ELDERBERRIES: ELDER TREE: MEDICINAL BENEFITS, HISTORY AND SUPERSTITIONS: ELDERBERRY SYRUP FOR COUGHS AND COLDS

ELDERBERRIES, ELDER TREE, SAMBUCUS NIGRA

The European elder tree, Sambucus nigra is native to the British Isles, Africa and parts of Asia, and has been naturalized in the US which also has the Sambucus canadenisis elder, and the red-berried Sambucus racemosus variety of elder. In fact there are quite a few different types of elder around the world, but here we concentrate on the European variety which has a long history, because of this, the elder flowers are a separate post.

  The Elder was a sacred tree to the Druids who would not take any part of the tree without first asking humbly for permission to do so. It is a tree in the Celtic calendar, and represents similar qualities to that of the astrological sign Sagittarius, the archer. The person born under this sign is a seeker, who is blunt, honest, deeply thoughtful and a philosopher, seeking truth with a passion and fire. This is the sign for late November to late December. The elder is symbolic of Transition, Evolution and Continuation. It was used as a healing herb, and the later Physicians of Myddfai used the juice from the berries to cure the bite of a viper or adder, the only venomous snake found in Britain. They believed that if bitten by a viper the juice when drunk would “disperse all poison”. In Welsh superstition if you stand under an elder tree (Ysgawen in Welsh) on Midsummer’s Eve you can see the “little people” and have visions of other worldly creatures. If you have wands from the elder, they will keep away evil spirits, witches and witchcraft, and banish negative thoughts, such as those which might lead to suicide. This may be because it was believed that Judas hanged himself on the elder tree when he was overcome with remorse for having betrayed Judas. The tree, in legend, used to grow much taller than it does today, now it grows to about 30 feet and is more of a shrub than a tree. There is an old rhyme which says: -

   “Bour tree-Bour tree; crooked rong

    Never straight and strong;

    Ever bush and never tree

    Since our Lord was nailed on thee.”

This is a reference to an old tradition that Jesus’ cross was made from an elder tree. In the 14^th century it was called a bour tree. In Shakespeare’s play “Cymbeline” the elder tree is a symbol of grief and referred to as “the stinking elder” because of the smell of the bruised leaves and the flowers. Despite the smell people admire its beauty when in blossom and make wine from both the flowers and the berries. In “Love’s Labour Lost” Shakespeare writes “Judas was hanged on an Elder” and in the 14^th century Langland writes in “Piers Plowman”

   “Judas he japed with Jewen silver

     And sithen an eller hanged hymselve”

which means that Judas played with the Jews’ silver and therefore hanged himself on an elder tree. Sir John Mandeville writing about his travels states that he was shown an elder tree identical to the one Judas hanged himself on close to the Pool of Shiloam, so the elder has strong associations with the Bible, and particularly beliefs prevalent in Mediaeval times. Flouting traditional thought of his time though, Gerard, the herbalist, states that “the tree whereon Judas did hange himselfe” was the Judas Tree, or Cercis siliqustrum.

   Whatever the case even as late as the early 20^th century, hedge cutters in rural Britain would not cut the elder and gypsies are forbidden to use its wood as firewood. That may be wise, as the branches spit bits of flaming bark as it burns.

 Folkard, in “Plant-Lore, Legends and Lyrics,” tells us:

'The pith of the branches when cut in round, flat shapes, is dipped in oil, lighted, and then put to float in a glass of water; its light on Christmas Eve is thought to reveal to the owner all the witches and sorcerers in the neighbourhood';

and he continues,

'On Bertha Night (6th January), the devil goes about with special virulence. As a safeguard, persons are recommended to make a magic circle, in the centre of which they should stand, with Elderberries gathered on St. John's night. By doing this, the mystic Fern-seed may be obtained, which possesses the strength of thirty or forty men.'

