August 8th, 2012 (from my other blog http://warriorsandpoetswellness.wordpress.com) Tree of Life For many Africans, the Baobab is known as ‘The Tree of Life’. Baobabs are special trees found in coastal and desert settings. Six species of the baobab are native to Madagascar; one species is native to mainland African and the Arabian Peninsula; the last species is native to Australia. Their thick trunks are a physical adaptation to allow them to store water. Unlike other trees, it is difficult to date Baobabs because they do not have any annual growth rings, but they are said to be thousands of years old. Baobabs are also known as monkey bread trees (it was said that the seeds of the tree would be distributed by monkeys) or referred to as upside down trees because their branches might appear as roots reaching into the sky. In Sudan the tree is known as Tabaldi. Baobabs carry with them ancient history, folkore and spirituality. The trunks of the baobab have been used as dwellings or places to store water or food. They have also been used as sacred burial places. At the tops of the trunks you can find spaces where rain water has collected-indigenous Australians would harvest this water from the baobabs, as well as use parts of the baobab for food and medicinal uses. On the African continent, the Baobab leaves, fruits and seeds have always been used for nutrition. The leaves can be used fresh or dried in soups; the fruit flesh or pulp is eaten fresh or dried and used to make juice in Sudan. At the Kenyan coast, the seeds are sold as a snack after being flavored with a red coloring. In Burkina Faso, the seeds are used to make a soup. The edible parts of the baobab are densely packed with nutrients that include proteins, vitamin A, vitamin C, calcium, iron, magnesium and potassium. They have very high anti-oxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. Supplements derived from the superfruit of the Baobab are available for people looking to give their health an incredible boost. There are many creative ways to use this superfood. Providing essential proteins and vitamins, they make a great addition to juices or smoothies or alternatively, can be sprinkled on salads or on cooked vegetables. You can also just put a spoonful in a glass of water and drink it. The introduction of cold pressed baobab oil to the world market has been met with great enthusiasm. It has proven extremely effective in treating excema, psoriasis and other skin conditions. It helps greatly to reduce stretch marks and heal scarring. It is indeed a superfood for your skin and hair because of its potent vitamins and minerals. An excellent moisturizer, it can be used to nourish your face, body and hair. It also shields your skin from the elements of sun and wind, offering all around protection. And the anti-oxidant properties of baobab oil have anti-aging effects. Does the Baobab tree, with all its amazing qualities, harbor the fountain of youth? References http://www.bbc.co.uk/nature/life/Adansoniahttp://www.zimbio.com/Baobab+Trees/articles/YdB647ncMlJ/African+Baobab+potential+cosmetic+goldminehttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Adansonia Written by redochredance 1 Comment Posted in Uncategorized