{"id":19654,"date":"2019-06-01T01:10:11","date_gmt":"2019-06-01T06:10:11","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/paganpages.org\/content\/?p=21356"},"modified":"2019-05-25T12:44:19","modified_gmt":"2019-05-25T17:44:19","slug":"notes-from-the-apothecary-52","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/paganpages.org\/emagazine\/2019\/06\/01\/notes-from-the-apothecary-52\/","title":{"rendered":"Notes from the Apothecary"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p class=\"has-medium-font-size\"><strong>Notes\nfrom the Apothecary: Allspice<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image is-resized\"><img fetchpriority=\"high\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/paganpages.org\/emagazine\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/05\/allspice1.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-21357\" width=\"331\" height=\"430\"\/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>Allspice\nis the fruit of <em>pimento dioica, <\/em>a type of myrtle tree. It was\ndiscovered by Columbus on the island of Jamaica, but is also native\nto many more islands in the Caribbean plus much of central America.\n<em>P. dioica<\/em> is now cultivated around the world wherever the\nclimate is warm enough. \n<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Allspice\nis also known as the Jamaica Pepper, the Myrtle Pepper, or pimenta. \n<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p style=\"font-size:18px\"><strong>The\nKitchen Garden<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Growing\nallspice yourself can be tricky if you don\u2019t live in a climate\nsimilar to that of the West Indies. It\u2019s possible to get the tree\nto grow in cooler climates, but often it will not bear fruit. A\nsolution to this can be to grow the plant indoors, or in a\ngreenhouse. \n<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The\nallspice tree is dioecious, which means at least two plants are\nneeded for pollination and fertilisation in order to get fruit. The\nplant can be grown from seeds or cuttings. \n<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The\nname allspice was first coined by the English in the 1600s, due to\nthe flavour which is reminiscent of a combination of nutmeg, cloves\nand cinnamon. Today, allspice is used in a variety of cuisines, from\nJamaican, to Greek, to Middle Eastern. A little goes a long way- this\nberry-like spice has a strong and unique flavour, so use sparingly.\nUsed in sauces, pickles, stews, and in sweet dishes like cakes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p style=\"font-size:18px\"><strong>The\nApothecary<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Allspice\nhas been used historically in Western medicine to help with a range\nof ailments and complaints. Properties of allspice include:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\"><li>\nAnti-inflammatory\n\t<\/li><li>\nAntiseptic\n\t<\/li><li>\nAnaesthetic\n\t(the chemical eugenol is present, used by dentists as local\n\tanaesthetic)\n\t<\/li><li>\nCarminative\n\t<\/li><li>\nRubefacient\n\t<\/li><li>\nAromatic\n\t<\/li><li>\nAntifungal\n\t<\/li><li>\nAntimicrobial\n<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>This\nis just scratching the surface of the myriad ways allspice has been\nused medically throughout the ages.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>In\nTraditional Chinese Medicine, allspice is known as Duo Xiang Guo and\nis used to ease painful menstrual cramps, arthritic joints, digestive\nproblems and nausea.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p style=\"font-size:18px\"><strong>The\nWitch\u2019s Kitchen<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image is-resized\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/paganpages.org\/emagazine\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/05\/allspice2.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-21358\" width=\"394\" height=\"272\"\/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>Unsurprisingly,\nallspice is associated with fire, most likely due to its spicy and\nfragrant nature. Cunningham associates the plant with healing, luck\nand wealth, and suggests burning it as an incense to attract money\nand good fortune.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>\nAllspice\nis thought to enhance the mood, so can be used in magic to ward off\nnegativity and improve self-confidence, or simply to raise one\u2019s\nspirits.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Allspice\nis associated with chance and gambling, so if you like cards or play\nthe lottery, allspice could give you the edge. Combine it with other\nfinancially lucky herbs or spices such as chamomile or nutmeg.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>In\nMayan culture, allspice was one of the herbs used for embalming the\ndead. This connection to the dead or the transition to the next world\ncould make allspice a key ingredient for incense when communing with\nancestors or others who have passed beyond.