Coffee
- Origin
- Asia
- Part used
- Seeds / fruit
- Tradition
- Traditional ethnobotany
Native to the highlands, the coffee plant traveled for a long time along the trade routes before conquering tables the world over. Its roasted beans, known to all, were also used by the ancients as a stimulating and digestive remedy before becoming the drink we know today. The Herbier des Anciens traces here the traditional uses associated with it, somewhere between a folk remedy and a daily ritual.
Traditional uses
A remedy against fatigue
Roasted beans were traditionally infused to combat weariness and support alertness during long vigils or work.
Aid for heavy digestion
A cup after the meal was reputed to promote digestion and relieve feelings of stomach heaviness.
Support for mild asthma
Certain folk traditions attributed to coffee a favorable action on breathing, particularly during mild breathing difficulties.
A coffee-grounds scrub
Coffee grounds were reused in traditional cosmetic use as a gentle exfoliant for the skin of the body.
What to know before use
Not recommended during pregnancy or breastfeeding due to its caffeine content. To be avoided in people suffering from heart conditions, high blood pressure, or anxiety, as caffeine can worsen these conditions. May interact with certain medications (anticoagulants, certain antidepressants): seek the advice of a health professional. Excessive consumption can cause insomnia, palpitations, and nervousness.
The detailed notebook
- Prepared as a paste or decoction
- Traditional duration of use
- Known contraindications
- Related species and their uses
Where to find it
Partner herbalists — available with the detailed notebook.
Sources
PFAF, Wikipedia