Description

Fig Powder (Ficus Carica)

1 Ounce

OTHER NAMES :  Common Fig, Fico, Mhawa, Chagareltin 

FAMILY :  Moraceae

METAPHYSICAL / SPIRITUAL CORRESPONDENCES & ASSOCIATIONS : 

• Element: Fire
• Planet: Jupiter
• Day: Tuesday
• Direction: South
• Zodiac Sign: Taurus
• Chakra: 7^th Crown Chakra (Sahasrara)
• Energy: Yang
• Gender: Masculine
• Rune: Fehu
• Tarot: the Lovers, the Hanged Man
• Numerology: 1, 6
• Animal: Tarsier, She-Wolf, Gecko, Crocodile
• Sabbat or Holiday:  Thargelia (approx.. May 23-24), Lupercalia (Feb 15)
• Deity or God / Goddess Association: Dionysis, Juno, Isis, Apollo, Artemis

Parts Used:  Fruit, Leaves, Stems 

Mystical / Magickal Attributes:  Small phallic images are carved from Fig wood and carried by women who wish to conceive. They are also used by men to overcome infertility or impotency. The Fig is celebrated in modern tree lore as a symbol of our Earthly nature, with physical characteristics that resemble the womb.

Unlike most fruits that blossom outwardly, a Fig’s flowers develop invisibly inside its pod. This makes it a profound symbol of looking inward, self-discovery, and hidden beauty.

Write a question on a Fig leaf. If the leaf dries slowly, the answer is yes, or it is a good omen. If it dries quickly, just the opposite.

A Fig grown in the home is protective and brings good luck. When grown in the bedroom, Fig aids in restful sleep. When grown in the kitchen, it ensures the family will never go hungry.

Ancient texts often associate sitting “under your own vine and Fig tree” with ultimate safety, spiritual wellbeing, and peace. In Jewish tradition, sitting under a Fig tree is symbolic of a sacred space for study, prayer, and deep contemplation of one’s purpose.

In Buddhism, the Fig holds great significance, as it is widely believed that Siddhartha Gautama meditated beneath the Bodhi tree (a type of sacred Fig tree) to achieve enlightenment.

In the Old Testament, the Fig tree is a symbol of Israel’s prosperity and God’s favor.

The Fig is highly revered and mentioned in the Quran (Surah At-Tin) as a blessed fruit representing purity and health.

In Hinduism, the Fig tree is considered sacred, often symbolizing the universe and the interconnectedness of all life.

Figs also represent a period of co-creation and the beginning of creative energy, looking inward rather than seeking validation from external accomplishments, allowing your internal wisdom to mature and ripen, and trusting that a season of abundance and fruitfulness is approaching.

Folklore links Fig trees to humanoid, red-eyed “pig-tailed macaque demons” that guard farmlands.

Mystical / Magickal Intentions:  fertility, self-awareness, deep introspection, self-esteem, creativity, fulfillment, finding life’s purpose, choosing a life path, decision making, inner truth, clarity, perspective, direction, honesty, divination, meditation, enlightenment, balance, interconnectedness, mindfulness, sincerity, home protection, farm protection, safety, peace, purity, luck, prosperity, abundance, protection from hunger, nourishment, survival

Description:  Figs support erectile function by delivering a natural mix of nutrients that enhance blood flow, regulate blood pressure, and balance hormones. While not an instant fix like medication, they serve as a healthy whole-food supplement for long-term sexual and metabolic wellness.

Figs are rich in fiber, which softens stool, promotes bowel regularity, and acts as a prebiotic to feed healthy gut bacteria.

Figs are an excellent non-dairy source of calcium, magnesium, and potassium—minerals that work together to improve bone mineral density and prevent osteoporosis.

Despite their sweetness, Figs contain soluble fiber that slows digestion, resulting in a moderate glycemic index that helps prevent blood sugar spikes.

Figs are loaded with polyphenols and flavonoids, which reduce oxidative stress and protect cells from chronic illnesses. 

