Allspice

Pimenta diocia

GENDER—Masculine

PLANET—Mars

ELEMENT—Fire

FOLK NAMES: Eddo, Madere, Basheen, Kouroubaga, clove pepper, Jamaica pepper, pimenta

PARTS USED: Dried unripe fruit

PLANT:  5 species of evergreen trees in the myrtle family.  Native to tropical America and the Caribbean.  The small unripe berry type fruits are dried and used as an important spice and fragrance.  All parts of the plant are aromatic.

Zones 10-12

NOTE:  Because allspice comes ground, many people believe that it is a mixture of spices.  Actually, the name “allspice” comes from the taste of clove, cinnamon, juniper berry, nutmeg and pepper.  The Latin name of “pimento” is from the Spanish word for pepper, because the unripe fruits resemble peppercorns.

PRODUCTION: In August just before the berries ripen, they are taken down from the trees in bunches and dried in the Sun until they turn a dark reddish brown.

ACTIONS:  Antibacterial, antifungal, antiflatulent, GI stimulant.

INDICATIONS: Flatulence and indigestion, increase circulation.

USAGE: Main use is as a spice, grind, or crush just prior to use.  Allspice was used by the Aztecs to flavor chocolate and is used to produce a synthetic form of vanilla, called vanillin.  It is an ingredient in “Jamaican jerk” seasoning and can be used in a paste to soothe toothaches and also as a breath freshening mouthwash.  Another use is as a rubefacient, for increased circulation in arthritic joints and sore muscles.  The Arawaks used a method called “boucans” to help cure the preserve meats.  The word was later used to describe people who cured meat this way, “boucaniers”.  Eventually, the word came to be pronounced and spelled “buccaneers.

PRECAUTIONS:  Possible interference with absorption of minerals.  Seizures with excessive use, gastroenteritis, nausea, vomiting, contact dermatitis.  Allspice is contraindicated in patients with chronic GI disorders.  Women who are pregnant and breast feeding should avoid use of allspice other than as a spice.

PREPARATIONS:  Essential oil, pimento water, whole dried fruit.  Flavoring in toothpastes.

For Flatulence:  2-3 drops of allspice oil on a sugar cube.

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MAGICKAL USES:  Money, luck, healing

· Use in prosperity spells

· Use to gain money through business

· Burn as an incense to attract money or luck

· Use to promote healing

· Put three berries under the tongue in court to convince others that you are telling the truth

Allspice was also used by the Mayans as an embalming agent

Prosperity Powder—Herman Slater

Rub on hands, sprinkle about the premises, burn a green candle anointed with Money Drawing Oil and draw a circle around the candle with the powder.  Can also be used as an incense, oil, bath or floor wash.

Color Green

Allspice

Patchouli

Myrrh

Cinnamon

Sandalwood

Orris

Orange Peel

Archive of Herbs