At a recent Ajijic Writer's meeting, I read an article on my latest research on herbs and I was surprised; I was surprised at the interest shown. One person even suggested the feasibility of forming an Herbalist Society. In view of this response I would like to share it with readers of the LCR.
In his monumental LA MEXICANIDAD de MEXICO, Alfonso de Rosenzweigh-Diaz wrote: "The herb vendor is the physician of the country folks and herbs the inexhaustible pharmacy which Mother Nature provides for the alleviation of man's suffering. Without exaggeration the Aztecs were the founders of modern Mexico's pharmacopoeia and are still, in part, its guides, constantly enriching with their observations and experiences, the present-day scientific works laboriously developed in the inner sanctum of the great industrial laboratories of Mexico and the world."
Many plants used by the ancient Aztecs, such as asters, marigolds, poinsettias, philodendron and many more still grow around the shores and on the surrounding mountainsides of Lake Chapala. Most of the plants one sees dangling from adobe walls in pots and tin cans are not simply for beauty alone. They contain many of our own favorite herbs such as spearmint, rosemary, thyme, basil, garlic, parsley, lavender and many others.
Rural Mexicans harvest dozens of useful herbs on the mountainside, plains and forests for their private pharmacies. They are vital to the well-being of their children and adults alike, being used for everything from bronchitis, flu, bodily malfunctions to infection. I can personally attest to the effectiveness of the latter.
One of the most commonly used medicinal herbs is a branch of ALBAHACA, (sweet basil); used for the relief of various stomach ailments, labor pains and loss of appetite in older folks. RUDA (rue) may be used to relieve severe gas pains by boiling 7 leaves in one half-pint of water, plus a small piece of chocolate to be taken on an empty stomach for one week. EPAZOTE and HIERBABUENA are used extensively for the treatment of intestinal disorders. CHIA, the small, flat seed of the wild salvia was used by Montezuma's warriors when going on a long journey, because of their potent food value and minimal weight. One small bag of seed would provide energy for a long trip. The hot pepper, CAPSICUM, commonly used as a worm repellant is also a very effective laxative. The fruit and extracts may also be used for poultices and hot plaster, but could cause skin burns if left on too long. The juice and raw fruit may also be used in treating colds and hangovers.
There are several types of hallucinatory herbs such as the WHITE MORNING GLORY, the HEAVENLY BLUE MORNING GLORY and PEYOTE that were also known and used by the Aztecs. They are still being used by the curanderos, (native doctors), and are presently creating widespread interest in scientific circles, especially in the field of psychology.
Many familiar wild flowers found in northern climes also grow in Mexico. BLOODROOT (indian paint); whose rhizomes yield the red-orange paint used by the Indians for war paint. The early settlers dipped lumps of sugar in it for cough remedy. WILD GINGER when broken up makes an aromatic brew used for indigestion and kidney malfunctions. Many a cup of ginger tea my mother made for colds and flu. MUSK MALLOW, mentioned in the Bible was used by American Indians who crushed leaves and roots to make syrup to be used medicinally. Salt and honey was added to the liquid in the treatment of fistulas in the eyes and the sting of a wasp. VIOLETS with over 800 species were cooked and made into puddings and candy by vitamin-conscious medieval housewives. The Syrians and Turks used them for sherbet.
Many of our most exotic flowers also provide medicinal, nutritional and exotic cookery. The ROSE was used by Hippocrates, the father of medicine and herbals from Anglo-Saxon days right up to the present time refer to its medicinal properties. ROSE HIPS, the outstanding source of Vitamin C, was used as far back as the 11th Century by the Crusaders to supplement their diet. Jean Gordon in her fascinating cookbook, THE ART OF COOKING WITH ROSES (1968) tells the story of an American pioneer family stranded on the Oregon Trail when their oxen died of eating poison laurel. When their food supply ran out they ate the hips of the wild briar rose that sustained them until rescued.
ORCHIDS, with over 25,000 varieties, originated in Greece, but with Mexico's wide variety of temperatures Mexico is now consider the Orchid Hunter's paradise. The Aztecs grew the VANILLA PANIFOLIA ORCHID, the best of the 60 species used for internal ailments and food flavoring. The early settlers, following the example of the Indians resorted to eating the roots of the TERRESTRIAL ORCHIDS. Many of Mexico's exotic flower and fruit-bearing trees also supply medicinal, food and other substances for the well-being of mankind.
The patient herb vendor sitting on the street, surrounded by his/her aromatic display of herbs, fragrant grasses and branches would gladly prescribe for you if asked. Don't underestimate the healing properties of herbs.
