Cautiously wandering (so as not to disturb any sleeping snakes) in our overgrown backyard Thai jungle in the heat of the day just now, I was actually looking for some blue Anchan flowers to put in my iced ginger-lime tea. And then this dark red blur caught my eye in my peripheral vision and I moved for a closer look.
Wow. My Vernonia amygladina has finally, quietly and unobtrusively erupted into flower.
Like most of the important and truly beautiful things in life, when looked at from afar it looks messy, complicated and unremarkable somehow.
But don't be deterred by her shabby appearance and her subtle flowers: she is one of the powerhouses of our natural medicine future globally - already well known and saving lives across Africa. Slowly becoming known here in Asia, where she also thrives.
What makes her so special??
Research has found Vernonia amygladina to be highly effective for:
- malaria
- fever
- anti-tumor, anti-cancer
- serious viral infections including HIV
- bacterial and protozoal infections
- diabetes and cholesterol management
You can read more about that here and here
I've written about Vernonia before - commonly called Bitter Leaf: @artemislives/boost-my-libido-and-my-immune-system-the-nigerian-miracle-medicine-plant-that-grows-like-a-weed-in-thailand. That the most amazing medicine plant also naturally stimulates libido? It would appear there is a highly benevolent Earth Goddess in charge!
Previously I have simply taken cuttings, which works effectively and quickly for local propagation. But now we have flowers, we have the potential for healthy seeds which can be shared to other locations. THAT makes me happy! Cos as Big Pharma is increasingly less able to deal with infections, malaria, cancer etc, we need more, simple treatments that are inexpensive, if not free.
Feeling happy when things thrive,and going to be taking some cuttings tomorrow in the early morning to share with my indigenous Karen friends along the Thai Burma border, where malaria is ever-present and life threatening. A plant that can treat both malaria AND the terrible gastro-bacterial infections that take the lives of so many under-nourished indigenous children? Better get some growing!
BlissednBlessed by my garden time, every day.
Contributing to the @earthtribe. Cos it MATTERS.