   The twigs are flexible and the pith inside them can be removed and superstitious country people tie three or four knots in them to protect themselves from bad luck and evil influences. Little boys use the hollowed stems as whistles and in Culpeper’s day they were used as pop-guns. In ancient Greece and Rome they were made into wind instruments, pan-pipes and flutes, for example. The music from these could, it was believed, get rid of evil spirits and protect from witchcraft, just as the leaves gathered on the last day of April and fixed to doors and windows could. Farmers used to make a cross from the twigs of the elder and place them in stables and cow byres to protect their animals.

   The leaves and juice from them can be used to repel insects, and the bruised leaves can be rubbed on the skin to protect from insect bites. In the 17^th century it was believed that if other crops were whipped with bunches of elder laves no blight would attack them. If you take a handful of fresh bruised leaves and pour a pint of boiling water on them and leave this to cool, you can strain then bottle it and use on the skin as an insect repellent.

   In the late 17^th and 18^th century, elderberry juice was used to adulterate port, until this practice was outlawed in Portugal in 1747. They believed that drinking the juice with port was cure for the pain of sciatica and neuralgia.

  Hippocrates recommended the bark for a purgative, and it is an emetic. You can make this with 1 ounce of dried bark (dried in the sun and taken in at night until it turns a grey colour) to 1 pint of water and boil it, then take small doses of it. It was also used as a diuretic. A tisane of dried berries was given in cases of colic and diarrhoea. The leaves have been applied to swellings and gout to relieve the pain, as well as on wounds when boiled with a little linseed oil. This liquid was also used for piles. The Romans used the juice from the berries for black hair dye, and Culpeper also mentions that they can be used for this purpose. Elderberry syrup is good for coughs, colds and flu, as is hot elderberry wine with honey or sugar. Elderberries can be made into jam, preserves and conserves. To take the berries from the stalks you can use an “afro” comb, taking care no to bruise the fruit.

  A tisane can be made from the fresh of dried berries by taking a fresh head of berries and boiling them in two cups of water, then leaving to stand for 10 mins, before straining, reheating and drinking with honey if desired.

  Medical trials are still underway on the elderberry, but as the berries contain flavonoids they have antioxidant properties, so may be good for prevention of heart diseases and cancer. They may, scientists say, have anti-inflammatory properties, and reduce the swellings of the mucus membranes for example the sinuses. They may also have antiviral properties as they have been effective against swine flu, or the H1N1 virus, as they were in lab tests, but they have not been tested on humans for these properties. Scientists can sat without any doubt that they boost the immune system, so a glass of hot elderberry wine every night as taken by country folk for centuries, may well ward off colds and flu and help with sore throats and mouths.

  The Italian liqueur, Sambuca is made form elderberries and anise traditionally.

  Pregnant and breast-feeding women should avoid elderberries say the scientists.

The syrup recipe below is for coughs and colds and should be diluted, with water to taste.

ELDERBERRY SYRUP

Ingredients

1 pint of berries

2 pints water

1 inch piece root ginger, peeled and sliced

10 cloves

Method

Boil all the ingredients together until the liquid is reduced by half.

Allow to cool and bottle.

Take a wineglass full of syrup and dilute with hot water and drink every night to ward off clods and flu. If you have a cold then take this dose three times a day until the symptoms have gone.

This has Taste and is a Treat(ment).

SAINT JOHN'S WORT HERB- SYMBOL OF INVINCIBILITY, COURAGE, POWER AND FERTILITY: MEDICINAL BENEFITS AND USES OF SAINT JOHN'S WORT

SAINT JOHN’S WORT, HYPERIUM PERFORATUM

Saint John’s Wort, or plant, has been used in medicine for thousands of years to heal wounds and banish the demons of depression and to protect from witchcraft. Today medical research has found that the plant can do those things the ancients used it for. The name Hyperium comes from the Greek and means over the apparition. The Romans and Greeks used it to protect themselves and their homes from all evil influences. It has such a noxious smell that it was believed spirits would fly from it. St John’s Wort was a sacred herb of the Druids, and its various names in Welsh illustrate its uses.

