The tomato (Solanum Lycopersicum) is a humble plant with edible fruit that originated in South America. Prior to the arrival of the Europeans the tomato made its way northward into Mesoamerica and the present day Southwest of the United States (Arizona, Utah, New Mexico, Colorado, Nevada) where the Pueblos, Navajos and Hopis and other indigenous nations adopted it as a food and a medicine.
Nutritionally speaking the tomato contains lycopene which helps with prostate health in men and vitamin C which strengthens the immune system.
Medicinally the tomato contains anti-inflammatory substances, acids and antioxidants which help combat infections such as sore throats (swollen tonsils).
Ashta Nemanha Nuiknew!
HAPPY NEW YEAR 2012!
Thursday, December 29, 2011
Monday, November 14, 2011
Mexican Mugwort (Artemisia mexicana)
Mexican Mugwort (Artemisia mexicana) is an herbaceous plant that grows in humid soil. Since antiquity this plant has been used internally to help digestion and also help expel intestinal parasites. Externally Mexican Mugwort fomentations, poultices and baths are used to help deal with sore muscles and contusions.
Photo Acquired From: http://intermountainbiota.org/imglib/seinet/genfield/palexander/set001/Artemisia_lud-mex_22Sep07_6799.jpg
Ashta Nemana Nuiknew!
Ashta Nemana Nuiknew!
Monday, October 24, 2011
Tila (Tilia mexicana)
Tila (Tilia mexicana) is a tree that has heart shaped serrated leaves and yellow flowers. Tila grows from Mexico to Central America. Traditionally the leaves and flowers are harvested,dried and then brewed in a tea to be used as a gentle sedative and muscle relaxant. Tila tea is quite popular and small packets of dried leaves and flowers can be purchased at an affordable price in yerberias.
Ashta Nemana Nuiknew!
Ashta Nemana Nuiknew!
Wednesday, September 14, 2011
Pineapple (Ananas comosus)
The pineapple (Ananas comosus) is native to Central and South America and is known for its edible fruit. Pineapple is not only a nutritious delicious food it also has medicinal properties. The use of pineapple in Traditional Mesoamerican Medicine is very ancient and is utilized mainly for gastronintestinal problems such as abdominal colics and diarrhea. Furthermore pineapple is used to aid in the digestion of food. Pineappled is employed in the treatment of urinary problems as well.
Studies conducted in Mexico have demonstrated that pineapple fruit contains digestive enzymes such as bromelain and other constituents that have anti-inflammatory and anti viral properties.
Photo Acquired from: http://doh.sd.gov/diabetes/img/pineapple.jpg
Ashta Nemana Nuiknew!
Studies conducted in Mexico have demonstrated that pineapple fruit contains digestive enzymes such as bromelain and other constituents that have anti-inflammatory and anti viral properties.
Ashta Nemana Nuiknew!
Thursday, August 11, 2011
Mesquite (Prosopis spp.)
The Mesquite tree has been historically one of the most important plants for the peoples of the Sonoran desert. Here is how various parts of the tree are used.
1) Pods- the mesquite pods are picked during the summer and early fall and they are then crushed to make a type of "flour" which has a sweet fragrant flavor and is consumed traditionally in the form of simple cakes. More recently gourmet bakeries in the Southwestern United States have started using mesquite meal in all types of baked goods from cookies to cakes. Medicinally the pods are boiled and applied to eyes when afflicted by conjunctivitis in the form of a wash.
2) Leaves: The leaves of the mesquite tree are boiled and drank as a tea in order to alleviate diarrhea and an upset stomach
3) Leaves and Twigs: These are boiled and applied to minor abrasions and scrapes
4) Mesquite Wood: The wood of the mesquite is used during grilling in order to add a flavorful smoked taste to any meat.
Photo Acquired From: http://www.nps.gov/tuma/naturescience/images/3C_honey_mesquite_pods.jpg
Padiush Nuiknew
1) Pods- the mesquite pods are picked during the summer and early fall and they are then crushed to make a type of "flour" which has a sweet fragrant flavor and is consumed traditionally in the form of simple cakes. More recently gourmet bakeries in the Southwestern United States have started using mesquite meal in all types of baked goods from cookies to cakes. Medicinally the pods are boiled and applied to eyes when afflicted by conjunctivitis in the form of a wash.
2) Leaves: The leaves of the mesquite tree are boiled and drank as a tea in order to alleviate diarrhea and an upset stomach
3) Leaves and Twigs: These are boiled and applied to minor abrasions and scrapes
4) Mesquite Wood: The wood of the mesquite is used during grilling in order to add a flavorful smoked taste to any meat.
Padiush Nuiknew
Monday, August 8, 2011
Amaranth (Amaranthus cruentus)
Amaranth known as huatli or alegria is a grain producing herb native to an area that extends from the Southwestern United States to South America.
