Infusions of Healing A Treasury of

NATURALREMEDIOSFOR EVERYDAY AILMENTSWhen the Spaniards conquered the Aztecs, they stumbled upon a treasure trove ultimately more valuable and lasting than the glittering mounds of Moctezuma's gold -- the herbal remedies and medicines developed by the Indians, which in many ways surpassed the rudimentary medicine of the Old World. The remnants of these cures, potions, infusions, and tonics form the basis of the countless natural remedies still used in many Mexican-American households today. Now, these healing herbs and remedies are brought together in a volume that is as practical as it is fascinating. InInfusions of Healingyou'll find:* The intriguing story of how this long-suppressed ancient knowledge was passed down over the course of five centuries.* Hundreds of safe, effective herbal treatments for everyday ailments -- teas, liniments, compresses, salves, and soothing baths for headaches, colds, fevers, digestive disorders, menstrual cramps, skin problems, aches and pains, and much more.* An alphabetical listing of more than 200 herbs and plants, fromabedul(birch) tozarsaparilla(sasparilla), including their English, Spanish, Nahuatl (Aztec), and botanical names, with extensive notes on their histories and healing properties.* Expert advice from today's traditional healers and practitioners of Mexican-American herbal medicine, many of their remedies recorded in print for the first-time.Thorough, well organized, and rich with history,Infusions of Healingis a practical handbook for anyone interested in natural remedies, as well as an invaluable contribution to the preservation of a tradition deeply embedded in Latino culture.

Joie Davidow, an award-winning journalist, was a founder of the L.A. Weekly, L.A. Style magazine and Sí, a national Latino lifestyle publication, and is coeditor with Esmeralda Santiago of two anthologies, Las Christmas: Favorite Latino Authors Share Their Holiday Memories and Las Mamis: Favorite Latino Authors Remember Their Mothers. She lives in Los Angeles, California.

Contents

Introduction

Part I
Five Centuries of Healing

War of the Worlds
The Glory of the Ancient Gardens
The Fifth Sun
Kingdoms of the Cosmos
Three Centers of the Spirit
Magic and Medicine
Body and Soul
The Gods Must Be Dead
The Friars' Legacy
Trafficking in Herbs
The Four Humors
The Mystery of the Lost Volumes
Joyful News from the Newfound World
Mestizo Medicine
Aztec Revivals
Curanderismo en el Norte
Los Santos Curanderos

Santa Teresa de Cabora
Don Pedrito
El Niño Fidencio

Profiles: Las Abuelas

Ofelia Esparza, Concha Talavera, Fidela Gutiérrez -- Yerberas (East L.A., California)

Part II
Plantas Que Curan: Healing Plants and Their Uses
Introduction
Instant Aztec: The Nahuatl System of Identifying
Plants
The Plants
Profiles: Professional Healers

Lee Cantu's Healing Center (Austin, Texas)
Socorro Vázquez, Componedora (Pico Rivera,
California)
Bonnie Ochoa, Yerbera (Las Cruces, New Mexico)

Part III
Preparations for Herbs

Herbal Teas

Steeped Teas: Infusions
Simmered Teas: Decoctions
Cold Infusions: Macerations
Tinctures
Measuring and Dosage

Infused Oils
Salves and Ointments
Liniments
Compresses
Poultices

Part IV
Los Remedios: Traditional Treatments for Common Ailments

Herbs for the Digestive System

To Aid Digestion
Colic and Stomach Cramps
Constipation
Empacho
Intestinal Inflammations
Diarrhea
Lack of Appetite
Nausea
Intestinal Parasites and Amebic Dysentery

Herbs for the Urinary Tract, Kidney, and Liver

Water Retention and Urinary Tract Disorders
Kidney Problems
Adult-Onset Diabetes
Bilis

Herbs for the Respiratory Tract, Fever, Flu, and Sore Throat

Asthma
Bronchial Congestion, Chest Colds, and Cough
Head Cold and Stuffy Nose
Colds with Fever and Flu
Fever
Sore Throat and Hoarseness

Herbs for the Ears and Eyes

Earache
Sore, Irritated Eyes

Herbs for the Mouth, Teeth, and Gums

Toothache
Gum Inflammation
Canker Sores and Cold Sores

Herbs for Aches and Pains

Headaches
Migraines
Arthritis and Rheumatism
Sciatica and Backache
Sore Muscles
Bruises
Soothing Compresses
Hemorrhoids
Sore, Swollen, or Tired Feet
Chilblains

Herbs for the Skin

Skin Irritations and Rashes
Wounds and Abrasions, Cuts and Scratches
Stings and Bites
Boils and Abscesses
Burns
Sunburn

Herbs to Soothe the Spirit

Nervousness and Insomnia
Depression

Herbs for Women

Premenstrual Syndrome
Delayed Menstruation and Cramps
Excessive Menstrual Bleeding
Menopause
Vaginal Inflammations
Infertility
Childbirth
Postpartum Discomfort
Nursing

Herbs for Babies

Caída Mollera (Fallen Fontanelle)
Diaper Rash
Colic and Diarrhea
Sticky Eyes
Teething
Bathing

Herbal Tonics

Herbs for Dextoxifying
Herbs for Hangovers

Herbs for Baths and Soaks

To Prepare an Herbal Bath
Soothing Soaks for Arthritis, Rheumatism, Aches, and Pains
Soothing Baths for Irritated Skin

Herbs for Beauty and Hair

Pimples and Skin Eruptions
Skin Creams and Fresheners
Hair Care
Hair Loss
Deodorant
Weight Loss Aids

Herbs for Insecticides
Profile: A Modern Curandera

Elena Avila, M.S.N., R.N., Curandera (Rio Rancho, New Mexico)
When the Remedy Is a Limpia

Where to Find Mexican-American Herbs
Resources and Further Reading
Appendix: Herb List
Index

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Infusions of Healing A Treasury of Mexican-American Herbal Remedies

Summary

Author Biography

Table of Contents

Supplemental Materials