  This herb has many names. One of them is tutsan, which is a corruption of the French, toute sain, or all-healing. In Welsh it is called “blessed herb of an earnest prayer” – Creu-lys-bendiged, Bail y Trwch, which has a double meaning; leaf of the lame, or the desolate man and Erinllys. The Romans called it the demon chaser, or flee demons Fuga Daemonum. Of course in ancient times melancholy and depression were thought to be brought about by evil spirits, and St John’s Wort has been proved to cure mild depression, as it improves the flow of serotonin and dopamine other “happiness” inducing substances to the brain. In former times it was used in exorcism ceremonies.

   The Celts would pass it through or over their midsummer eve’s fires and wear it into battle as they believed the herb made warriors invincible. It was a symbol of invincibility, courage, power and fertility, and used to attract true love into one’s life. When placed under a young girl’s pillow on St John’s Eve, she was supposed to dream of her future husband. It is called St John’s Wort because it flowers on (or around St John’s Day, 24^th June, which is said to be the birthday of John the Baptist).

   St John’s Wort is native to Europe, parts of Africa and Asia and has been employed for much the same ailments. In the Indian subcontinent it has been used in cases of fever and was also used by the Welsh physicians of Myddfai along with other herbs such as agrimonyand mugwort to cure fevers and to rid the body of stones and gravel in the organs. It was either naturalized in the western states of America, or it may have been an indigenous species, as it was also used by Native Americans. However the settlers might have taken it with them as it was a common healing herb in Europe.

  The parts of the plant usually used are the flowers and the leaves which contain hypericin and pseudohypericin, and which can be made into a tisane with 1 cup of boiling water to 2-4 tsps of dried herb. Leave it to steep for 10 minutes and drink 3 cups a day; you will see results in 3 to 4 weeks.You need twice the amount of the fresh herb and should leave it to steep for 15 minutes before straining and drinking. It will cure mild depression but you should take care as it can have some side effects, such as headaches, upset stomach, a rash, fatigue, restlessness, mental confusion or dizziness and in extreme cases may lead to a sensitivity to sunlight, photodermatitis. If this occurs you should wear a hat and sunblock when you go out in sunlight. Pregnant and breast-feeding women should avoid it although it can help with PMT (PMS) and menopausal symptoms of mood swings. All these things have been medically proven. However folk remedies suggest that children who suffer from night time incontinence should have a cup before going to bed, and it is said to cure the problem.

   Modern research has shown that this herb has anti-viral and anti-bacterial properties in lab tests, and that it can kill viruses that have become resistant to antibiotics. It is believed that it may eventually be beneficial in the treatment of HIV/AIDS, but is not recommended at present as the side effects could be intolerable.

   Researchers do say that it can be effective in treating menopausal symptoms especially if used with black cohash as this helps prevent mood swings. It can also help in the treatment of Seasonal Affective Disorder or SAD especially when used with phototherapy as this yields better results than phototherapy alone. Applied directly to outer parts of the body the tisane or a stronger decoction (made by boiling the herb until the water is reduced by half and allowing to cool) can help treat minor burns, eczema, wounds and haemorrhoids as it has antibacterial properties and may also reduce inflammation.

   It has been used for mastitis, jaundice, depression and improved concentration, anxiety, sleep disturbances and neuralgia in traditional medicine. You can make an infusion of the flowers by leaving them to steep in cold water overnight, or if you need it quickly, by boiling them in a little water and then making a paste with a little cornflour and applying this to a clean bandage and applying it to a rash, minor burn or wound. Culpeper recommended and oil made from the flowers for swellings and burns. The oil can be made by gathering the flowers and steeping them in oil. Fill a glass jar with the flower heads and then pour in the oil to cover; olive oil is good, but you can use other oil of your choosing. The fresh sap from the stems of the plant and the leaves can be thinned with chamomile tisane for burns, ear infections, bruises and mastitis.

