La Hierberia, Part 1

Some time ago, I did a column for Perspectiva Popular on herbs.  I have decided to publish it here in serial form as it originally appeared.  A Spanish version was rendered by Antonio Marin in the original Perspectiva version.  The first column dealt with wild herbs of our region, and subsequent ones had themes like garden herbs, shrubs, herbs of the Mexica, and trees.

Maguey (agave): The dried leaves and root can be used to make a tea that helps relieve indigestion, as well as colic in babies.  Constant use may interfere with intestinal absorption, so it should not be used for more than a week at a time.

Cenizo (purple sage): This shrub with gray leaves and purple flowers is found in West Texas, where it has been used as a traditional medicine for centuries.  It is used to treat colds and ’flu.  Prepared as a tea, it induces mild sweating, helps break a fever, and produces relaxing sleep.

Mesquite (tornillo): The leaves, bark, and green pods of the mesquite contain a strong disinfectant, and if they are boiled to make a strong tea, this disinfectant is concentrated.  It can be drunk (in moderation) to cure dysentery, and applied to cuts and other wounds to prevent infection.

Chamiso (sagebrush): Sagebrush is not native to our area but grows wild in the high deserts of Northern Nuevo Mexico, Colorado, Utah, and Nevada.  It is also found in California and Baja California.  It is often the object of trade or gifts to people in our area.  Chamiso is also antimicrobial, and the powdered leaves are used to treat infected rashes.  This plant is often burned or steamed in the temascal for its physical and spiritual purifying and disinfecting powers.

Tronadora (esperanza): Tronadora bushes are found in abundance in the North Franklin Mountains, and are easily recognized by their yellow, trumpet-shaped flowers.  This plant is used to treat diabetes throughout Mexico and Central America, often by doctors.  The usual dosage is 5-7 grams of dried and powdered leaves and flowers each per day.  A tea prepared from the leaves is also useful in relieving stomach upset caused by heavy drinking.