FLORA FARMS MEDICINAL PLANT WALK

 

Free People “Cruel Intentions” dress | $148

You must be living under a rock if you haven’t heard about the best “un”kept secret this side of California Big Sur. Flora Farms is one of the most magical, enchanted, farm to table treats I’ve ever had the pleasure of experiencing. During the early years, we had the pleasure of getting to take advantage of the quiet charm (pre -“it spot” era) that this unspoiled secret possessed. Over time we’ve watched The Farm florish from the first little organic kitchen in Cabo, into a fully sustainable little TOWN complete with a farm to table organic restaurant, cooking classes, Culinary Cottages, painting classes, retail stores, a spa…and now…a Medicinal Plant Tour.  It quickly become one of the most recognized “must see’s” in Cabo San Lucas. It’s special…and full of surprises! Last year we did one of thier famous cooking classes, which I will later post as part of Flora Farms many “must do’s” – if you’re a foodie like me. Needless to say, it was epic! So when they announced a new experience at the Farm…I was all over it!

Leopoldo AKA “Polo”

The Medicinal Plant Tour guided by Leopoldo, aka “Polo”, an Herbalist and Holistic practitioner who has dedicated more than 10 years studying plants and the recovery of their nutritional and medicinal properties, is an extremely interesting, informative walk focused on teaching the botanical and medicinal properties of the plants on the farm and in the desert. He shows you what plants you can eat, use as medicine for different ailments …and he even showed us a plant that can poison your lyin’, cheatin’, mean, mistreatin’, two timin’, double dealin’ husband …wait…is that a country song? 😉

MEDICINAL PLANTS AND PURPOSES:

Here are some of the plants, trees & flowers we learned about on this incredible tour of the farm & desert. Here you will see pictures of the plants and learn about thier medicinal purporses & healing powers.

 

 

 

LEMONGRASS

This is the only aromatic grass. Good for stomach problems, pain & intestinal gas. Helps balance the PH in the stomach and is known to reduce inflammation. It boosts the metabolism & is good for weight loss. Besides all those benefits…it’s good for dental health & relieves headaches too!

 

 

 

POMEGRANATE

One of the most medicinal plants and considered sacred. The leaves, fruit & bark are all edible. It is a powerful antioxidant that can help with osteoarthritis and the preventaiton of prostate & breast cancer.

 

SOURSOP (GUANABANA)

The fruit and leaves have cancer-fighting qualities. It is a boost for the immune system,  it’s high in Vitiman C and fiber.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

NASTURTIUM

The leaves and flowers are edible. Both are packed with Vitamin C. It is a cleanser and antibiotic that helps with yeast, vaginal and fungal infections. And the pups seem to like them too 😉

They are used to garnish recipes.

 

BEAN COVER CROP

This plant is used on the farm to put nitrogen into the soil. All beans on an edible bean plant (pinto, black, flava etc.) have the most important amino acid – LYSINE. This is an essential amino acid that the body doesn’t produce. We usually destroy this acid when we cook the beans , so it’s best to eat them raw or steam them and drink the juice. (A little trick if you’re cooking beans, soak them in water overnight with a little baking soda, this helps get the outer coat off.)

 

 

 

 

 

SQUASH

Squash seeds are the best for killing parasites. Take them for 3 days on an empty stomach-a couple tbs a day and they will act as a laxative and expel the parasites.

 

MANGO LEAVES

These are good for diabetes. It’s best to make tea with the young leaves.

 

FENNEL

The seeds. balance the endocrine system, while the whole plant and the essential oil help with menopause. Fennel is a natural source of estrogen. I recommend reserarching it further to see all the interesting medicinal purposes of fennel. The Farm makes a mean Sausage & Fennel Flatbread that is to die for! My absolute fav!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

PAPAYA

Papaya is native to Mexico. However, it grows naturally in the Caribbean and Florida too. Consuming the antioxidant beta-carotene, found in papayas, may reduce cancer risk, asthma, diabetes & it’s good for eye health. They are an excellent source of vitamin C and one papaya provides 224 percent of recommended daily intake. Vitamin C boosts your skin’s collagen production to give you firmer, more plump skin and smooth out fine lines and wrinkles. So, EAT PAPAYA! 😉 It was quite the experience to watch them cut it right off the tree & get to taste how fresh it was.  It was DAHLicious!