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Allspice\nis generally considered masculine, so may be used in the honouring of\nfiery, male presenting deities such as Mars, Aries, Horus, or Nergal.\n\n<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p style=\"font-size:18px\"><strong>Home\nand Hearth<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>In\nhoodoo, allspice can be used to bring success to a business. Start\noutside the business premises, with a bucket full of water mixed with\na mixture of allspice, saltpetre and sugar. Move the mop across the\nboundary of the business premises, and go right through the building\nuntil you come out the back, if possible. The combination of magical\nherbs and ingredients will draw money, luck, and protect from\nmischief.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p style=\"font-size:18px\"><strong>I\nNever Knew\u2026<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Allspice\ntrees can grow up to 18 metres in height, and are sometimes used to\nshade and protect coffee plants growing beneath the canopy. \n<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p style=\"font-size:12px\"><em>Images: Pimenta Dioica, public domain;  <a rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\" (opens in a new tab)\" href=\"https:\/\/commons.wikimedia.org\/wiki\/File:AllspiceSeeds.jpg\" target=\"_blank\">Allspice Seeds by Brian Arthur<\/a> shared with kind permission under the <a href=\"https:\/\/commons.wikimedia.org\/wiki\/Commons:GNU_Free_Documentation_License,_version_1.2\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\" (opens in a new tab)\">GNU Free Documentation License<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>***<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>About\nthe Author:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Mabh\nSavage<\/strong>&nbsp;is\na Pagan author, poet and musician, as well as a freelance journalist.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><em>She is the author of <a rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" href=\"http:\/\/buy.geni.us\/Proxy.ashx?TSID=4632&amp;GR_URL=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.amazon.com%2Fgp%2Fproduct%2F1780997965%2Fref%3Das_li_tl%3Fie%3DUTF8%26camp%3D1789%26creative%3D9325%26creativeASIN%3D1780997965%26linkCode%3Das2%26tag%3Dpaganpages-20%26linkId%3D40b03661dfd5e19e5c4729ef04bf049c&amp;dtb=1\" target=\"_blank\">A Modern Celt: Seeking the Ancestors<\/a> &amp; <a rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" href=\"http:\/\/buy.geni.us\/Proxy.ashx?TSID=4632&amp;GR_URL=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.amazon.com%2Fgp%2Fproduct%2F1785353144%2Fref%3Das_li_tl%3Fie%3DUTF8%26camp%3D1789%26creative%3D9325%26creativeASIN%3D1785353144%26linkCode%3Das2%26tag%3Dpaganpages-20%26linkId%3D4f4547f18cf8c0d17134089cb7eb8d74&amp;dtb=1\" target=\"_blank\">Pagan Portals \u2013 Celtic Witchcraft: Modern Witchcraft Meets Celtic Ways<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><a rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/www.amazon.com\/gp\/product\/1780997965\/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&amp;camp=1789&amp;creative=9325&amp;creativeASIN=1780997965&amp;linkCode=as2&amp;tag=paganpages-20&amp;linkId=6645044e21027b52eb612786cb917b5e\"><strong>A Modern Celt: Seeking the Ancestors on Amazon<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image is-resized\"><a href=\"https:\/\/amzn.to\/2EzoQ4O\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/paganpages.org\/emagazine\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/10\/amoderncelt.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-15978\" width=\"118\" height=\"182\"\/><\/a><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p><a rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/www.amazon.com\/gp\/product\/1785353144\/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&amp;camp=1789&amp;creative=9325&amp;creativeASIN=1785353144&amp;linkCode=as2&amp;tag=paganpages-20&amp;linkId=f40f1e74e9654ccfd5c728b3c08bd981\"><strong>Pagan Portals &#8211; Celtic Witchcraft: Modern Witchcraft Meets Celtic Ways on Amazon<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image is-resized\"><a href=\"https:\/\/amzn.to\/2wlUZsk\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/paganpages.org\/emagazine\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/05\/mabhsavagemoderncelt.