The milky sap (latex) of the Fig tree (Ficus carica) is a traditional folk remedy that is effective at removing warts. Many natural health experts and clinical studies support its use. The milky sap of the Fig contains proteolytic enzymes that physically break down and dissolve abnormal skin growths. Break a fresh Fig leaf or stem from the tree to extract the milky white sap. Apply the fresh sap directly to the wart. Cover the area with a dressing. Repeat this daily for a few days to a few weeks until the wart shrinks and falls off.

Historical Uses:  blood circulation, regulate blood pressure, balance hormones, fertility, erectile dysfunction, impotence, osteoporosis, warts, skin growths  

Taste & Smell:  Figs have a rich, sweet flavor often described as a mix of honey, molasses, and berry jam. Because they lack acidity, their sweetness is deep and concentrated. Biting into a ripe fig reveals a soft, chewy texture with a slight, pleasant crunch from the tiny edible seeds inside. Dark-skinned varieties like Black Mission or Brown Turkey taste like rich berry jam, raspberries, or raisins. Lighter-skinned figs (such as Calimyrna or Kadota) offer a milder, sweeter flavor profile that resembles subtle notes of honey, melon, or caramel. Eating a fresh fig is often compared to eating a squishy, fleshy pulp. The skin is completely edible, soft, and slightly chewy, encasing a syrupy, soft interior that is similar in texture to a strawberry.

Fig has a complex, multifaceted aroma that is simultaneously green, sweet, and woody. Because the scent profile pulls from the entire plant, it balances juicy fruitiness with crisp freshness. The fruit smells like warm, sun-ripened honey with a lush, jammy sweetness similar to plums or dates. The leaves offer a sharp, green, and grassy aroma with a crisp bitterness, very similar to a broken tomato vine or crushed mint. The wood features a rich, creamy, and “lactonic” (milky) quality that often smells warmly reminiscent of coconut milk or fresh butter, tied together by a dry, musky wood.

Botany, Cultivation & Harvesting:  Fig trees are native to the Mediterranean region (including Greece, Italy, Spain, France, and North Africa) and Southwestern Asia (spanning from Turkey and Iran to Afghanistan). In these regions, it has been cultivated for thousands of years and can still be found growing wildly. Because of its popularity and historical spread, Ficus carica is now widely grown across the globe wherever environmental conditions mimic its native dry and sunny habitat.

In the United States, commercial fig production is heavily concentrated in California, which accounts for 100% of the dried figs and 98% of the fresh figs grown. Other states with notable commercial or localized production include Texas, Oregon, and Washington. 

While Ficus carica is generally suited for USDA Hardiness Zones 8 through 10, cold-tolerant cultivars like Brown Turkey, Celeste, and Hardy Chicago can successfully survive and fruit in colder Zones 5 through 7 with proper winter protection or micro-climate placement (such as against a south-facing wall).

Fig trees thrive in temperate and subtropical climates with long, hot, dry summers and mild winters. It prefers well-drained, dry soil and full sun.

Growing Ficus carica (the edible fig) is surprisingly simple. These sun-loving, drought-tolerant plants thrive in both the ground and in containers. They can be grown successfully across many climates, though you will need to bring potted plants indoors or provide heavy winter protection in colder regions. Fig trees demand full sun to produce fruit, ideally aiming for at least 8 hours of direct sunlight daily. They prefer fertile, humus-rich, and well-draining soil with a slightly acidic pH between 6.0 and 6.5. If you have heavy clay soils, amend with organic matter or elevated mounded beds to prevent waterlogging.

Dig a hole twice as wide as the root ball and build a small mound of soil in the center. Spread the roots outward and bury the plant at the same depth it was in the nursery pot. Space your trees at least 10 to 20 feet apart.

If your climate experiences hard freezes, growing in a container is highly recommended. Use a rich, well-draining potting mix (such as one enriched with perlite) and a 5 to 7-gallon pot to naturally restrict the plant’s size. If growing in colder zones, either wrap your outdoor trees (with burlap and leaves) or transition your potted figs into a garage or indoors when winter hits.

