By: Hettie Basil Lighttower
How is everyone today? It is mighty cold in West Virginia. But alas it is winter-time! Do you like fig newtons? Or fig jam? Or figgy pudding? You could do a little jig, eat a little fig but don’t don’t don’t be a little pig! I friend of mine has a fig tree in Connecticut. And my brother used to buy fresh figs and make fabulous treats with them! I miss that.
I’d like to share with you today something new I learned this week! That is…. more than the fig fruit is good for you! It is crazy to think about, but maple trees are not the only trees that have useful sap!!! You guessed it! The fig tree sap has amazing health benefits. Who knew?? Not I. I asked the friend with the fig tree if she was aware of this proclamation. She was not. She was very happy to get the good news and now cannot wait until spring to try out this new-found gold mine amongst her shrubs.
Check this out:
The sap is milky in color and actually has quite a history of being medicinal. It is antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory,anti-viral and is an anti-oxidant. The sap can combat fungus and help to heal minor skin infections. It is used topically in this way.
Wart removal is also among its qualities! Even help with arthritis or sore muscles can occur when rubbed into your skin on those trouble areas. Abrasions? Kiss them goodbye. Overall good skin here we come! Amazing. I don’t recall ever seeing “contains fig sap” in any of my lotions or salves purchased. It dries out acne and blemishes through its antimicrobial properties.
Because it is anti-inflammatory, it assists in reducing the risk of chronic disease and soothes joints and muscles.
Fig sap boosts the immune system with antioxidants. Traditionally it is known to treat bronchitis and other coughing conditions. But it also supports oral health! Add some to water and swish. I mean it is truly hard to believe all these benefits. I really only thought figs were good for a great treat at grandma’s house! She seemed to always have them on hand. They were so naturally sweet and were completely acceptable as a treat. And we never knew for years that we were eating fruit! Haha….
And now look at all these other things the juice from the tree does for us in addition to fig newtons. How about hair health? Of course, it is recorded to promote scalp health, reduces dandruff, and strengthens hair follicles.
Current research on fig sap is exploring regulation of blood sugar levels and benefits to insulin sensitivity. I can’t wait to learn what they discover about that.
So, in closing you can use the sap on your skin topically for wart removal, better hair, less joint pain and muscle soreness, better skin, less dandruff and blemishes. You can mix it with coconut oil to make your own salve for these uses. And of course, mix in water for a mouth wash.
It is questionable as to how much is safe to ingest, but all of its properties can be utilized through the skin. And I imagine for coughs and lung issues to rub in your chest area for absorption and relief.
This article is a little shorter and for that I apologize. But that’s all I have on figs today. Thanks for your letters and reflections of the impact these little talks have on your life. I have appreciated hearing from you. If there is a topic you would like to know more about or to get my opinion on….
Send in your notions and comments to [email protected]. I will include them in the next available column as per their arrival relative to the publication deadline of Tuesday by 12 p.m. of the same week. If you wish to be anonymous let me know. Kindness is contagious~*