   You should harvest the flowers in late June or early July, tie them loosely in bundles and hang them upside down to dry in a cool, dark, airy place. When they are dry, crumble them into glass jars and store in a cool place out of direct sunlight.

    The herbs used to be picked and put in jars on windowsills to protect the household from evil and lightning, and the ravages of storms. In Wales the herb was picked and a sprig for each member of the household was hung on a rafter inside the house. The sprigs were checked the next day to check on the health of each person, and this was thought to show the health of those far away too.

   St John’s Wort is a useful herb to have around and can be easily stored once dried, it has a multitude of uses and has been clinically tested although not always wholeheartedly approved as research is still ongoing. The researchers do say, however, that this herb has fewer side effects in treatment for mild depression than the pharmaceuticals prescribed by doctors. However you should check out if you should use the herb with your doctor as it can have contra-indications if used with some drugs for pre-existing conditions.

  

  

WHAT ARE BIOFLAVONOIDS? WHY DO WE NEED THEM?

BIOFLAVONOIDS, VITAMINS P

Bioflavonoids or vitamins P are water-soluble plant pigments rich in antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antiallergenic, antiviral and anti-carcinogenic properties. When combined with Vitamin C they are both increased in potency. Together they stimulate the production of bile and so help the digestive system, lower cholesterol levels, treat and prevent cataracts and maintain the health of collagen which is vital for healthy skin and of course this helps slow the aging process of the skin.

  Bioflavonoids are found together with vitamin C in elder flowers, onions, citrus fruits such as pomelo and many other plant foods.

Apigenin. This repairs cell DNA and helps to prevent cancer. It can be found in apples, chamomile, onions, oregano, rosemary and passion flowers among other things.

Betanin performs the same functions as apigenin and is to be found in purple skinned aubergines, beetroot and red and purple grapes, etc.

rosemary

Biochanin A lowers cholesterol levels and is found in red clover, alfalfa, chickpeas etc.

Delphinidin plus vitamin E reduces or delays the risk of Alzheimer’s and dementia as well as thinning the blood which improves circulation. This is found in blueberries, red currants, and dark grape juice.

Diosmin this strengthens the capillaries and improves blood circulation as well as having anti-bacterial and anti fungal properties. It can be found in spearmint, rosemary, and in lemon and bergamot oils.

Ellagic acid destroys carcinogens and has soothing effects so alleviates anxiety. It is to be found in nuts, including almonds, berries, grapes and a whole host of other plant foods.

passion flower

Hesperidin has antiviral and anti bacterial properties and combats the herpes virus. It also helps prevent colds and flu. It lowers cholesterol levels, strengthens the walls of the blood vessels and is in hyssop and citrus fruits such as pomelo.

Hyperin can cure mild depression and helps with mental problems. It also helps to regenerate the cells. This is a phytonutrients which is found in St. John’s Wort.

Kaempferol has antidepressant qualities and reduces the risk of heart disease. It also has antibacterial and antifungal properties and combats the E.coli bacteria. You can find it in cloves, dill, elder flower and passion flowers, broccoli, brussel sprouts, apples, etc.

Lycopene has been found to protect against prostate cancer and heart disease. This can be found in dandelion flowers, tomatoes and sunflowers. This is what makes watermelons and tomatoes red.

Myricetin helps prevent prostate cancer and is in grapes, walnuts, herbs and other plants.

Along with Quercetin and Kaempferol it helps to protect against pancreatic cancer.

Nobility has anticoagulant properties so prevents blood clots in the body. It is found in bitter and sweet oranges, grapefruit, tangerines, and mandarins.

