Pokeberries and Castor Oil Used in Natural Remedies

Native Americans used this perennial herb as a salve and a cure for rheumatism, but there are many other uses for pokeberries. Many animals and birds gorge themselves on the berries, which are toxic to people. In fact, the berries, roots, leaves, and stems are all toxic to humans. This doesn’t prevent some people from ingesting the tender spring leaves, though. They pick the young leaves and then boil them at least two times to remove any toxins. The greens are then made into a traditional spring dish called “poke sallet.”

Pokeberries were used to cure all manner of ills from boils to acne. Today, new research points to pokeberry use in cancer treatment. It is also being tested to see if it can protect cells from HIV and AIDS.

Pokeweed is a nutritional powerhouse, but be careful, it can also be toxic to humans if it’s not prepared correctly.  This voluptuous weed is extremely high in vitamin A, and also has significant amounts of vitamin C, iron and calcium.  Additionally, pokeweed contains a unique antiviral protein that may inhibit the growth of some herpes simplex viruses and even HIV!

Pokeweed is one of the first plants to sprout in the springtime.  Because of that, its traditionally eaten to get people through the early spring, along with other “weeds” like chickweed and nettles. It also has lymphatic cleansing properties and helps the body with “spring cleaning.  The best time to harvest pokeweed for food is before the plant reaches knee height (well before it flowers). When you weed your garden, pokeweed is one you might skip over, so you can enjoy its benefits.

How to make poke sallet (poke “salad”)

1. Start two pots of water on the stove (covered), one the size to fit the poke that you have harvested, one at least 3 times this size
2. Coarsely chop poke shoots
3. When water has come to a boil in the small pot, and is close to or is boiling in the big pot, add poke to small pot. Stir, so that all poke is submerged
4. Cook for approximately 2 minutes, or until water returns to a boil
5. Place lid over small pot in such a way that it stops greens from escaping as you pour offwater, or use colander to drain water, then put greens back in small pot
6. Pour already boiling water from big pot over poke in small pot, cook for approximately 2 minutes, or until water returns to a boil
7. Repeat steps 4 and 5 one to three more times, depending on flavor preference, and tolerance of (and desire for) the lymphatic cleansing and poison ivy relieving effects of pokeweed
8. Optional: add salt and the traditional combo of bacon grease and molasses

After processing in such a manner, greens should still be bright green and appear vital.  Enjoy!

Reforestation Peru

In the Peruvian Andes, Indigenous communities are reviving ancient knowledge and water practices to protect their way of life and restore vulnerable mountain ecosystems. 

During the Quenua Ryami Festival, Indigenous communities in the Cusco region of Peru plant tens of thousands of quenua seedlings a day on the steep slopes of the Andes. Quenua trees are fast-growing, resistant to cold winters and can survive altitudes of up to 4,500 metres above sea level.

In addition to regulating the climate and preventing erosion, what makes these trees so invaluable is their ability to store and filter the water that feeds springs and wetlands downstream. As climate change disrupts rainfall patterns in the Andes, the trees are helping residents and ecosystems to become more resilient. 

Although climate change is a relatively new challenge, Indigenous communities have long understood the importance of carefully managing water in this rugged landscape. The Incas developed an ingenious system of qochas or ponds to regulate their water supplies. Some of the ponds were designed to capture water during the short rainy season for use in dry periods. Other ponds allowed water to seep slowly through the soil, recharging aquifers and keeping vegetation for livestock green.  

This system is now being revived to complement the communities’ tree-planting efforts. “It’s a beautiful practice that contributes to reforesting the headwaters of the Cusco mountains and ensures access to water for agriculture during the dry season.” 

He hopes his project, which is ongoing, shows positive solutions to water issues and amplifies the ancient knowledge of Indigenous people in the fight against climate change.