Tribewanted: Vorovoro

26 – Farm-acy
The Farm-acy is Vorovoro’s herbal medicine garden. At home I am a Technician in a community pharmacy; over recent years I have seen a steady increase in requests and queries regarding natural herbal remedies. What I envisaged for our home on Vorovoro was a garden with a mix of Fijian and more western natural remedies as an introduction to this area of medicine.

With Duncan and Tevita’s help the picture I had in my mind started to take shape. We built up walls using rocks collected on the other side of the headland with the help of Joe, Menusi and Cheli Tom and Kerry helped collect several wheelbarrows full of soil to fill the garden and Mariel came up with the name and made our beautiful sign.

All this happened in the space of just a week, the garden was looking very good, but empty! Tevita and Pupu Epeli chose some fantastic plants to add to the Farm-acy and explained to me their uses. With our tribe-members help I sourced seeds such as Echinacea and Thyme for a few western remedies, finding them here in Vanua Levu was quite difficult!

Other than the Fijian plants already present on the island, we sought to acquire some shrubs and trees native to Fiji that have medicinal qualities. Liaising with the forestry and agriculture ministries made me realise the hindrance the interim government is to the development of the country as a whole. After some perseverance however we now also have Sandalwood, Tavola and Eucalyptus growing in the garden. The idea being that they will far outlive the lifespan of the garden and become one of the many positive legacies the tribe will leave to the island for years to come.

The heady mix of Fijian and western remedies can now help cure and/or treat anything from the common cold and sore throat to more serious afflictions such as heart attacks and it has been an exciting project for me to develop that I hope to see flourish in months to come.

<< Return to the Tribewanted Village Map

Tribal Challenge:

Why not have a go at growing your own mini medicinal garden on your windowsill… Below are a few suggestions…

Peppermint: An infusion of the leaves is a useful remedy for relief of wind, flatulence and bloating associated with irritable bowel syndrome and gastric infections. Hot peppermint tea can also be taken to encourage sweating and cool a fever, and relieve headaches and migraine.

Rosemary: An infusion made from the leaves can bring quick relief to headaches caused by overwork and nervous tension. Rosemary stimulates digestion and blood flow throughout the body, proving helpful for those with low energy levels, especially where linked to poor appetite and long-term illness. A rosemary infusion also makes an excellent hair tonic, toning the scalp and strengthening and conditioning the hair; and can be used as a rub for sore and aching muscles and joints.

Sage: With its astringent properties, sage counters infections, such as mouth ulcers and sore throat, and dries up catarrh. The infusion makes an excellent mouthwash and gargle for local infections. Cold sage tea sipped in small doses through the day is a traditional remedy for menopausal symptoms such as sweating, hot flushes and headaches. The fresh leaves are a great first aid remedy for insect bites.

Thyme: A thyme leaf tea, with or without a spoonful of honey, is a very useful home remedy for ear, nose and throat problems, including colds, catarrh, sinus congestion, sore throat, and tonsillitis. The tea can be first used as a gargle and then swallowed. Thyme brings relief to all manner of coughs and chesty problems; it disinfects the air passages, soothes coughing and stimulates clearance of phlegm. The tea may also be taken as a general tonic, as well as to relieve indigestion and wind and to treat threadworms. In arthritic and rheumatic conditions, it makes a welcome addition to a bath.

Echinacea: As a tincture, tablet or capsule, Echinacea is frequently taken to speed recovery from colds, sore throats, and chest infections. The herb is also known to enhance immune resistance in those prone to recurrent colds or where flu symptoms linger. The diluted tincture makes a mouthwash or gargle, and can be used to wash infected skin and wounds. Sinusitis, tonsillitis and bronchitis can be self-treated with Echinacea; combined with garlic makes an effective remedy.

Help with preparing your teas/infusions and tinctures:
Infusion/tea: 2 teaspoons of fresh leaves or 1 teaspoon of dried leaves to a mug full of boiled water, cover and leave to stand for 10 minutes, strain and drink.

Tincture: 1 part dried herb to 3 parts alcohol solution (organic vodka 25% and above). Place the herb material in a clean, sterilized, glass jar and stir in the alcohol, ensure the herbs are fully covered and close the lid. Stir or shake the contents for a few minutes every day for 10 days. Strain into a glass bottle, seal with a cap and label.

Not all remedies have to come from your windowsill or patio garden. The kitchen cupboard contains some of the best remedies for home treatment.

Below are a few suggestions:

Cinnamon: As an infusion, cinnamon helps to soothe wind, bloating, nausea and indigestion as well as speed recovery from gastrointestinal infection. It can be taken for colds, flu and chest infections and is safe and tasty for children. Taken long term, cinnamon strengthens blood flow to the hands and feet, helping those with poor circulation.

Ginger: The root of the plant taken as a tea, is a safe and effective remedy for nausea, vomiting, motion sickness, and morning sickness during pregnancy. Ginger can provide relief in symptoms of gastrointestinal infection, such as indigestion, bloating and diarrhea.

Garlic: A simple and effective kitchen remedy for colds, sore throats and coughs can be made using a crushed clove of garlic, juice of a lemon, 1-2 teaspoons of honey and a small piece of fresh ginger, mixed together with hot water. You can drink up to 3 cups a day.

Olive oil: To help remove ear wax, add a few drops of olive oil to the affected ear twice a day for a couple of days.