Quercetin is an antihistamine, has antioxidant, antibacterial, antiviral, anti-inflammatory and anti-cancer effects. It is also called meletin and has been used to treat abnormal capillary fragility. It strengthens blood vessels helps those who bleed and bruise easily, and prevents varicose veins from bleeding as well as stopping heavy menstrual flow. It is also believed to help reduce prostate inflammation, remedies cystitis, and helps in cases of atherosclerosis and cataracts. It is found in he bark and rind of many plants and is in oak bark, elder flowers, fenugreek, asparagus, lemon juice, onions and other root vegetables, parsley and beans.

flax

Rutin calms the heart, nerves and brain, and enhances the properties of vitamin C. It has antioxidant properties and so may inhibit the growth of some cancers. It also has anti-inflammatory effects and is found in elder flowers, passion flowers, buckwheat, hops, fennel and chamomile.

Secoisolariciresinol diglycoside is a lignan in flax seeds and their oil which has anti-tumour properties which suppress the oestrogen and tumour producing enzymes.

This is the list as it stands at the moment, although more may be added later.

WHITE CLOVER- BEE BREAD: FOUR LEAVED CLOVER FOR LUCK

WHITE CLOVER, TRIFOLIUM REPENS, SAFED TARFEEL IN URDU

White clover is not used in medicine or cookery as much as red clover is. Both clovers are native to the British Isles, the rest of Europe, and parts of Asia and the Mediterranean. Red clover grows even in the Arctic Circle, and surprisingly perhaps, this is the one we use most although the honey from white clover is recognized as one of the best. Bees will spend more time gathering pollen from the white variety than they will from the red.

 White clover is used as a pasture crop when crops are rotated as the microbes in the root system fix nitrogen which means that the plant uses atmospheric nitrogen and converts it into a form that plants can utilize. This helps the soil and crops planted in it the following year will produce a better commercial yield than if the white clover had not been planted in it the previous year.

   White clover grows prolifically and when I was a child my father always complained about it as it grew on the lawn along with other weeds such as dandelions, daisies, buttercups and red clover. These days, however, white clover is sold as an alternative lawn covering to grass.

    Trifolium means three leaved, and clover can occasionally be four-leaved. This is believed to be lucky and I remember that while at school we once discovered a small patch of four-leaved clovers on the school playing-field. As the annual fete was coming up we decided to display one of our four-leaved clovers and charge people to search for their own. We made quite a bit of money that way and I think one person actually found one that we had missed.

   You may remember that in Thomas Hardy’s novel “Far from the Madding Crowd”, the sheep get into the clover field and gorge themselves and have to be ‘punctured’ by Gabriel Oak so that they don’t die. These days, white clover has been developed which doesn’t contain the toxic glycoside which turns into prussic acid in an animal’s body. Deer and other animals and birds can now eat clover with impunity, which is just as well as they seem to relish it.

   Masters, writing in 1869 tells us that witches used to gather white clover flowers at night when the moon was full, so that it could be added to their potions along with vervain and other herbs. He also says “…young girls in search of a token of perfect happiness made quest of the plant by day.” By this he must have meant the four-leaved clover, not the ordinary one.

   Ella Higginson (1861-1940), an American poet and story writer wrote these lines about the clover: -

     “One leaf is for hope and one is for faith

       And one is for love, you know,

       And God put another in for luck,

       If you search, you will find where they grow.”

The white markings on the leaves were believed, in the Middle Ages, to be symbolic of the Holy Trinity by the superstitious peasants. The white clover was first cultivated in the Netherlands and so is sometimes called “Dutch clover”.

VITAMINS ARE NECESSARY FOR HEALTH

VITAMINS: HOW THEY WORK IN OUR BODIES AND DIETS

There are two sorts of vitamins, those that are fat-soluble, vitamins A, D, E and K and those that are water-soluble, vitamins C and the B-complex vitamins which we have listed elsewhere. Some vitamins have alphabetical listings but are part of the B-complex group and these are mentioned below.