Amaranth has been cultivated since about 4,000 BCE (BC) and was an important food crop to the Mayan, Nahuan and Inca peoples. The use of amaranth as a staple crop fell considerably after the arrival of the Europeans but today it is growing in popularity once again.
Both the herb and the amaranth grain are nutritious. The herb can be prepared in any way other leafy greens are (ex. spinach, collard greens etc.) that are used in salads, steamed, stirfried etc. and is quite delicious. The grain is one of the grains with the highest content of protein and other nutrients known to humans and can be prepared in various ways. Traditionally amaranth is prepared by our peoples boiled or in the famous "Alegrias" of toasted amaranth. In essence amaranth can be prepared just like any other side dish grain as a substitute for rice for example.
Photo acquired from: http://www.seedman.com/image/2577.jpg
Ashta Nemana Nuiknew
Amaranth has been cultivated since about 4,000 BCE (BC) and was an important food crop to the Mayan, Nahuan and Inca peoples. The use of amaranth as a staple crop fell considerably after the arrival of the Europeans but today it is growing in popularity once again.
Both the herb and the amaranth grain are nutritious. The herb can be prepared in any way other leafy greens are (ex. spinach, collard greens etc.) that are used in salads, steamed, stirfried etc. and is quite delicious. The grain is one of the grains with the highest content of protein and other nutrients known to humans and can be prepared in various ways. Traditionally amaranth is prepared by our peoples boiled or in the famous "Alegrias" of toasted amaranth. In essence amaranth can be prepared just like any other side dish grain as a substitute for rice for example.
Ashta Nemana Nuiknew
Graduation! July 9th 2011
With great pleasure and satisfaction I announce the fact that I graduated! from medical school on July 9th 2011 accompanied by my significant other and my friends and family. It has been a long 4 years of arduous work and great sacrifice.
Nevertheless I am so grateful for the knowledge I gained, the friends I made and the people whose lives I helped touch during my clinical shifts.
Now I am in the transition period between graduation and finally opening the clinic I have always dreamed of!
I would also like to extend my gratitude to the growing number of people around the world who take the time out of their busy lives to read the Talticpac blog and I promise that as has been done since over one year ago now informative and insightful content will continue to be posted on this blog for everyone to enjoy.
Many blessings to you all,
I hope you continue reading this blog!
Ashta Nemanha Nuiknew!!
Nevertheless I am so grateful for the knowledge I gained, the friends I made and the people whose lives I helped touch during my clinical shifts.
Now I am in the transition period between graduation and finally opening the clinic I have always dreamed of!
I would also like to extend my gratitude to the growing number of people around the world who take the time out of their busy lives to read the Talticpac blog and I promise that as has been done since over one year ago now informative and insightful content will continue to be posted on this blog for everyone to enjoy.
Many blessings to you all,
I hope you continue reading this blog!
Ashta Nemanha Nuiknew!!
Tuesday, July 5, 2011
White Zapote (Casimiroa edulis)
White Zapote is a tree with dense branches and fragrant yellow green to white colored flowers. The White Zapote tree's fruit has a yellowish skin with a sweet white pulp. The species is native to Mexico and Central America and the part of the plant used medicinally are the leaves.
An infusion (tea) made out of the leaves of the White Zapote is drank and used to treat high blood pressure and insomnia.
To treat fevers leaves of the White Zapote are added to a hot bath and the person who is sick immerses herself in the bath.
Photo acquired from:http://luirig.altervista.org/cpm/albums/bot-hawaii06/02786-Casimiroa-edulis.jpg
Ashta Nemana Nuiknew!
An infusion (tea) made out of the leaves of the White Zapote is drank and used to treat high blood pressure and insomnia.
To treat fevers leaves of the White Zapote are added to a hot bath and the person who is sick immerses herself in the bath.
Ashta Nemana Nuiknew!
Saturday, June 18, 2011
Presentations during the Health Fairs Held on April 30th 2011 and May 14 2011 at Esperanza Highschool, Phoenix, Arizona
It was an honor for me to be able to give a presentation on two occasions during health fairs held at Esperanza High School located in Phoenix, Arizona one focused on general health and and women's health. At these two health fairs I had the opportunity to share information about the foods, herbs, and traditional therapies that exist in our communities which are very beneficial for the health of the entire family. I truly enjoyed the fact that the members of the audience asked many questions about the material being presented. Furthermore I also enjoyed the fact that the members in the audience shared with me information about herbs and other traditional medicines that I had not heard about before and its something that I am always willing to learn.
Ashta Nemana Nuiknew
Ashta Nemana Nuiknew
Monday, May 23, 2011
Guava (Psidium guajava)
Guava is a fruit native to Mexico and Central America and northern South America. Guava fruits have a rind that is a flavor reminiscent to lemon but more diffuse. Guava pulp has a sweet or flour flavor depending on the type.
Nutritionally speaking guavas are high in vitamin C, folic acid, and various minerals. Guava is also full of antioxidants and polyphenols.
