Category Nature

 

Origin:

Their origin dates back several centuries, when they were already very present on the island. At that time, they were of remarkable assistance: pack-saddled, harnessed or ridden, in the stone quarries for agricultural work in very steep places, in order to connect distant hamlets, or going to separate agricultural farms.

Also used for the production of male/female mules.

 

 

Character:

Obedient, courageous, enduring and very resistant with safe feet, capable of climbing up and down very steep slopes.

 

 

Morphology:

Up to the 18th century, they didn’t exceed 90c at the withers, and the coat was grayish – then, they grew thanks to the Catalan donkey, and the coat became black.

Today, two types can be found:

– the pure Corsican, light grey with 1.17m at the withers

– black, descen...

Mint has anti-oxidant properties that would reduce the arrival of cardiovascular diseases. Well known for assisting digestion, relieving nausea and pain, treating respiratory infections, gastroenteritis and eczema – also relieving gastrointestinal and biliary spasms or flatulence.

 

Internal use:

5-8g / 1L boiling water

(a pinch per cup, 1 cup morning + evening)

 

External use:

Mint calms. Applied as a poultice on a congested/engorged breast, with wheat flour. The infusion can be used for ulcers, and bruises – it is very effective against scabies. Balsam oil was very popular in the past (obtained by the maceration of the tips of the mint leaves in olive oil, for a month), and applied on wounds.

 

 

Source: ...

‘Silybum Marianum’, otherwise known as ‘Milk Thistle’ belongs to the Asteraceae (or Compositae) family. Easily recognisable by the bright marbled pale green and prickly leaves. This plant particularly likes dry and sunny places, often with an acid soil – very common in the Mediterranean area. The whole plant can be used. It protects the liver, and stimulates bile secretion. Hepatitis and jaundice can also be treated by the milk thistle, and it is often prescribed as a tonic.

Very effective in the following cases:

– internal and external haemorrhages, hypotension, hepatic insufficiency, asthma, varicose veins, hemorrhoids, and hay fever.

 

As an infusion:

– 1 tablespoon for 1/4L boiling water – 1 cup before each meal, for 15 days in order to help the liver

 

Milk thistle wine:

– 30g root an...

                                                                                           

 

 

Far from the coast and its beaches, direction the natural pools of Aïtone situated in the eponymous forest. Spreading out to no less than 4000 hectares, the Aïtone forest literally plunges you into the heart of the Corsican countryside – between chestnut groves, beeches and also laricio pines (known to be the most beautiful from the ‘Island of Beauty’). Furthermore, it is not impossible to meet up with cows, or even wild pigs in complete freedom ! You may also have the possibility of coming across the Corsican nuthatch, a small bird generally perched on the laricio pine trees.

Now, to reach the natural pools, two solutions are possible:

– either by the chestnut trail from the village of Evisa

Very easy to find, the linden tree grows just about everywhere, many of us already use the flowers regularly as an infusion. And although this is quite a common choice, I think it’s necessary to remind just how useful it can be – i.e. for fevers, chills and insomnia.

 

For internal use as a decoction:

2g of dried flowers with around 300ml of water (really depending on the size of your cup too), but those of you who are used to drinking infusions, will obviously know just how much you should use. Bring cold water and flowers to the boil, and continue to boil for around 10m – filter if necessary. Drink several infusions per day.