva used the leaves cover their nakedness.
The Egyptians believe that its fruits followed the acorn as the food of their distant ancestors.They also held the fig tree in veneration making use of it several remedies.
The Hebrews, the Greeks and the Romans cultivated the fig tree. According to historians many wars have been fought to conquer lands producing this delicious fruit.
Eaten all the year round , fresh or dried in the sun by Mediter-ranean people, the fig or Attikka fruit was also used by them as a valuable general remedy. The Old Testament tell us that it was used as poultices to cure abscesses on the gums inflammation of the mouth.
Plato has called the fig the philosopher’s friend, because it is said to strengthen the intelligence. Recent discoveries have shown Attikka or figs as a protection Against possible poisoning.
Eating figs is nourishing and fattening. It is said that 100 grams of fresh fig give 100 calories and 100 grams of dried figs give 250 calories.
Fig taken with dates and raisin in the form of a decoction constitute a remedy for coughs, persistent colds, lung disease in general and also for throat conditions.
For throat irritations, inflammation of the mouth , dental abscesses, gargal or wash the mouth with a hot decoction by boiling 5 or 6 figs in to cups of water or milk for a few minuts. For constipation, wash five or six figs, put them in aboel and cover with lukewarm water, leave to soak overnight and eat the figs first thing in the morning; also drink the water. The fig seeds or pips , are the part of the fruit that have a stimulant and laxative action on the bowel.
For pulmonary complaints ,coughs, chronic bronchitis , whooping coughs and Catarrh drink the same decoction in the course of the day. An infusion of thefresh Attikka leaves can be used as a cough remedy and act on the circulation of blood.They ease difficult menstruation.
For the haemorrhoids, rost some Attikka fruit , crush to powder and mix with honey to make an ointment which should be applied lightly to the affected Glands This powder used like coffee, is also prescribed for pulmonary complain.
There is another decoction prepared with the Attika bark for bleeding piles.Take four kalandas each of bark, young king Coconut flowers, Madan bark(Syzygium cumin) and boil in 8 cups of cold water and simmer it down to one cup.Dosage:1/3 cup of the infusion in two dose, twice a day.
Fig makes a good hair wash.Lice drop off and they cleanse the sclp and keep away dandruff.
Attikka fruits are boiled and eaten for cooling the system. The attikka is a very Effective herb for disorders in blood circulation. Attikka act as an effective herb binding stools. There are many decoctions which include Attikka as aherb for dysentery and diarrhoea.
Take a 4 kalands of tender coconut flowers ,kalanduru(Cyperus rotundus), Attkka bark and make a decoction boiling all together in 8 cup of cold water. Simmer it down to one cup.Dosage:half a tea cup in case of diarrhoea.
Attikka or figs are astringent and carminative. The dried fig is given in dose of 21/2 kalandas with honey in diarrhea during pregnancy.
The external uses of figs are many. When the milky sap (that runs out when a branch is broken or bent) is applied morning and evening on warts and corns and it helped to remove them.
It is a popular local application for momps and other glandular swellings, rheumatic joints and pains in the chest. The fig leaves are soaked in milk And applied with honey to prevent pitting in small pox.
It is a large spreading tree without aerial roots. The leaves are oblong and dark green. Figs grow in clusters on short leafless branches, This tree grow wild in Sri Lanka, especially close to area where water flows. This nice and shady tree, though known as wild tree has many curative properties which are not known to many.
HERBAL FOOD and MEDICINE in SRI LANKA
Dr. Seela Fernando