Medicinally guava has been used a traditional medicine for dealing with diarrhea and other gastrointestinal complaints. Traditionally the leaves of the guava tree are boiled and drank as a tea if the leaves cannot be acquired a person can eat the fruit complete with its rind and receive the medicinal benefits. Furthermore eating the fruit can help prevent the dehydration associated with these complaints.
Ashta Nemana Nuiknew!
Saturday, April 16, 2011
Presentation at Mesa Community College on April 6th 2011
On April 6th 2011 I was invited by professor Lori Clark to give a presentation on Traditional Mesoamerican Medicine for a second time during her "Culture and Health Class" Of course I jumped at the opportunity and came prepared on that day.
The presentation I gave on that day included a brief powerpoint, dream sharing, making medicine bags and then I did a limpia (cleansing ceremony similar to Native American smudging) towards the end for those who wished to participate. The students were very enthusiastic throughout the whole presentation and I was grateful to have an attentive and participative audience of students.
The light drizzle after the limpia was a great sign from above for me as rain means a blessing from the spirit world.
My gratitudes go to Professor Lori Clark and her students at Mesa Community College in Mesa AZ
I look forward to doing a presentation for them the next semester.
Ashta Nemanha Nuiknew!
The presentation I gave on that day included a brief powerpoint, dream sharing, making medicine bags and then I did a limpia (cleansing ceremony similar to Native American smudging) towards the end for those who wished to participate. The students were very enthusiastic throughout the whole presentation and I was grateful to have an attentive and participative audience of students.
The light drizzle after the limpia was a great sign from above for me as rain means a blessing from the spirit world.
My gratitudes go to Professor Lori Clark and her students at Mesa Community College in Mesa AZ
I look forward to doing a presentation for them the next semester.
Ashta Nemanha Nuiknew!
Monday, February 28, 2011
Vanilla
Vanilla (Vanilla planifolia) is a vine like plant native to Mesoamerica whose pods or "beans"are used both as a flavoring and as an herbal medicine. While many people know of vanilla's famous delicate and unique fragrance and taste not many know of its medicinal properties.
Vanilla has been harvested in Mesoamerica since precolumbian times and has been used medicinally to help alleviate a fever and also for those women who suffer from amenorrhea (or lack of menstraution). Additionally vanilla is also used as a mild relaxant for those people who suffer from lots of stress.
Vanilla beans can be made infused and drank as a tea.Given the fact that vanilla beans are the second most expensive flavoring agent it is more cost effective to make an alcohol tincture in order to get the most medicine out of the beans.
Photo acquired from: http://www.ozmadeiracakes.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/03/vanilla-beans.jpg
Ashta Nemanha Nuiknew!
Vanilla has been harvested in Mesoamerica since precolumbian times and has been used medicinally to help alleviate a fever and also for those women who suffer from amenorrhea (or lack of menstraution). Additionally vanilla is also used as a mild relaxant for those people who suffer from lots of stress.
Vanilla beans can be made infused and drank as a tea.Given the fact that vanilla beans are the second most expensive flavoring agent it is more cost effective to make an alcohol tincture in order to get the most medicine out of the beans.
Ashta Nemanha Nuiknew!
Wednesday, January 5, 2011
Temazcal
Temazcal (from the word Temazcalli "hot house" in Nahuatl) is a type of sweat lodge used by the various peoples of mesoamerica. The Temazcal in mesoamerica is constructed of volcanic rock and earth or cement and is a circular dome in shape.To produce the heat hot volcanic stones are placed in a central hearth inside the temazcal and hot water is poured over them to produce steam. The temazcal is used to purify the mind, body and spirit thus oftentimes the burning of sacred herbs such as copal, spearmint, or other herbs takes place for therapeutic purposes. Prayer and singing may accompany some of the ceremonies as well.
A temazcal is not simply a sauna and must be respected given the fact that in mayan and nahuan tradition it is thought that when one goes into a temazcal one is entering the "womb" of mother earth and thus receiving its spiritual and physical cleansing benefits. In recent times the temazcal has regained its importance in Mesoamerica and in places where the use had been forgotten or abandoned it is starting to make a comeback and once more takes its place as a wonderful and powerful therapy.
Photo acquired from: http://www.raftinghuasteca.com/images/fotos/temazcal.jpg
Happy new year Everyone!
Ashta Nemanha Nuiknew!
A temazcal is not simply a sauna and must be respected given the fact that in mayan and nahuan tradition it is thought that when one goes into a temazcal one is entering the "womb" of mother earth and thus receiving its spiritual and physical cleansing benefits. In recent times the temazcal has regained its importance in Mesoamerica and in places where the use had been forgotten or abandoned it is starting to make a comeback and once more takes its place as a wonderful and powerful therapy.
Happy new year Everyone!
Ashta Nemanha Nuiknew!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)