The medicinal plants of Oaxaca make up the basic elements of traditional indigenous medicine. The expression of cultural affirmation of this region maintains its validity as a testimony of the medical knowledge of the region.
In the Mexican state of Oaxaca, most of the population is of indigenous Zapotec descent. Consequently, due to the deficiency of the medical assistance service, its inhabitants have used medicinal plants to cure their conditions.
This natural medicine that emerged from the community itself is the product of the combination of healing practices from the Spanish colonizers with native indigenous medicine.
Thanks to this practice, the inhabitants of Oaxaca were able to survive the attacks of diseases with the use of merely herbal resources.
The so-called mestizo medicine was classified during the last years of the colony as national medicine.
Later, after the independence of Mexico, it was disqualified, however it survived thanks to the more remote indigenous groups that maintained the practices of its predecessors.
The 5 main medicinal plants of Oaxaca
1- Basil
Ocimun basilicum L.
It is an aromatic sweet herb with small flowers, square stems and opposite leaves.
A kind plant whose therapeutic properties are diverse: it is aperitif, spasmolytic, relaxing and digestive when ingested in hot infusions.
In external use as a medicinal oil obtained from its leaves, combined with olive oil or another type of vegetable oil, it is analgesic and antiseptic.
2- Peppermint
Mentha piperita L.
This plant is an aromatic sweet herb about 30 centimeters high, erect stem, sometimes reddish, opposite leaves and white flowers that grow like spikes.
It is sedative, restorative, digestive, deworming and in the case of women it acts as an aphrodisiac as an infusion.
In compresses prepared with vegetable oil, it relieves burns, cold feet and stops diarrhea.
3- Dandelion
Taraxacum offícinale Weber
Bitter herb whose height ranges between 10 and 15 centimeters, with leaves that start from their base, with small and abundant yellow flowers.
Healing of urinary infections, diuretic, purifying, restorative, digestive and regenerating tissues.
It is recommended to level blood pressure and minimize the effects of diabetes due to the action of its properties that lower blood sugar. It also reduces the tendency to consume alcoholic beverages.
Its consumption is recommended in tea as an infusion for purifying effects and in sitz baths to treat urinary infections.
4- Aloe
Aloe Vera or Aloe barbadensis
It belongs to the group of bitter herbs. A plant that can reach 50 centimeters in height and 7 centimeters in thickness, with small, tubular yellow flowers, with elongated leaves arranged in rosettes covered by a fibrous outer leather and a gelatinous heart.
Aloe Vera stimulates the immune system, thereby protecting the body from infections.
It is healing, anti-inflammatory, analgesic, regulating, regenerating tissues and very useful in the treatment of bronchial and lung conditions.
Its use is very varied. In infusion it regulates circulation, the digestive, respiratory and reproductive systems.
Its gelatinous pulp and the yellow resin obtained by cutting the raw leaf are applied.
It can also be applied as an ointment obtained from its cooking. It is highly beneficial in curing skin conditions, stings, and irritations.
It is also used in vaporization for the treatment of bronchial and pulmonary diseases.
5- Plantain
Plantago major L.
Tasteless herb with rosette leaves that can reach 20 centimeters long, with tiny, whitish flowers that grow from a central stem.
It is anticancer, depurative, anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, healing, curative of conditions in the respiratory tract, mild laxative, cholesterol-lowering and adjuvant in the treatment for tobacco detoxification.
Its use is recommended directly to treat wounds. As an infusion to relieve pain and inflammation, and the consumption of its seeds for gastric and intestinal diseases.
References
- Anti-Iipase and antioxidant properties of 30 medicinal plants used in Oaxaca, Mexico. (sf). Retrieved: October 7, 2017 from SciELO: scielo.cl.
- Cervantes S., Luis. (November 1990) Medicinal plants of the District of Ocotlán Oaxaca. Obtained from Ejournal: ejournal.unam.mx.
- Mendez H., Angela. (sf) Oaxacan herbalism for health. Retrieved: October 7, 2017 from the National Institute of Women Mexico: cedoc.inmujeres.gob.mx.
- Mexican herbal medicines (sf). Retrieved: October 7, 2017 from Aztecs at Medicolore: mexicolore.co.uk.
- Medicinal Plants And Foods Oaxaca OA (sf) Retrieved: October 7, 2017 from Informative Articles Mexico: articulosinformativos.com.mx.