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ALLSPICE
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(Pimenta dioica)
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Other Names
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Clove Pepper, Jamaican Pepper, Pimenta.
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Description
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Allspice is native to Jamaica, Guatemala, Honduras, Mexico, Brazil and the
Leeward Islands. In the summer, these shiny-leafed evergreen trees are covered with berries
that when dried resemble oversized, smooth peppercorns. Allspice is the dried
berry.
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Classification
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Dry
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Taste
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Pungent
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Balance Yin/Yang
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Warm
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Humor
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Fire
é
Water
ê Air
ê
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Uses/Applications
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Allspice is a pleasant carminative used to ease flatulence and
indigestion. Take with laxative to lessen gripe. As a digestive aid prepare
an infusion.
Apply the oil directly to a toothache. It is applied as a
compress for aching muscles and joints.
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Combinations
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Constituents
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Eugenal
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Action
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Carminative, Laxative, Digestive.
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Food Values
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Mild Antioxidant.
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Part Used
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Berries.
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Collection
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Pick the berries while they are green. Dry to a red/brown
color.
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Preparation
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Infusion
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Before using the berries gently bruise them to release the volatile
oils. Pour 1
cup of water over 1 Tsp. of berries.
Infuse 10 minutes. Drink as
needed.
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Oil
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Use 2 - 5 drops.
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Pimento Water
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Combine 5 parts crushed berries with 200 parts water and distill down to half the
original amount. Take 28 - 56 ml. as needed
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Plaster
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Boil the berry until thick, then spread on a clean
cloth.
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Powder
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Take 10 - 30 grains.
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Growing Directions
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Allspice is not cultivated.
Attempts to cultivate the tree around the world failed to
produce fruit, so the project was abandoned.
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History
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Allspice owes its name to its unique flavor. For centuries Allspice has been
used for healing. in the Caribbean.
Jamaicans drank hot Allspice for a variety of ailments
including colds, menstrual cramps, and upset stomachs. The Cubans believed it to
be an excellent general tonic and the Guatemalans applied the crushed berries to aching
muscles. It is not surprising that most of these uses have been confirmed by
modern medicine.
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Additional Information
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1. Allspice combines the flavors of Cinnamon, Pepper, Juniper, and
Clove.
2. The medicinal value in Allspice comes from Eugenal, which enhances the
digestive enzyme trypsin.
3. Eugenol is used by dentists as an antiseptic for teeth and
gums.
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Cautions
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1. Do not give medicinal dosages to children under 2 years of
age.
2. Do not swallow the oil.
As little as 1 Tsp. may cause nausea, vomiting, or
convulsions.
3. If you have eczema Allspice may cause
inflammation.
4. The active ingredient Eugenol may prevent some cancers but cause
others. It
has both carcinogenic and cancer fighting properties.
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Magick Information
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Gender:
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Feminine
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Planet:
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Venus
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Element:
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Earth
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Deity
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None
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Powers:
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Healing, Money
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Magickal Uses:
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Use Allspice in healing and money spells.
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