Herbal remedies: Secrets of traditional Hispanic medicine

By Hope Gillette, Saludify

Before there were antibiotics and allergy medications, or sprays and injections for pain, there were herbal remedies.

Almost every culture in the world has a history of this form of holistic medicine, and the diverse cultures making up Hispanic heritage are no exception.

While there is no substitute for modern medical knowledge or expertise, many Hispanics swear by the healing powers of old herbal remedies and still use them today.

“Herbal medicine is not risk-free. To benefit from using herbs, you need to have some basic information,” stated James A. Duke, Ph.D, on Mother Earth News. “Then you need to have confidence in the herbs you use and in any herbal practitioner you consult. This is no different from conventional medicine in which you need to have confidence in your physician and any drugs he or she prescribes.”

For Hispanics, many of the traditional herbal remedies come from the generations before or from the advice ofyerberos, healers (curanderos) with a specialization in the use of plants.

According to a list compiled by Rice University, some of the popular herbal remedies used in many Hispanic cultures include:

• Garlic: Hypertension, antibiotic, cough syrup, tripa ida.
• Damiana: Aphrodisiac, “frío en la matriz” (cold uterus), chickenpox.
• Wormwood: Worms, colic, diarrhea, cramps, bilis, empacho.
• Eucalyptus: Coryza, asthma, bronchitis, tuberculosis.
• Chaparral: Arthritis (poultice); tea for cancer, venereal disease, tuberculosis, cramps, pasmo, analgesic.
• Mullein: Cough suppressant, asthma, coryza, tuberculosis.
• Chamomile: Nausea, flatus, colic, anxiety; eyewash.
• Oregano: Coryza, expectorant, menstrual difficulties, worms.
• Passion flower: Anxiety, hypertension.
• Bricklebush: Adult onset diabetes, gallbladder disease.
• Rue: Antispasmodic, abortifacient, empacho, insect repellent.
• Sage: Prevent hair loss, coryza, diabetes.
• Linden flowers: Sedative, hypertension, diaphoretic.
• Trumpet flowers: Adult onset diabetes, gastric symptoms, chickenpox.
• Peppermint: Dyspepsia, flatus colic, susto.
• Aloe Vera: External – cuts, burns; Internal – purgative, immune stimulant.
• Sapodilla: Insomnia, hypertension, malaria.

Discovery Health indicates approximately 80 percent of the world’s population uses herbs for some aspect of primary health care, and in the United States, more than 1,500 botanicals are sold as dietary supplements.

Those numbers are not limited to Hispanics; people from all ethnicities and cultures are interested in and benefit from herbal remedies.

Precautions when using herbal remedies

Despite their popularity, it is important to note that the efficacy of herbal remedies for most of the above uses has not been proven scientifically. Most uses have been confirmed by testimonies and personal experience generation after generation.

These are the traditional uses listed; like many supplements, it is not advisable to use these treatments without consultation with a doctor. Some treatments for folk illnesses, like susto for example, may cause more harm than good if the underlying cause for symptoms has not yet been evaluated.

Some herbs may have unexpected side effects, especially since there is limited scientific study data on their use. Make sure all herbal remedies are overseen by a professional and always start with the lowest dose possible to test for allergies or adverse reactions.

This article was first published in Saludify.

Hope Gillette is an award winning author and novelist. She has been active in the veterinary industry for over 10 years, and her experience extends from exotic animal care to equine sports massage.