Ackee

ACKEE (Blighia sapida)
Sacral and Thymus Chakras

Motto: “I release what no longer serves to reveal my sweetness.”

Origin: Native to tropical West Africa. Cultivated sporadically throughout the tropics, commercially in Jamaica.

Traditional herbal uses: The aril (edible fruit) is eaten cooked, but must be mature, fresh, and harvested when the fruit opens naturally. Unripe fruits are toxic and can be fatal. Ackee and saltfish is highly esteemed in Jamaica, where it is the national dish.

Crushed immature fruits produce foam, which is used as soap. The wood is termite resistant, and may be used in the construction of different articles. The tree is also planted as an ornamental. Seed extracts are used in the treatment of parasites. The ripe fruit is consumed to lower fever and to control dysentery. A poultice of crushed leaves is applied to the forehead to alleviate headaches, and to the skin to heal ulcers.

Energetic properties:
-Release of toxic emotions
-Union of physical and spiritual love

This 15-20m (45-60 ft) evergreen tree called to me on a very hot and humid night in Kingston — at 3 am! A huge personality with a wicked sense of humour, I eventually found this tree (with seven joined trunks and a sign identifying her!) right outside our hotel window during our stay in Negril.