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FICUS CARICA

FIG

Figs comprise a large family of deciduous and evergreen tropical and subtropical trees, shrubs, and vines belonging to the mulberry family, Moraceae. The most important fig is Ficus carica, the tree that produces the edible fig fruit. Figs are a nutritious and sustaining food, with a long history of medicinal use. For example, there are several references in the Bible to figs being used to treat infections.

USES

 Eat dried figs to ease constipation.

 To bring a boil to a head, split a fig, heat it, and place it directly on the boil. This is a particularly good method for treating boils and ulcers in the mouth.

 Fig juice can be drunk daily as a cancer preventive.

 Digestive troubles can be eased by eating fresh figs after light meals or just prior to heavy meals.

 Roasted figs can be used as a poultice on boils and hemorrhoids in order to encourage healing and to draw out infection.

 Fresh figs can soothe respiratory ailments by acting as an anti-inflammatory agent.

 Boil four or five fresh figs in about 1 pt. (500ml) of water; bring to the boil, strain, cool, and drink the liquid for sore throats.

PROPERTIES

 Highly alkaline

 Contains a powerful healing agent

 Soothes mucous membranes, particularly in the respiratory system

 The stem of the fresh fruit is antifungal, and can be used to treat warts

 Anticancerous

 Contains ficin, which aids the digestion

 Contains a bactericide

 Reduces body heat, and helps to ease inflammation