We did field work one week each month for 18 months in the Municipio de Livingston, Izabal, a one year research project for flora and fauna in Parque Nacional Yaxha, Nakum and Naranjo (PNYNN) and had a three-year project with CONAP in the Reserva de Biosfera Maya (RBM) in Peten. The result was more than 30 TERAbytes of digital photos of flora and fauna.
On September 24, 2024, we were asked to give a lecture at INTECAP on edible plants of Izabal but since most of the other lectures at this conference were on Peten, we added photos and comments on edible plants of Peten.
This lecture can now be downloaded.
Posted September 27, 2024 Written by Nicholas Hellmuth
The Earth is quite an extraordinary planet, where plants have conquered almost every ecosystem, and ecological niche around the globe. They grow in tiny cracks in the cities, submerged in water, in branches, and light posts (this happens with epyphites!), on rocks, and in many other places. In that sense, there are plants that have evolved to live on beaches, and although it may sound fun, life on a beach is in fact rather complicated. These plants endure many circumstances, and conditions far from ideal for any plant.
Beach ecosystems, and plant life
Beach ecosystems are unique, and notably different from other types of ecosystem due to certain characteristics that define them. Among these, are the fact that the soil in them is mainly composed of sand; they are usually influenced by salty water, and they can be exposed to high temperatures, and solar irradiance.
In addition, beach ecosystems also experience higher exposure to strong winds, and other weather phenomena. In that sense, the wind not only happens to carry the ocean breeze (which is laden with salt), but also, it can become so strong that it would influence the development of the vegetation. On the other hand, beaches are more frequently exposed to natural disasters that can leave behind great consequences for the ecosystems that form in them, such as hurricanes, storms, tsunamis, and floods.
All these conditions are not whatsoever ideal for any plant. For that reason, those species that grow on beaches could be considered more resilient than other plants, and this is certainly thanks to the adaptations that they have undergone to adapt to their habitat.
Plants from the Caribbean beaches of Guatemala
During the Livingston’s Biodiversity Documentation Project, the FLAAR Mesoamérica expedition team got to document some of the plants that inhabit the beaches of Izabal in the Guatemala Caribbean. Since one of the focus of this project was to document wild edible species from wetland ecosystems, you may be surprised to know that there are several species that grow on beaches that are in fact edible.
To learn more about these plants check FLAAR’s Photo Reports from the Series Edible Plants of Wetlands by clicking here. In this article, you can learn of six plants that grow specifically in the beaches of Izabal.
The fruits of the Amphitecna tree are very similar to the fruits of the Calabash tree (Crescentia spp.), but smaller. Rio Caliz, Livingston. March 22, 2021. Photo by David Arrivillaga.
Morro de mar (Amphitecna latifolia)
This is a tree, or shrub with coriaceous leaves, that can be easily spotted for its crooked trunk, and its widely spreading crown (Standley, and Williams, 1974). Its flowers are bilabiate, and green, cream, or purple tinged (Standley, and Williams, 1974), reminiscent of the Calabash tree flowers (Crescentia spp.), or the cuajilote tree flowers (Parmentiera aculeata). The fruits, which are round, have edible seeds that can be roasted, and ground to make a chocolate-like drink (Mundo Forestal, 2020). Moreover, its wood can be used both as timber, and to manufacture musical instruments (García, n.d.). This species is also considered useful for live fences, dune stabilization, and the conservation of estuarine ecosystems (García, n.d.).
There’s a reason why this tree is known as “uva de mar” or sea grape in Spanish. Its racemes look a lot like grape racemes. Buena Vista, Livingston; July 4, 2021. Photo by Nicholas Hellmuth.
Papaturro, or sea grape (Coccoloba uvifera)
Coccoloba uvifera is a tree that can grow up to 25 m high. It has large coriaceous leaves, and its flowers are white, and slightly aromatic (Standley, and Steyermark, 1946). The fruits, which are round, and 1 to 2 cm in diameter, grow in racemes (Standley, 1922), very much reminiscent of grape racemes. And that’s not all. They are edible too, with an acidulous, somewhat astringent flavor (Standley, 1922), and very juicy (Standley, and Record, 1936). In addition, Standley (1922) mentions that “the wood is highly esteemed in tropical America for cabinet work, and is used also for fuel (...) said to yield a red dye (Standley, 1922, pp. 245).
These are the fruits of the confra palm. Buena Vista, Tapón Creek, Livingston; April 25, 2021. Photo by David Arrivillaga.
Confra palm (Manicaria saccifera)
This rather beautiful palm is usually medium-short (up to 6 m high), and has large leaves that can grow up to 5 m large (Standley, and Steyermark, 1958). Curiously enough, it only grows near the coast, “not extending in-land beyond the influence of tidewater” (Standley, and Steyermark, 1958, pp. 271).
Numerous of its uses have been described. For instance, it produces a strong fiber that can be incorporated into sandwich core panels for construction, and other uses (Porras, and Marañon, 2012). Local q’eqchi’ communities of Izabal, also say that its leaves are more durable for thatch roof than other local species (Hellmuth, 2021). Furthermore, its fruits, seedlings, and the starch from the stem are edible (Wilbert, 1994-1996).
