Description

Evergreen tree growing to a height of 30 ft (10 m). Has compound leaves, green flowers, and large violet-brown fruit (bean pods).

Habitat & Cultivation

Native to southeastern Europe, western Asia, and North Africa, carob flourishes in poor soil in warm temperate climates; it is said to “want sight of the sea.” It is cultivated for its fruit, and harvested in late summer or autumn.

Parts Used

Fruit, bark.

Constituents

The fruit contains up to 70% sugars, fats, starch, proteins, vitamins, and tannins.

History & Folklore

In ancient Egypt, carob pods were combined with porridge, honey, and wax as a remedy for diarrhea. They also featured in recipes for expelling worms, and treating poor eyesight and eye infections.

Medicinal Actions & Uses

Carob pods are nutritious and, due to their high sugar content, sweet-tasting and mildly laxative. A decoction of the pulp can be used as an anti-diarrheal, gently helping to cleanse and relieve irritation within the gut.