The shrub whose leaves were chewed by monks

The chaste tree is a small tree or bush native of the Mediterranean region and western Asia. It is cultivated in most sub-tropical areas of the world and has become naturalised in many regions. 

It is believed to be indigenous in the Maltese islands being more frequent in Gozo than in Malta. It grows best in humid valleys which retain water for at least a part of the year. A dense grove can be found at Dwejra in Gozo. The chaste tree is well known for its medicinal properties but the trees at Dwejra were probably planted for their branches which being pliable can be woven to make baskets and fish traps.

In summer the chaste tree produces beautiful bluish purple flower. The black pepper-like seeds become ripe in the autumn.

In Maltese the chaste tree is known by several names. It is called siġra tal-virgi, għadiba and bżar tal-patrijiet. The latter name is similar to another English name – monks pepper. 

This name was given to it because in the past it was believed that a potion made from the pepper-like seeds had the property of reducing the sexual desires.

In fact it is said that in the Middle Ages it was chewed by monks to help them remain chaste. The scientific name of the chaste tree is Vitex agnus-castus. Vitex is derived from the Greek word vieo meaning to weave while agnus and castus are chaste in Greek and Latin.

Whether its anti-aphrodisiac property is true is still to be proven scientifically but other medicinal properties have been investigated. 

Research has shown that chemicals in the berries have a progesterogenic effect and extracts from the plant are used in the management of premenstrual stress syndrome and cyclical breast pain. Extracts can be bought from pharmacists as agnus-castus. 

This article was published in The Times on 11.07.2012

The chicories' medicinal properties

Chicory (Cichorium intybus)

The chicories are perennial plants that add a touch of colour during the summer months. The most common is the chicory, ċikwejra in Maltese. Its light blue flowers can be seen between May and October. Anybody visiting the countryside during the warmer months is likely to see the plant protruding out of the dry vegetation. It grows throughout most of Europe although it is doubtful whether it is native in northern parts.

The spiny chicory is less common but can also be found with a little effort. In Maltese it is known as qanfuda meaning like a hedgehog an obvious reference to its shape and spines. The flowers which appear in May are very similar to the more common species but the flowering season is much shorter and they disappear by the end of July. This species is native to the Mediterranean region and is well adapted for the region’s hot dry summer.

The chicory has been cultivated in Europe for many centuries as a medicinal plant. In some countries, especially in poorer regions, the roots are baked and ground to be used as a substitute for coffee.

Chicory contains chemicals that can eliminate internal parasites such as worms and it is sometimes added to animal forage to help reduce internal worms. It is also said to have many other medicinal properties including as a treatment for gallstones, gastro-enteritis, sinusitis, and for cuts and bruises.

A related species, the endive, is also found in Europe. Several varieties of this species are cultivated in many countries including Malta although it does not seem to be as popular as other leafy vegetables such as lettuce and spinach even though it is known to be very healthy as it is rich in vitamins A and K, minerals, foliate and it is also high in fiber. It is available for sale in spring at about the same time as the globe artichoke and the two are often cooked together as their tastes compliment each other. 

This article was published in The Times on 18.05.2011

Plantains

About nine species of plantain have been recorded in the Maltese islands. They are small plants with small wind-pollinated flowers. Many species have medicinal properties while some are edible and can be used in salads and sauces.
About 200 species of plantain have been identified. They are found in different habitats throughout the world especially in wet areas. Some species are weeds and can grow along road sides and in other disturbed habitats. The inflorescence develops on a stalk which ranges in height from 5 to 40 cm and can be in the shape of a cone or spike with large numbers of small flowers.
Plantains have been used since antiquity externally to treat insect bites, rashes and minor sores as well as internally as a treatment for coughs, bronchitis and other conditions. In folklore it was believed to be an effective cure for snakebite.
One of the most common species of plantain in Malta is the Mediterranean plantain (biżbula) which can be seen in flower from late winter to late spring in cultivated and waste ground. Another common species is the buck’s horn plantain (salib l-art). This species flowers from March to October. Another species that flowers during the same period is the greater plantain (biżbula kbira). This species can be found in damp shady valleys such as Fiddien where the specimen shown in the picture was photographed.
The greater plantain is native to most of Europe, northern and central Asia and has become a naturalised weed wherever European colonisation took place. Some Native Americans called it “Englishman’s foot because it appeared wherever the white settlers set foot.
It is a powerful coagulant and quickly staunches the flow of blood and encourages the repair of damaged tissue hence it is used to treat bruises and broken bones. It has been used as a field dressing and is often known as ‘Soldier’s Herb’. It has also been used to prevent uterine bleeding after childbirth.
Some cultivars are used in gardens for their ornamental value and because its leaves are an important food for the caterpillar of many species of butterflies. (This article was published in The Times on 31.08.2010)