The plant you are describing, commonly known as “archbishop” or by its various other names such as Cuban oregano, Mexican eucalyptus, or Arabic mint, is indeed a versatile and beneficial addition to any indoor space. Here’s a summary of its characteristics and uses:
Characteristics:
- Discreet green plant with fleshy, light green, slightly hairy leaves.
- Thrives in sunny locations with fertile soil and can be pruned as desired.
- Ideal for container gardening and requires indoor overwintering at around 20ºC.
- Releases a distinct aroma reminiscent of oregano and thyme when the leaves are rubbed.
Natural Repellent:
- This plant, similar to mint, repels mosquitoes, moths, and insects.
- Making tea from its leaves provides relief from colds, coughs, sore throats, and headaches.
- Consumption can help with hypertension, asthma, digestive problems, skin injuries, skin infections, minor burns, rheumatism, scars, bruises, lowering blood pressure and cholesterol, and alleviating the symptoms of rheumatism.
- Rubbing the affected area with its leaves aids in treating minor skin injuries, skin infections, and minor burns.
Elderberry Syrup Recipe:
Ingredients:
- Sealable glass container
- At least 50 elderberry leaves (the more, the better)
- Granulated sugar (approximately 759 g to 1 kg, depending on the size of the glass and the number of leaves)
- Lemon, lime, or orange (to taste)
- Lemon juice
Preparation:
- Rinse the elderberry leaves lightly with cold water and cut them in half to release as much juice as possible.
- Wash the lemon, lime, or orange thoroughly and cut into slices.
- Alternate layers of leaves, sugar, lemon juice, and citrus slices in the glass container until it’s completely full.
- Close the container and place it on a windowsill.
- After two weeks, check if the sugar has dissolved. If not, gently stir the syrup. Check regularly to prevent mold formation.
- Once the contents have completely liquefied, strain the syrup through a sieve and squeeze the fruit and leaves well.
- Store the syrup in the refrigerator.