New trees require 1 to 1.5 inches of water per week during their first growing season. Once established, figs are notably drought tolerant. However, be careful not to overwater once fruits begin to enlarge, as excess water can cause the figs to split.

Apply a 3-inch to 6-inch layer of organic mulch (like wood chips, straw, or compost) around the base of the tree to retain moisture and prevent weeds, but ensure the mulch does not directly touch the trunk to avoid rot.

Figs don’t require heavy feeding. Avoid fertilizing right after planting. For established trees, apply a balanced, organic fertilizer or a layer of compost in the spring and early summer. Stop fertilizing by August to let the wood harden before winter.

Heavy pruning is generally unnecessary, but you can prune to shape the tree, control its size, and remove dead or damaged limbs during late winter dormancy. 

Contraindications & Toxicity:

• Individuals with specific medical conditions—such as diabetes, bleeding disorders, or latex allergies—should consume Figs with caution.
• Figs are high in vitamin K, which can interfere with blood-thinning medications (e.g., warfarin), potentially making them less effective.
• Figs can lower blood sugar levels. If you are diabetic or taking blood sugar-lowering medications, eating large amounts of figs can cause your blood sugar to drop too low (hypoglycemia).
• Fig trees and their fruits contain natural latex. People with severe natural rubber latex allergies are more prone to experiencing an allergic reaction to figs, which can range from mouth/lip burning to severe anaphylaxis.
• Individuals allergic to birch pollen may experience cross-reactive allergy symptoms (like itching or swelling in the mouth) when eating figs.
• Figs are packed with fiber. Overconsumption, especially of dried figs, can lead to diarrhea or stomach cramps.
• Because figs are high in oxalates, excessive consumption is not recommended for those with kidney or gallbladder conditions.

Constituents:

• Fresh figs provide approximately 20 g of carbohydrates per 100 g, primarily made up of natural sugars like fructose, glucose, trehalose, and sucrose.
• Figs are highly valued for their high dietary fiber content, providing around 2 g to 17.8 g per 100 g (depending on whether it is fresh or dried weight).
• Figs contain modest amounts of protein (about 1 g to 6.3 g per 100 g dried weight) and low fat, with predominant fatty acids being linolenic, linoleic, palmitic, and oleic acids.
• High concentrations (often up to 609 mg per 100 g) make Figs a richer source of potassium than bananas.
• Figs also have significant levels of calcium, magnesium, sodium, and phosphorus, along with trace elements like iron, manganese, zinc, and copper.
• Fresh Figs deliver a broad spectrum of vitamins, most notably Vitamin B6, Vitamin K, Ascorbic Acid (Vitamin C), Beta-Carotene, and Tocopherols.
• Figs contain a wide variety of secondary metabolites responsible for their antioxidant properties and potential therapeutic benefits:
  • Phenolic Acids: Including gallic acid and chlorogenic acid.
  • Flavonoids: Such as rutin, catechin, epicatechin, and quercetin.
  • Anthocyanins: These pigments give the fig its color (e.g., cyanidin-3-O-rutinoside).
  • Other Constituents: Tannins, alkaloids, glycosides, coumarins, triterpenoids, and sterols.

Sources: https://spiritartsandherbs.com/sources

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PRODUCT IS NOT A TREATMENT. This product has not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. It is not a supplement or vitamin, and is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease, or any type of physical dysfunction or mental/emotional concern. Descriptions include HISTORICAL uses only, and do not imply fitness or safety for current use, or effectiveness in any way.  CAUTION : Do not use ANY product if pregnant or nursing. Do not use if allergic to any ingredients. Prior to use, consult with your professional health-care provider to ensure safe use and understand effects that ingredients may cause relative to safety, personal conditions, and medication interactions which may be harmful. FOR ADULT USE ONLY. By purchasing, you confirm that you are over 18 years of age. Keep out of reach of children and pets. Do not use more than recommended by your healthcare professional.  Purchase of this product indicates that you have read, understand, and agree to Spirit Arts & Herbs Terms and Conditions.

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