Allspice (Medicago Sativa) Herbal Medicine
Momordica Charantia, Uses, Health Benefits, Dosage, Side Effects
Allspice Health Benefits, Dosage, Side effects and Warnings.
Scientific Name: Medicago Sativa
Other names:
Jamaica pepper, kurundu, myrtle pepper, pimenta, or newspice, clove pepper, pimento, toute-épice, jamikapfefer, kabab cheene, seetful, pimiento de Jamaica
Allspice is a spice that is the dried unripe fruit of Pimenta dioica also called allspice tree. Allspice is popularly used in food preparation for its cinnamon – nutmeg – cloves flavor and scent. Allspice tree is a mid-canopy, tropical evergreen native to southern Mexico, Central America and West Indies. The name “allspice” was coined by an English explorer who thought that allspice is the combination of cinnamon, nutmeg and cloves.
Allspice tree grows to a height 10 to 13 meters. The bark is grayish-white that peels in to sheets. Allspice leaves are elliptical in shape that is about 8 inches in length and 2 inches in width. The glossy green leaves have an aromatic scent and leathery texture. White allspice flowers grow from the leaf’s axils. Allspice bears flowers that are male and female. The female allspice flowers turn to fruits that develop into clusters.
Allspice fruits are pea sized green to brownish green to purple when ripe. Allspice fruit are harvested while the fruit is immature and green. It is in this stage that the flavor is at its best. Allspice fruit is dried under the sun and are powdered when used.
Allspice is the dried fruit of the Pimenta dioica plant. The fruit is picked when it is green and unripe and, traditionally, dried in the sun. The leaves and wood are often used for smoking meats where allspice is a local crop. Allspice can also be found in essential oil form. Allspice oil contains eugenol that possesses anti microbial property. Allspice is also used to provide relief for indigestion and gas.