good and Bad Fruits for Diabetes

Mohammed Kijuma from Lamu - 1855 to 1945

While at Kipungani in Lamu - I took a 35 minutes speed boat ride to the Lamu museum. I could not help but notice 2 whole rooms dedicated to an individual I had never heard off. Yet his history is so rich and wondered why not a single mention of him in our school curriculums – even in primary school. I was disappointed. I bring you Mohammed Bin Abu-Bakr Bin Omar al –Bakari (commonly called) Mohammad Kijuma).

Kijuma was born in Lamu around 1855. As a child he went to Koran school and studied under the most renowned and educated authorities in Islamic theology, but quitted before completely his studies.

In the 1870s Kijuma accompanied his mother Mwana Kamari a woman of noble decency on several journeys to Zanzibar and Arabia. In the course of his life Kijuma undertook the pilgrimage to Mecca no less than four times. 

Encouraged by his teacher he perfected his style of scribing and soon not only scribed for the local people but also for the sultan of Witu. Kijuma was employed by the German Neukitchener Mission around 1888. He began to cooperate with the Europeans, for whom he worked as a copyist and interpreter of old Swahili poetry. Because of his vast knowledge he was consulted by the most important scholars working in the field.

Kijuma in a midst of a strict culture – he is not only what I think as a Kenyan know protégée, he was openly a free thinker. His closeness to the missionaries and other Europeans and his enquiry and controversial discussion and eventually conversion of Christianity brought him to a lot of trouble. Probably this may be the reason little is known of him.

His egocentric character and his involvement in reprehensible dance competition in a conservative environment, contributed to his ambiguous fame.  On one hand he was suspected of seducing the youth and preventing them from their religious studies; but on the other hand he gained a high reputation as a musician, dances and poet. The sultan of Zanzibar himself employed him as a palace musician and dancer at his cost in 1901.

After leaving the sultan Zanzibar around 1908, Kijuma returned to Lamu where he lived in a precarious economic condition. In 1932 when Kijuma finally was baptized, his fourth and last separated from him and took his son Helewa (which is a Swahili term meaning understand) born in 1855, with her, Nevertheless, Helewa stepped into his father’s shoes and became a famous carver who carved for instance the parliament door of Nairobi.

  

 Kibangala

Certainly one of the most beautiful pieces carved By Kijuma’s the lute (kibangala) by that time the instrument had already been widely introduce on the east Africa coast, while it was also widespread in all areas adjoining the Indian ocean. Probably Kijuma had come across it on his journeys to Arabia and Zanzibar on the 1870s and found at the Lamu museum is the only original from Lamu which has survived until today.

On matters of poet and scribe - Swahili is one of the few African languages which have a tradition of writing of which there is evidence going back beyond colonial periods as far as the 18^th century. Arabic script was not only used in Koran schools to write down religious text in Arabic, the lingua Sacra, but was also adopted by writers and copyist to codify their Swahili dialects.

From everyday correspondence to long narrative Swahili poems, text of different kinds were written down by skilled scribes who often worked on commission. Consequently the scribe and the composer of a text were not usually necessarily the same person. This also holds for the text written in the handwriting of Muhammad Kijuma. It is often hard to tell whether a certain poem was only composed or copied by him.

Commissioned by European scholars interested in Swahili poetry such as Alice Werner, H.E Lambert and Ernest Damman, he copied and often a noted for more poems than he composed himself. He became one of the most preserves of the poetic traditions of Lamu, the literary center of the coast. He was a mediator who taught foreigners how to read and understand archaic text in the light of Swahili culture and history. Many editions of old Islamic poetry were produced in the first half of the 20^th century by scholars who relied on Kijuma one of another way as an interpreter and scribe.

His interest in conserving tradition in times of great change is also reflected by his own poetic work. One of his poems called “customs from old Lamu” by Dammann is in fact an account of extinct customs based on information that he gathered from elders. His eagerness to learn more about his culture, but also about the foreign culture of the missionaries and colonial officers made him study both sides. Even though Kijuma was turned between perspectives of the missionaries and those of the Muslims inhabitants of Lamu, he continued to seek information and consultation on both sides.

Another poem that is generally attributed to Kijuma, the “utendi WA Liyongo” reflects his romantic Endeavour to preserve cultural heritage that he was proud of. In this poem of the east African epic hero Fumo Liyongo (comparable to the German Siegfried) he builts on different oral traditions and puts them together in one work, a technique also employed by authors who based their works more on Islamic narratives traditions.

