This small tree grows to 18 feet in height, and has dark green, shiny leaves that are 2.5 to 8 inches in length. Its fragrant flowers are white, in clusters of two to nine. Its egg-shaped fruits grow to less than one-half inch long, and are green when young, and then turn red, and eventually blue-black.
WHERE IT CAN BE FOUND:
Indigenous to Ethiopia, now cultivated in tropical regions worldwide
PROPERTIES AND USE:
Nervine, stimulant, antidepressant, antivenomous, diuretic, infant febrifuge, contraceptive, hypertensive, and treats heart disease, headache, cancer (particularly lung, breast, and prostate), strokes, asthma, diabetes, skin conditions, gout, dandruff, wounds, obesity, diabetes
TRADITIONAL PREPARATION:
As a stimulant and as a diuretic, boil 3 coffee leaves in 1 cup water for 10 minutes. For infant fever, mash the shells of green, unroasted seeds and create a poultice that is applied directly on the head. According to Rosita Arvigo, a long-lasting contraceptive that lasts up to 1 year is prepared by boiling a handful of freshly picked green coffee beans in 3 cups water for 10 minutes. Drink throughout the day for three consecutive days.
COFFEE RUB
Makes 1 treatment
This novel use for used coffee grounds is great for relieving water retention, improving circulation, and diminishing the appearance of cellulite.
INGREDIENTS:
V;2 cup used coffee grounds
2 tablespoons oatmeal (optional)
3 tablespoon honey
1 tablespoon bergamot oil
INSTRUCTIONS:
¥ Mix well to combine, and apply to the skin.
¥ Do not apply to the face, and rinse off within 15 minutes.
USE:
Spread on by hand, or with a stiff-bristled brush.
Do not apply to the face. Rinse off within 15 minutes.