Vitamin A There are two vitamin As. A1 which is retinol, and vitamin A2 which is dehydroretinol. They are concerned with the normal functioning of the retina, the growth of bones and the growth and differentiation of the epithelial tissue. They are also necessary for the reproductive system and the immune system. Vitamin A promotes the regeneration of rhodopsin (visual purple) in the rod cells of the retina. It prevents the disorder commonly called night blindness, and can be found in bilberries, and other fruits as well as in liver, kidney, egg yolks, the fat compound of dairy products as well as vegetables.

Vitamin C (ascorbic acid) This resembles glucose in its molecular structure and is found in citrus fruits including pomelo(chakotera), tomatoes, broccoli and cabbage etc. It boosts the immune system and helps us ward off colds and flu. It also has antioxidant properties, and so promotes blood circulation. A vitamin C deficiency leads to the loosening of the teeth, gingivitis (bleeding gums) and poor wound healing.

Vitamin D There are two forms of this vitamin too; D2 which is ergocalciferol and D3 called cholecalciferol. vitamin D2 is synthesized in the skin and scientists consider it to be a hormone. Vitamin D3 is the form of vitamin D which is usually found in dietary supplements. It can be found in some fish liver oils, egg yolks and processed, fortified dairy products. A deficiency of this vitamin can cause rickets in children and osteomalacia in adults. The body needs it for healthy bone and tissue growth. However if you have too much vitamin D it will lead to a loss of calcium from the bones and can lead to kidney dysfunctions.

Vitamin E This is high in antioxidant properties, so will help the body combat the free radicals which cause damage to cells and cancer. It is found in wheat germ and cereal germs, liver, egg yolks and green plants including brussel sprouts, milk fat and vegetable oil, and seed oil e.g. pumpkin seeds. It is necessary for the reproduction process and healthy muscle development.

Vitamin G is riboflavin from the B-complex group.

Vitamin H is biotin also from the B-complex group.

Vitamin K . This helps blood clotting for quick wound healing. It is found in leafy green vegetables, including those used to make saag, spinach, fenugreek leaves etc., butter, cheese and egg yolks. It is split into three, vitamin K1 is phytonadione, K2 is menaquinone and K3 is menadione.

Vitamin M is folacin or folic acid. This is also B9 and found in asparagus and turnip tops among other greens.

Vitamins P are the bioflavonoids and include rutin which is found in elder flowers, citrus fruits and apple peel.

RED CLOVER: MEDICINAL BENEFITS AND USES OF RED CLOVER: RED CLOVER TISANE, RED CLOVER VINEGAR RECIPES

RED CLOVER, TRIFOLIUM PRATENSE

Like the white clover this red variety is native to the British Isles and the rest of Europe as well as to North and Central Asia, the Mediterranean region and up through to the Arctic Circle. It is also known as bee bread, trefoil and purple clover, among other names such as lal tarfeel in Urdu. Red clover can be used in foods just as lavender, marigolds and dandelions can, and is also used in traditional medicine. Clinical trials are still ongoing into its medical value, but it seems as though these may support the traditional uses for this herb.

Red clover has been used to cure coughs, as an expectorant, to help with asthma, and is used externally for skin problems including irritation caused by insect stings and bites, eczema, psoriasis and wound healing. The flowers are the parts of the herb used, either fresh or dried. Sheep and other animals that graze on these plants develop fertility problems and it is thought that this is because of the phytoestogens they contain. Phytoestrogens are less potent than the oestrogen (the major female hormone) produced in the body, and are contained in the isoflavines (genestein and daidzein) in the plant which are being used in ERT (Estrogen Replacement Therapy) for menopausal women. It has also been found that red clover constituents can help in the prevention of prostate and breast cancer, as well as (perhaps) ovarian cancer, but trials are still ongoing. The flowers contain calcium and magnesium which is easily absorbed by the body and which tones and relaxes the nervous system, minimizing stress and headaches associated with this. The reduction of stress symptoms is also helped by the silic acid content of the flowers.