In addition to his written works Kijuma used to take part in poetic competitions where poetry had to be composed spontaneously often in response to the antagonist’s poem. Competitions of various kinds between different town quotas were regularly held in Lamu in music and dancing competitions often linked with the poetic battles Kijuma also gained fame so that the sultan of Zanzibar noticed his talents.

Together with his wife Ernst Dammann came to Lamu in 1936 to do research on old Swahili poetry. Mohammad Kijuma had already been recommended to him as an expert on the old poems written in Arabic scripts. Right from his first day on the island, Damman started a close and fruitful relationship with Kijuma which turned into mutual esteem and friendship. The resulting collection of poems (“Ditchtungen in der Lamu-Mundart der Suaheli”) was published soon after Dammann’s return to Germany. Numerous other articles based on their cooperation were to follow.

Furthermore Kijuma took Dammann and his wife on several executive to show them sites of historical interest which also involved sailing to the neighboring islands Manda and Pate. In one of the poems WA safari utendi, Kijuma recorded some of the excisions in the poetical utendi style and later sent the manuscript in Arabic script to the Dammann’s in Germany. The poem which Dammann unnoted and published in 1942 (Begins with a walk on Lamu Island and goes on to depict the sailing tours to other sites in the archipelago.

Kijuma died in about 1945 and was buried in Lamu according to the Islamic religion and rites.

He is best remembered by many scholars as a Kenyan genius only known by a few people.

 I was informed Kijuma is a subject of research by several universities across the globe. By sharing this  - you will also help to  create the awareness of Mohammed Kijuma locally too.

I would like to thank Maureen Sialo of Lamu Museum for being resourceful.

Mohammed Kijuma (1855- 1945)

How holy is the Holy Basil?

One of my friends in a land far away posted something with excitement on how she is having basil for breakfast together with other  things of course. This took me to a search – what is holy Basil? I see it growing wildly in this part of the world. I step on it literary every time I’m walking on the bush. How then can it be so glorified and even called holy, Sanctum etc? I now know – thanks to donna Joy, Jacob Bijumon and Sarah Brewer.

Basil - also known as Saint Joseph's Wort, is a herb belonging to the mint family, has taken over my garden so I am in the process of preserving and storing it now. Fortunately, it can be used for so much more than just cooking!

Basil is most known for its culinary uses and if you have used my meal plans, you’ve probably noticed that I add it to everything. My husband’s Italian heritage has rubbed off on me and I absolutely love the sweet and fragrant addition of Basil.

What isn’t as well know are the various other herbal uses of Basil. It is a traditional remedy that has been used in various cultures for hundreds of years for many uses besides cooking. These are my top uses:

The holy basil is an important symbol in the Hindu religious tradition and is worshiped in the morning and evening by Hindus at large. The holy basil is also a herbal remedy for a lot of common ailments. 

1. Healing Power: The  plant has many medicinal properties. The leaves are a nerve tonic and also sharpen memory. They promote the removal of the catarrhal matter and phlegm from the bronchial tube. The leaves strengthen the stomach and induce copious perspiration. The seed of the plant are mucilaginous.

2. Fever & Common Cold: The leaves of basil are specific for many fevers. During the rainy season, when malaria and dengue fever are widely prevalent, tender leaves, boiled with tea, act as preventive against these diseases. In case of acute fevers, a decoction of the leaves boiled with powdered cardamom in half a liter of water and mixed with sugar and milk brings down the temperature. The juice of holy basil leaves can be used to bring down fever. Extract of holy basil leaves in fresh water should be given every 2 to 3 hours. In between one can keep giving sips of cold water. In children, it is every effective in bringing down the temperature.

3. Coughs: Holy basil is an important constituent of many Ayurvedic cough syrups and expectorants. It helps to mobilize mucus in bronchitis and asthma. Chewing holy basil leaves relieves cold and flu.

4. Sore Throat: Water boiled with basil leaves can be taken as drink in case of sore throat. This water can also be used as a gargle.

5. Respiratory Disorder: The herb is useful in the treatment of respiratory system disorder. A decoction of the leaves, with honey and ginger is an effective remedy for bronchitis, asthma, influenza, cough and cold. A decoction of the leaves, cloves and common salt also gives immediate relief in case of influenza. They should be boiled in half a liter of water till only half the water is left and add then taken.

6. Kidney Stone: Basil has strengthening effect on the kidney. In case of renal stone the juice of basil leaves and honey, if taken regularly for 6 months it will expel them via the urinary tract.

7. Heart Disorder: Basil has a beneficial effect in cardiac disease and the weakness resulting from them. It reduces the level of blood cholesterol.

