Post by admin on Aug 26, 2012 18:00:47 GMT -5
WoW, I have always been told that these berries are poison, so no one would even try to dry them for use. This is why this website is so interesting.
I first listened to Green Dean's videos about someone he knows who uses the dried beries, I wondered why we never heard of this before. So when this website was found this evening, it was a lot more reassuring. This is information we will keep in our home. The birds are always planting these in our yards here in Florida. The birds never read the laws stating you can't plant the seeds!
Here's the link
suite101.com/article/those-pesky-pepper-trees-and-other-florida-medicinal-plants-a291014
Pepper Tree
Pepper trees (or Brazilian Pepper trees) belong to the sumac family and are related to poison ivy. Their distinctive red berries which ripen in December and January delight birds and give the tree the name "Florida Holly," although it actually hails from the South American rainforest where it is harvested for its medicinal properties according to Reannan Raine (" Brazilian Rainforest Plants and Climate "). These trees grow as far North as Flagler Beach, like sandy soil and hammocks, and tend to displace the natives there. Growth is rapid with blooms in Fall.
Pepper tree berries have a flavor similar to pepper, and the dried (but not the fresh) berries are edible. They are used in McCormick's "Peppercorn mélange" according to floridagardener.com. The tannins in the sap make it an excellent anti-inflammatory medicine – although because the tree is a member of the sumac family persons allergic to sumacs may develop a rash. The tree has antimicrobial properties as well. Finally, according to Raintree Nutrition, it is a good source of steroidal saponins. Steroidal saponins may be useful to the body in developing its own steroids to stimulate growth and healing including healing from burns. Steroidal saponins have not been associated with ill effects. Brazilian Pepper Tree extract is sold by Raintree Nutrition. Before applying the actual sap directly to skin that has been damaged by infection or gangrene, make sure you are not allergic.
One note: again according to floridagardener.com cultivation of pepper trees is forbidden in Florida except as provided for in Rule 62C-52.004, because it creates "a dense forest canopy that shades out . . . other foliage," leaving "poor habitat for native wildlife."
I first listened to Green Dean's videos about someone he knows who uses the dried beries, I wondered why we never heard of this before. So when this website was found this evening, it was a lot more reassuring. This is information we will keep in our home. The birds are always planting these in our yards here in Florida. The birds never read the laws stating you can't plant the seeds!
Here's the link
suite101.com/article/those-pesky-pepper-trees-and-other-florida-medicinal-plants-a291014
Pepper Tree
Pepper trees (or Brazilian Pepper trees) belong to the sumac family and are related to poison ivy. Their distinctive red berries which ripen in December and January delight birds and give the tree the name "Florida Holly," although it actually hails from the South American rainforest where it is harvested for its medicinal properties according to Reannan Raine (" Brazilian Rainforest Plants and Climate "). These trees grow as far North as Flagler Beach, like sandy soil and hammocks, and tend to displace the natives there. Growth is rapid with blooms in Fall.
Pepper tree berries have a flavor similar to pepper, and the dried (but not the fresh) berries are edible. They are used in McCormick's "Peppercorn mélange" according to floridagardener.com. The tannins in the sap make it an excellent anti-inflammatory medicine – although because the tree is a member of the sumac family persons allergic to sumacs may develop a rash. The tree has antimicrobial properties as well. Finally, according to Raintree Nutrition, it is a good source of steroidal saponins. Steroidal saponins may be useful to the body in developing its own steroids to stimulate growth and healing including healing from burns. Steroidal saponins have not been associated with ill effects. Brazilian Pepper Tree extract is sold by Raintree Nutrition. Before applying the actual sap directly to skin that has been damaged by infection or gangrene, make sure you are not allergic.
One note: again according to floridagardener.com cultivation of pepper trees is forbidden in Florida except as provided for in Rule 62C-52.004, because it creates "a dense forest canopy that shades out . . . other foliage," leaving "poor habitat for native wildlife."