Tomato Memories



A still-warm mason jar

magnifies through juice,

hosts of swimming seeds,

tomato memories.

Battling internal currents,

they declare a truce,

dreaming of what's to be,

menu delicacies, or maybe

sluiced into beer.

Perhaps the crowning glory

in grandma's chili recipe?

Then there's the fear

of causing gastric distress.

They wouldn't want that.

A tomato is very meek, you see,

though it might not show

to the naked eye of men.

You never know where a tomato's been,

or where it might still go.

Reliance on traditional medicinal plants in place of, or as supplements to, manmade compounds continues throughout Appalachia. The herbs may be found regionally both in nature and in specialty shops featuring natural foods and supplements. Some notations from The 20th Century Family Physician, published in 1920 by Stanton and VanVliet Co.: Camphor -- This is obtained from a tree in the East Indies. Camphor is a sedative for the nervous system in many disorders. It is often useful in quieting the restlessness of fevers. The dose of the tincture is from ten to thirty drops. Chamomile -- This is one of the few household remedies which possess decided value. It is a good tonic in cases of indigestion. It is best taken in the shape of a cold infusion, which is made by adding half an ounce of chamomile flowers to a pint of cold water. In cases of indigestion and nausea, the chamomile tea can be taken with a little ginger or myrrh. Fennel -- The seeds of this familiar plant are used to flavor medicines. They are also employed to relieve the griping pains of colic. The drug is usually given as an infusion of the leaves. Garlic -- The garlic, onion and leek are all used for bronchitis and colds in the head. Made into poultices, they are applied to local inflammations. Henbane -- This plant has an important place in medicine, being used for nearly the same purposes as belladonna. It is a violent poison, and must be carefully distinguished from the root of the parsnip, which it closely resembles in shape and appearance. Henbane is used as a narcotic to quiet pains in inflammations. Under such circumstances it has the advantage over opium that it does not cause any excitement in the patient, but is directly sedative in its action. It is especially valuable as a narcotic in the treatment of children. Henbane is frequently used in the treatment of delirium, meningitis, and other affections of the brain in which opium cannot well be employed. Horse-chestnut -- A decoction of the bark has been used in cases of ague and other malarial fevers. Juniper -- An infusion made by boiling an ounce of the bruised berries in a pint of water is frequently used to stimulate the action of the kidneys. Hence this remedy is used in dropsy and in some diseases of the kidney. It is usually combined with cream of tartar. Lime -- The juice of the fruit is mixed with water to make a cooling drink for fever patients. Large quantities of this juice are carried on shipboard as a preventive against scurvy. Oak -- A decoction of the inner bark is a valuable astringent. It is used as a gargle in sore throat, as an injection in cases of the "whites," and as a medicine in diarrhea and night sweats. Pennyroyal -- This variety of mint is employed as an infusion for the relief of griping pains in the abdomen. Peony -- An infusion is made by boiling an ounce of the powdered root in a pint of water. Half a teacupful may be given four times a day. It was formerly considered a nerve tonic, and was used in epilepsy and St. Vitus' dance. Saffron -- This is a familiar garden flower of a deep orange color. It is used as a decoction; an ounce of the leaves is boiled in a pint of water. This is used as a gargle for sore throat and as a remedy for fevers. It is suppposed to favor the eruption in scarlet fever, measles, etc. Thorn Apple -- This plant belongs to the same class of remedies as henbane and belladonna. The dried leaves rolled in cigarettes are often effectual in relieving the paroxysms of asthma. Valerian -- This remedy is used almost exclusively for cases of "nervousness," however it may be manifested. In hysteria and hysterical paroxysms this remedy is invaluable. It is also useful in cases of nervous headache. Graphic: Day Glow Women, collage; Norma Murray exhibition, Museum of Appalachian Culture, A.S.U., Boone, N.C.

~ Country Home and Garden Hints ~ FURNITURE * Refinish antiques or revitalize wood: Use equal parts of linseed oil, white vinegar, and turpentine. Rub into furniture (or wood) with soft cloth and lots of elbow grease. * A little instant coffee will work wonders on your furniture. Just make a thick paste of your favorite instant and a little water, and rub it into the nicks and scratches on your dark wood furniture. You'll be overjoyed at how new and beautiful those pieces will look. Hints courtesy of Blue Ridge Area Food Bank Network, Laurel Hill Road, P. O. Box 937, Verona, Virginia 24482-0937, (540)248-3663, which publishes an annual fund-raising cookbook of recipes donated for print by area residents.