Infusions of Healing: A Treasury of Mexican-American Herbal Remedies »

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.

NATURAL REMEDIOS FOR EVERYDAY AILMENTS

When 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. In Infusions of Healing you'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, from abedul (birch) to zarsaparilla (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 Healing is a practical handbook for anyone interested in natural remedies, as well as an invaluable contribution to the preservation of a tradition deeplyembedded in Latino culture.

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 ofAppetite

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