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-18161\" width=\"118\" height=\"182\"\/><\/a><\/figure>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Notes from the Apothecary: Allspice Allspice is the fruit of pimento dioica, a type of myrtle tree. It was discovered by Columbus on the island of Jamaica, but is also native to many more islands in the Caribbean plus much of central America. P. dioica is now cultivated around the world wherever the climate is warm enough. Allspice is also known as the Jamaica Pepper, the Myrtle Pepper, or pimenta. The Kitchen Garden Growing allspice yourself can be tricky if you don\u2019t live in a climate similar to that of the West Indies. It\u2019s possible to get the tree to grow in cooler climates, but often it will not bear fruit. A solution to this can be to grow the plant indoors, or in a greenhouse. The allspice tree is dioecious, which means at least two plants are needed for pollination and fertilisation in order to get fruit. The plant can be grown from seeds or cuttings. The name allspice was first coined by the English in the 1600s, due to the flavour which is reminiscent of a combination of nutmeg, cloves and cinnamon. Today, allspice is used in a variety of cuisines, from Jamaican, to Greek, to Middle Eastern. A little goes a long way- this berry-like spice has a strong and unique flavour, so use sparingly. Used in sauces, pickles, stews, and in sweet dishes like cakes. The Apothecary Allspice has been used historically in Western medicine to help with a range of ailments and complaints. Properties of allspice include: Anti-inflammatory Antiseptic Anaesthetic (the chemical eugenol is present, used by dentists as local anaesthetic) Carminative Rubefacient Aromatic Antifungal Antimicrobial This is just scratching the surface of the myriad ways allspice has been used medically throughout the ages. In Traditional Chinese Medicine, allspice is known as Duo Xiang Guo and is used to ease painful menstrual cramps, arthritic joints, digestive problems and nausea. The Witch\u2019s Kitchen Unsurprisingly, allspice is associated with fire, most likely due to its spicy and fragrant nature. Cunningham associates the plant with healing, luck and wealth, and suggests burning it as an incense to attract money and good fortune. Allspice is thought to enhance the mood, so can be used in magic to ward off negativity and improve self-confidence, or simply to raise one\u2019s spirits. Allspice is associated with chance and gambling, so if you like cards or play the lottery, allspice could give you the edge. Combine it with other financially lucky herbs or spices such as chamomile or nutmeg. In Mayan culture, allspice was one of the herbs used for embalming the dead. This connection to the dead or the transition to the next world could make allspice a key ingredient for incense when communing with ancestors or others who have passed beyond. Allspice is generally considered masculine, so may be used in the honouring of fiery, male presenting deities such as Mars, Aries, Horus, or Nergal. Home and Hearth In hoodoo, allspice can be used to bring success to a business. Start outside the business premises, with a bucket full of water mixed with a mixture of allspice, saltpetre and sugar. Move the mop across the boundary of the business premises, and go right through the building until you come out the back, if possible. The combination of magical herbs and ingredients will draw money, luck, and protect from mischief. I Never Knew\u2026 Allspice trees can grow up to 18 metres in height, and are sometimes used to shade and protect coffee plants growing beneath the canopy. Images: Pimenta Dioica, public domain; Allspice Seeds by Brian Arthur shared with kind permission under the GNU Free Documentation License. *** About the Author: Mabh Savage&nbsp;is a Pagan author, poet and musician, as well as a freelance journalist. She is the author of A Modern Celt: Seeking the Ancestors &amp; Pagan Portals \u2013 Celtic Witchcraft: Modern Witchcraft Meets Celtic Ways. A Modern Celt: Seeking the Ancestors on Amazon Pagan Portals &#8211; Celtic Witchcraft: Modern Witchcraft Meets Celtic Ways on Amazon<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":206,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"iawp_total_views":0,"footnotes":""},"categories":[],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-19654","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry"],"acf":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/paganpages.org\/emagazine\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/19654","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/paganpages.org\/emagazine\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/paganpages.org\/emagazine\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/paganpages.org\/emagazine\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/206"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/paganpages.org\/emagazine\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=19654"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/paganpages.org\/emagazine\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/19654\/revisions"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/paganpages.org\/emagazine\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=19654"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/paganpages.org\/emagazine\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=19654"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/paganpages.org\/emagazine\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=19654"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}