APPLICATIONS

TRADICIONAL

Evidences from the Lazaret Cave in Nice (France) shows that 100.000 years ago leaf litter was used to form rudimentary beds.

In ancient Egypt, the sea balls were used to cover sandals.

In the eleventh century, Roman and Venetian glassmakers and potters wrapped their products with leaf litter.

CONTEMPORARY

The leaf litter is used as beds for livestock, since it provides heat and insulates from the cold. Because of the amount of salt it contains, it keeps harmful microorganisms (such as fungi and bacteria) away and, due to its iodine content, keeps the animals disinfected.

In the manufacture of paper pulp, as it provides cellulose.

To fill mattresses and pillows.

The leaves are used in the construction of walls and ceilings for their thermal insulation property.

If the leaves are macerated in alcohol it can be used to disinfect wounds and to heal faster, to relieve the pain caused by varicose veins, in respiratory conditions and as a tonic against acne.

The fruits can be used to feed pigs.

As fuel in chimneys and fires.

As a field fertilizer, because as it decomposes it provides nutrients, maintains the humidity of the dew and prevents the water from evaporating.