8. Children's Ailments: Common pediatric problems like cough cold, fever, diarrhea and vomiting respond favorably to the juice of basil leaves. If pustules of chicken pox delay their appearance, basil leaves taken with saffron will hasten them.

9. Stress: Basil leaves are regarded as an 'adaptogen' or anti-stress agent. Recent studies have shown that the leaves afford significant protection against stress. Even healthy persons can chew 12 leaves of basil, twice a day, to prevent stress. It purifies blood and helps prevent several common elements.

10. Mouth Infections: The leaves are quit effective for the ulcer and infections in the mouth. A few leaves chewed will cure these conditions.

11. Insect Bites: The herb is a prophylactic or preventive and curative for insect stings or bites. A teaspoonful of the juice of the leaves is taken and is repeated after a few hours. Fresh juice must also be applied to the affected parts. A paste of fresh roots is also effective in case of bites of insects and leeches.

12. Skin Disorders: Applied locally, basil juice is beneficial in the treatment of ringworm and other skin diseases. It has also been tried successfully by some naturopaths in the treatment of leucoderma.

13. Teeth Disorder: The herb is useful in teeth disorders. Its leaves, dried in the sun and powdered, can be used for brushing teeth. It can also be mixed with mustered oil to make a paste and used as toothpaste. This is very good for maintaining dental health, counteracting bad breath and for massaging the gums. It is also useful in pyorrhea and other teeth disorders.

14. Headaches: Basil makes a good medicine for headache. A decoction of the leaves can be given for this disorder. Pounded leaves mixed with sandalwood paste can also be applied on the forehead for getting relief from heat, headache, and for providing coolness in general.

15. Eye Disorders: Basil juice is an effective remedy for sore eyes and night-blindness, which is generally caused by deficiency of vitamin A. Two drops of black basil juice are put into the eyes daily at bedtime.

16. Blood sugar: There is some evidence that Basil can help level out blood sugar if consumed regularly and drank as a juice or tea. 

 It is used to lower blood pressure for its inflammatory actions. It increases uptake of glucose into cells by improving  insulin secretion residual pancreatic beta cells. In people with Type 2 diabetic it can reduce average fasting blood glucose levels by between  17% and 20% compared to placebo, as well as reducing LDL- cholesterols and trigycerides. (Dr Sarah Brewer)

More info on Holy Basil

How holy are the Holy Basil? now you know.

Benefit of Quail Eggs

The quail egg is prized as a dietary and healing food. It is recorded that Chinese medical practitioners have used quail eggs for thousands of years to remedy aliments such as rhinitis, asthma, hay fever, spasmodic cough along with skin conditions such as eczema and psoriasis. More recently the benefits are found in quail egg capsules sold online.

Chicken Egg vs. Quail Egg

Quail eggs are packed with vitamins and minerals. Even with their small size, their nutritional value is three to four times greater than chicken eggs. Quail eggs contain 13 percent proteins compared to 11 percent in chicken eggs. Quail eggs also contain 140 percent of vitamin B1 compared to 50 percent in chicken eggs. In addition, quail eggs provide five times as much iron and potassium. Unlike chicken eggs, quail eggs have not been know to cause allergies or diathesis. Actually they help fight allergy symptoms due to the ovomucoid protein they contain.

Health Benefits

Regular consumption of quail eggs helps fight against many diseases. They are a natural combatant against digestive tract disorders such as stomach ulcers. Quail eggs strengthen the immune system, promote memory health, increase brain activity and stabilize the nervous system. They help with anemia by increasing the level of hemoglobin in the body while removing toxins and heavy metals. The Chinese use quail eggs to help treat tuberculosis, asthma, and even diabetes. If you are a sufferer of kidney, liver, or gallbladder stones quail eggs can help prevent and remove these types of stones.

Complementary Benefits

Children eating quail eggs are less inclined to suffer from infectious diseases than other children do. In men, quail eggs provide the prostate gland with phosphorus, proteins, and vitamins that can be a powerful stimulant for sexual potency. Women find that the egg improves skin color and strengthens hair. This is why quail eggs are in facial and in hair care products.

Ways to Consume Quail Eggs

If you purely want to promote your health without concern for intake you can eat raw quail eggs after washing them in boiling water. You do’t have to worry about salmonella with quail eggs as quails are resistant to infections due to their increased content of lysozyme that kills harmful bacteria. For this method eating three to five quail eggs each morning promotes a strong immune system and improves metabolism.

Raw quail egg consumption provides stronger health benefits than cooked eggs.

Helpful Link on Quail eggs 

Qual Egg Capsules