Birds with Ruby Red Slippers

Posted by on Dec 17, 2014 in Costa Rica, Live Your True Nature | 0 comments

I awoke to the sound of howler monkeys in the distance and a variety of birds. These birds with the ruby red slippers seemed to go from place to place with a flick of their red tail. May we all follow our heart’s desire as easily!

Rufous Tailed Hummingbird

Rufous Tailed Hummingbird 

The property has many plants and trees typical to the region and used for medicinal purposes and beyond. This is achote in Spanish, or achiote. The natural pigment annatto is made from the fruit. It is used to color foods such as cheese, and rice (instead of saffron). It is also used by Native Americans for body paint, and in natural remedies to treat infections.

Achote, Achiote, Annatto Pigment

Achote, Achiote, Annatto Pigment

This plant is used as soap, particularly for washing clothes. Sorry I don’t know the details, only that it is phosphorus free.

Plant used for Soap

Plant used for Soap

Most of you know this one, or at least are grateful for it every morning. More on coffee in a later post. The hotel grows their own coffee beans, and processes it to serve it every day. I drank their cinnamon bark tea instead, which I learned is good for gastrointestinal upset, for infections caused by bacteria and parasitic worms, and for menstrual cramps.

Coffee Plant

Coffee Plant

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