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Three young African men were ushered into the meeting hut. The chief sat at the back, surrounded by the old warriors. The boys approached him.
“For six days,” he said, speaking slowly, “you were left in the forest to test your abilities, so that we could judge whether you were worthy of being considered warriors. You returned safe and sound, despite the thousand dangers. But it's not enough. What have you done to deserve the name of warriors?
Amid the attentive silence of the tribesmen, the boys narrated their exploits. One had killed a leopard, another had fought a python. Only a third of the boys didn't speak.
- And you, Mamadù, what did you do? - asked the boss. - I took a jar of honey from the wild bees - replied Mamadù softly.
The boys smiled. What was stealing honey from bees? It took patience, even audacity, but it was not a test worthy of a tribal warrior.
- Why did you take honey and not hunt some wild animal? - asked the boss.
- You know - replied Mamadù - that my parents are old and sick; I had to think about them and I did it by bringing them honey.
The leader stood up. He held out the spear towards Mamadù and said: -Take it, because of all you are the most worthy. Before being a hunter, a man must be a man. And there is only one way to know when he is such: when above all else he puts love and respect for his parents.
Alberto manzi
Advice FROM NATURE
Chicory
Chicory (Cichorium intybus) is a plant known for its healing properties since ancient times. Chicory preparations are recommended for people with excessive appetite, it helps to restore the metabolism and detoxify the body. Chicory lowers cholesterol and blood sugar and is indicated as an adjuvant in atherosclerosis and diabetes.
The daily intake of 2-3 grams of powder, obtained from the aerial parts of the plant, is a prebiotic remedy, purifying the liver, kidneys and skin. 100 ml of fresh milky juice, obtained by squeezing the roots, mixed in 100 ml of milk and drunk in the morning on an empty stomach, or in the evening before going to bed, has antioxidant properties.
The decoction is prepared from chicory roots and (or) from the aerial parts of the plants. Preparation: put 2-3 tablespoons of chopped herbs in 750 ml of water and boil 15 minutes, or until a third of the water evaporates. Drink in small doses throughout the day.
Chicory coffee. The specific medicinal effects of this plant are also shown in coffee. After fine grinding of the roots, gently fry the powder. Use it as an infusion, prepared with 2-3 teaspoons of powder for a cup of boiling water. Drink 2-5 cups a day. Stimulates digestion, strengthens the stomach, replaces coffee.
Finally, chicory leaf salad is an effective medicine.
Macco of San Giuseppe
Ingredients for 4 people:
* 800 g of dried legumes (beans, chickpeas and broad beans or just one of the three); * 400 g of spaghetti or mixed pasta; * 1 onion; * 1 stick of celery; * 2 tomatoes; * 1 sprig of wild fennel; extra virgin olive oil; salt
Wash the legumes under cold running water until the water is clear and then soak them overnight in a bowl of water.
The next day, cook them in plenty of salted water with the onion, celery and chopped tomatoes until they are very tender, so much so that you can crush them with a fork (the word macco actually comes from the verb to dent).
When they are tender, but not yet cooked, add the chopped fennel and the pasta; Bring everything to the boil, stirring constantly. At the end of cooking, add plenty of extra virgin olive oil and pepper, if you like.