 

 

RADISHES

These are great to detox the liver and blood. The help with digestion and blood pressure. Helps skin help vibrant & healthy due to the high amounts of Vitmain C, zinc & phosphorus.

 

ALOE

One of the most medicinal plants known to man. It has over 400 medicinal properties including the following: It is one of the greatest colon cleansers-it’s high in magnesium so it can be a good laxative. It’s an antioxidant & antibacterial. The first drip when you cut a plant provides a healing gel for cuts, infections and burns.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

PISTACHIO TREE

Pistachios are an excellent source of protein, antioxidants, and fiber. They are also rich in potassium, with one ounce containing more potassium than half of a large banana. Their health benefits may include a healthier gut, lower cholesterol and blood sugar, in addition to promoting weight loss and eye and blood vessel health.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

SAGE

Salvia is this plant’s genus name and means “to save”. A nutrient-dense hen, it’s known to be high in Vitmain K. It has been used for a long time to balance hormones and it may help with menopause. It’s also known to purify the blood. For many people, it is a sacred plant and used for spiritual cleansing aka “to burn sage” .

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

MALVA FLOWER

These plants exsist all around the world. The leaves, flowers, seed pods and roots are all used. Due to it’s high mucilage content,  it helps with inflammation, digestion. and urinary issues. It contains ephedrine – which can enhance alertness, concentration and mood. It’s high in proteins,  minerals, zinc, iron and amino acids. It’s a great plant for pregnant women. As a cream, it is good for wrinkles and has anti-aging properties.

 

GARLIC FLOWER (SOCIETY GARLIC)

 

This flower is not part of the garlic family, but only got the name due to the flower smelling just like garlic. You can use the purple flowers in food recipes for amora & garnish.

 

 

DAMIANA

The plant has been used for anxiety, depression, menstrual disorders and balances hormones. It can also help men achive and maintain erections. Ooh Lala 😉

CASTOR TREE (OIL) 

This is one of the world’s most poisonous plants. The seed contains a poison called ricin and can be deadly.  However…the oil  from the caster tree has so many health benefits treats constipation, circulation, inflammation, moisturizing so much more!

 

 

WILD CUCUMBER

The bitter leaves and fruit are used to induce vomiting and treat the liver. It lowers blood sugar & can help diabetes. It is high in zinc and iron so it may be beneficial for pregnant women.

 

DEVILS CLAW

When dried out, this claw like plant can be made into a powder and helps with pain, arthritis, inflammation and muscle aches.

 

NEEM TREE

This tree has healing properties that help hypoglycemia, diabetes, the liver and it possess natural pesticide to keep the bugs away. It blooms in May & has a jasmine smell.

 

IPOMOEA

Or Morning glory as we like to call them. The seed contains small quantities of the hallucinogen LSD. This has been used medicinally in the treatment of various mental disorders.

 

 

BARREL CACTUS (BISNAGA)

All cactus fruit is edible, none are poisonous, but not all are palatable. The best cactus tasting fruit comes from the saguaro, prickly pear, and barrel cactus. The fruit of the Barrel Cactus looks like a baby pineapple. It can be picked and eaten right of the plant. It’s fruit is tart and tastes somewhere between a kiwi and lemon. Cactus fruit is usually is rich in vitamin A and vitamin C. This is the fruit that was used in our dessert during our Medicinal Tour lunch. We also got to taste but cut right off the cactus!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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After the walk, you will have the pleasure of a lunch prepared by Chef Guillermo Tellez that is exclusive to the Medicinal Plant Tour and incorporates some of the indigenous plants and herbs you learned about from Leopoldo.

 

 

 

 

 

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This tour is a must if you are interested in herbal medicine, natural remedies, holistic practices, preventitive healthcare…or just poisoning your man 😉 I highly recommend this informative and FUN tour!

 

 

Dahlings, thank you for reading this post that I am so passionate about! Stay tuned for the Flora Farms Cooking Class post…cooming soon! I’d love to hear about your experince when you go to Flora Farms too! Tag me in your pictures on Instagram for a repost @nancidahl

 

Flora Farms Medicinal Plant Tour With Foraged Farm & Desert Lunch

$100 usd +tax

On Thursdays, they charge $45 + tax for just the walk!

More Information + Reservations:  spa@flora-farms.com