Ancient traditional medicine
Traditional ancestral medicine is the set of practices and knowledge (transmitted orally) that are based on the use of natural resources and spiritual therapies to improve health. This, in addition to treating common diseases, also cures ethno-cultural diseases Rapé. Some of them are: bad wind, glances, fear, relapses, fallen womb, tension, fractures, diabetes, bone pain, among others.
This type of medicine is an essential part of the culture of Afro-descendant peoples since their practices not only constitute a basis for the informal health care sector, but are also efficient community welfare agents that contribute to the strengthening of Afro-Latin identity and the group cohesion of the community.
Some of the benefits of practicing ancient traditional medicine:
- They promote general well-being, not just combat a symptom.
- They are cheaper.
- They are holistic.
- They are not aggressive with the body.
- They are natural.
Some plants for medicinal use:
Matimba: It is known as wild soursop and is part of the soursop, sugar apple and cherimoya family. Its meat is red and is consumed in juices.
Anamú: It is an herb that, used in infusions, works as an antispasmodic, diuretic, stimulant and sudorific, local analgesic and anti-inflammatory in various skin conditions. It is used against arthritis, malaria, rheumatism and memory problems.
Carnelian bark : It is widely used to treat constipation and is also considered a natural laxative. Additionally, it is used to calm bleeding in women.
Carob: It grows wild, it is a relative of the tamarind. Its fruit is hard on the outside and with the powder inside, which looks like powdered chocolate, they make a juice with milk.
Guáimaro: It is a timber tree and, in the past, its fruit was consumed after a cooking process along with other types of food.
The piñuela: It is a fruit whose flavor is very strong and its rustic texture can hurt the mouth. It is used to prepare a type of chicha.
Holy Spirit : It is used to treat colds and bronchitis and against indigestion.
Fennel: It is a plant that has medicinal properties related to digestive health and that also balances the digestive functions of the body. In addition to having anti-inflammatory properties, it acts as an expectorant and reduces the risk of heart disease.
Altamisa: It has been used to reduce fever, headaches, migraines and arthritis. It also has astringent properties and acts as an emollient and natural softener.
Plantain : It has an antiseptic, expectorant, antibiotic, healing, anti-inflammatory, calming, purifying, satiating, antihemorrhagic, emollient and astringent action. The benefits and uses of Plantain: Accelerates recovery in the case of colds and flu. It is used in cases of cystitis.
Horsetail: It is a plant that is used to reduce “fluid retention” and also to treat general disorders of the kidneys and bladder.
Paico : Its leaves and fruits are used medicinally. Paico infusion stimulates digestive functions, is effective against intestinal parasites and is also useful in cases of dysmenorrhea. In popular medicine, only the leaves of the plant are used to treat gastrointestinal conditions and also as a period regularizer and against menstrual pain.
Comfrey: Medicinal plant with anti-inflammatory and healing properties recommended for external use to treat minor joint fractures, arthritis, sprains and other traumas.
The African diaspora in Latin America brought with it the historical heritage of African ancestors reflected in their music, their customs, their spirituality, their gastronomy and their way of healing. Their worldview and countless traditions enriched from generation to generation, together with the customs of the Afro-Latin peoples, create a harmonization of currents of thought that can be evidenced in daily life and conservation of said legacy.