kapr-blog

[kapr-blog]

Wheat and Morocco: Ancient Traditions Morocco has a history that is rich in the tradition of growing wheat and baking bread. Today it is still very much a part of their culture.  Most still grow one of the few an un-genetically modified ancient varietals of wheat. It is generally harvested by hand using a sickle or scythe and the chaff is beat off on a small mud plateau then sifted.  Before electricity and machinery, people would use water to power gigantic stones which would turn to grind the wheat into the finest of powders.  A river, or this particular river was diverted a few kilometers upstream and rerouted to be used as irrigation for the crops as well as power the mill. The texture of the grain can be changed by adjusting a small lever. The beautiful part about this process is that ultimately everyone brings their dough to the neighborhood bread oven. Bread is not generally baked at home. You could think about it as a "community oven". In this particular case I was invited to a home in the countryside of Morocco in a small town in the south called Midelt. It was a breathtaking property alongside a river with fish, turtles and ammonite fossils embedded into the rocks around it. This country is ancient, sitting at the edge of the enormous Sahara desert, rich in geology and seemingly frozen in time.

[kapr-blog]

verveine

VERVEINE

Verveine is a common herb that is native to Latin America. It was introduced to Europe in the 17th century by the Spanish Conquistadores and is currently grown in North Africa, throughout the Mediterranean and Morocco. It is known to have numerous powerful health benefits. It is a small shrub about 2-3 meters in height and is used in cooking as well as tea. Additionally, the potent essential oil can be derived from the herb and is also known to have numerous health advantages.

properties: antidepressant, sedative / anti-inflammatory / anti-neuralgic / stomachic / vesicular  tonic/ pancreatic tonic  / endocrine harmonizing

indications : anxieties / stress / insomnia / multiple sclerosis / crohn's  / inflammations  / hypertension / tachycardia / coronary heart disease / cardiac fatigue /  hodgkin’s disease  / endocrine disorders / fever

Verveine is also known to be effective in treatment of numerous inflammatory conditions, arthritis and joint related issues. It helps in the maintenance of immune system through the reduction of oxidative stress on the body and lessens free radical activity so immunity increases and the body is more prepared for prevention.  It is also used as a digestive aide as it has anti-spasmodic effects and can prevent issues such as cramping and bloating. Finally, on an adaptogenic and emotional level it helps in the reduction of stress and anxiety. Tea prepared from the leaves is effective in relieving issues of chronic stress.