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

In the tradition of Herbal Healing for Women comes a compendium of natural treatments for everyday ailments as well as comprehensive information about remedies long practiced in Latino communities. Infusions of Healing brings to light a tradition that will appeal to the broad spectrum of readers interested in natural health alternatives, such as Chinese herbal medicine and Ayurveda. When the Spanish conquered Mexico, they vanquished an advanced civilization with a wealth of medical knowledge that in many aspects far surpassed that of Europe. This nearly lost legacy of Aztec herbal healing, incorporating elements of the Old World medicine and adapted to contemporary life, continues to be practiced in Mexican-American communities today. Written in an engaging, accessible style, the book presents hundreds of safe, effective herbal treatments for everyday ailments- teas, liniments, compresses, salves, and soothing baths for headaches, colds, fevers, digestive problems, menstrual cramps and aches and pains. In addition, more than 200 herbs are cataloged and cross-referenced, complete with their English, Spanish, and botanical names, including notes on their history and their healing properties. Infusions of Healing is truly a treasury, both a user-friendly handbook and a valuable contribution to the preservation of a tradition deeply embedded in Latino culture.