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

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

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!! 

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!

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

Guava (Psidium guajava)

 photo acquired from: http://www.cocktailsoftheworld.com/uploads/pics/guava.jpg

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!

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!