  The recipe for the tisane given below may be boiled down to produce syrup which can be used for the relief of dry coughs. The tisane can also be used externally for skin irritation and as a vaginal douche to relieve dryness and the itching which may accompany the menopause. It stimulates the functions of the liver and gallbladder, prevents constipation and is an appetite booster. It also supports the uterus, so is a very useful herb for women. The dried or fresh flowers can be added to soups and stews to give them flavour. The fresh flowers are also useful additions to salads.

   The dried flowers have been used for bronchitis and asthma and as an expectorant. They are also an alterative, which means that they will produce a gradual beneficial change in the body by improving nutrition, and will act as a blood purifier, getting rid of unwanted toxins. The flowers also have diuretic properties. Like the dandelion and comfrey leaves they are high in protein and calcium.

   The fresh flowers can be crushed and applied directly to wounds or stings and bites, and will alleviate the pain and promote rapid healing. They can be used in compresses to relieve the pain of arthritis and gout, and the tisane can be used as a coolant for the body.

   Red clover contains Vitamin A, iron, chromium, magnesium, phosphorous, potassium, Vitamin C and some of the B-complex vitamins, as well as calcium (mentioned above).

   The phrase “to be in clover” means that a person will have a rich and prosperous, carefree life, and it seems as this may be because of this humble plant’s medicinal properties.

RED CLOVER TISANE

Ingredients

10-15 gr dried red clover flowers or 2 oz fresh flowers

1 cup boiling water

Method

Pour the water over the flowers and allow to steep for 15 mins. Strain and drink 3 times a day.

RED CLOVER VINEGAR

Ingredients

Enough clover flowers to fill a jar

White wine vinegar

Method

Use vinegar that is at room temperature. Pack a Kilner jar or any jar with an airtight seal-but not metal as it may corrode with the action of the vinegar- with red clover flower heads and cover with vinegar. Store in a cool dark place and turn once a day for two weeks. Leave to stand for a further week, the use. You can strain the vinegar or leave the flowers in it for a more intense flavour.

These recipes have Taste and are a Treat.

KEPEL FRUIT: BENEFITS AND USES OF KEPEL FRUIT

KEPEL FRUIT or KEPPEL APPLE, STELECHOCARPUS BURAHOL

Kepel fruit grows straight from the tree trunk and not on branches, like most fruit. It originated in Indonesia, and is the floral emblem of Yogyakarta Special Region of Indonesia. It still grows wild in secondary forests of Java, where it is mainly cultivated. It is grown elsewhere as an ornamental tree and has been introduced to parts of South America, such as Honduras, and to Florida in the USA. It has also been introduced relatively recently to the Philippines and Australia. It is a member of the custard-apple family which now grows throughout south-east Asia, in Malaysia and the Solomon Islands. Another botanical name for it is Uvaria burahol, and as uva is Latin for egg, I guess this refers to the shape of the fruit.

   Unfortunately it is an endangered species, although it is being cultivated now in Indonesia for its possible further use in the perfume industry. In fact this is where it is unique. It was once used as a way of giving fragrance to the bodily excretions, including urine. It is said to make the liquid expelled by the body and the breath, smell of violets. The Sultan of Jogjia had his consorts eat kepel fruit so that they would smell good naturally and it was also used as a contraceptive as it temporarily renders women infertile. In fact he restricted its consumption so that only his court members could eat the fruit.

   The fruit also has diuretic properties, and it is said to be good for the kidneys, preventing stones forming and their function healthy. If you scratch the brown outer casing of the fruit, it is orange underneath when ripe, and it can be found nestling in the bright pink leaves of the tree. It has pink-cream flowers which grow straight out of the trunk of the tree. The fruit’s flesh is a light orange colour and is creamy like a chikoo (which it resembles, at least on the outside) or ber. There are seeds inside, again rather like those of the chikoo. However it is said to have a spicy flavour, a little like a mango.

    The wood of the tree is used in construction and for making furniture, and probably gathered for firewood too, which might explain why it does not grow wild in many places in Java.