The fruits of the icaco can turn into a dark purple color when ripe. Río Pedernales, Livingston; Juy 19,. 2021. Photo by David Arrivillaga.
Icaco (Chrysobalanus icaco)
This is a shrub, or small tree that grows up to 6 m high, with 3-8 cm long coriaceous leaves (Standley, and Steyermark, 1946). Its flowers are white, and its fruits can be white, pink, or dark purple (Standley, and Steyermark, 1946). In Nicaragua, the fruits are made into a preserve, and the seeds have an almond-like flavor.
Mangrove viviparous embryos are quite easy to spot. Red mangrove (Rhizophora mangle) in Creek Las Camelias, Livingston; June 21, 2021. Photo by Nicholas Hellmuth.
Black mangrove (Avicennia germinans), and red mangrove (Rhizophora mangle)
Mangroves may be the most iconic, and recognizable species in beach ecosystems. However, it is not so well known that at least two of all Guatemalan mangrove species are edible. In this regard, the propagules of both the black, and red mangrove (A. germinans, and R. mangle, respectively) are edible (Jordan, n.d.).
Credits of the title photo cover: a Coccoloba uvifera tree found on the Aldea Buena Vista beach. Livingston; April 30, 2021. Photo by David Arrivillaga.
References
GARCIA, Adriana
n.d.
Álbum informativo de árboles y palmas de Yucatán. Ayuntamiento de Mérida
2018-2021.
HELLMUTH, Nicholas
2021
Palm surviving Beach Sand and Salt Water, Manicaria saccifera, Wetlands of
Municipio de Livingston, Izabal, Guatemala. Wetlands Report #11, Edible Plants of Municipio de Livingston that grow along the beach shore of Amatique Bay MLW2, Number 3. FLAAR Mesoamerica.
After being closed to repair the roof for over a year, the Museo Nacional de Arqueología y Etnología (MUNAE) is now open to the public. The entire inside of the museum was redesigned by new museum Director/Administrator Christopher Martínez.
Machaquila stelae have large water lily flowers being nibbled on by fish. This is a very common headdress decoration and the Machaquila stelae are well-preserved so you can see the beauty of the Nymphaea ampla flower.
A stylized fish (with two long feathers extending past its tail) nibbles on the petals of the large water lily flower. Actually the fish wants the seeds inside the mature flower, but the artists and sculptors always show the flower in full bloom (no seed inside yet).
The stem of the water lily flower is wrapped around a rectangularized rendition of the water lily pad. There are so many of these headdresses that you can “read” what is intended if you have experience seeing all the “Lily Pad Headdress Monsters” and other stylized renditions.
Machaquila Stela 3, MUNAE, Museo Nacional de Arqueología y Etnología, Zona 13, Guatemala City, near the airport.
Closer view of the details of the fish, water lily flower, and rectangularized (stylized) water lily pad on Machaquila Stela 3, MUNAE. More than a dozen Maya stone stelae are on exhibit in the new displays organized by new museum Director/Administrator Christopher Martínez.
Young God N is in front of his conch shell home; a giant profile cross-section of a water lily flower is above. This remarkable scene is one of the new exhibits in MUNAE, Museo Nacional de Arqueología y Etnología. The new museum Director/Administrator is Christopher Martínez. He had available thousands of artifacts but he selected ones with dramatic images such as this God N-conch-water lily flower scene. It is perfectly preserved and the orange-yellow color contrasts with the black background. We are making a list of all flora and fauna that are presented in the new exhibits chosen by Director/Administrator Christopher Martínez. There are a dozen animals and for flowers mostly Nymphaea ampla, white water lily.
Posted April 1, 2024 Written by Nicholas Hellmuth.
Dr. Nicholas Hellmuth showing a plant of junco (Carludovica palmata) in the FLAAR Mesoamérica ethnobotanical garden. Photo by Vivian Hurtado. July 5, 2024.
On Friday, July 5th 2024, we were honored to give a tour through our ethnobotanical garden to a special group of visitors conformed by experienced chemists and pharmacists. One of our guests was Armando Cáceres, who was recently awarded by the Guatemalan government with the Order of the Quetzal (the highest decoration awarded in Guatemala) for his contributions to science and pharmacology. He has also been a long time friend and colleague to Dr. Nicholas Hellmuth. We were also honored to receive Dr. Ikhlas Khan and Dr. Salvador Cañigueral, both of whom have a long and distinguished career in the study of natural medicinal products and their properties.
Dr. Nicholas Hellmuth got to start the tour by showing the flowers of Aristolochia grandiflora and their interesting pollination method, which never fails to spark curiosity and awe our visitors. Everytime the flowers are cut open by Dr. Nicholas or another member of our team, it's always quite a spectacle to watch tens of flies and other insects that were trapped inside the flowers getting out. However, this time it was also nice to start the tour with Aristolochia grandiflora since it has been a species used for its medicinal properties by local people.
Dr. Nicholas Hellmuth showing and cutting some flowers of A. grandiflora from the FLAAR Mesoamérica ethnobotanical garden. Photo by Vivian Hurtado. July 5, 2024.
Other plants from our garden that were highlighted on the tour for their medicinal use or cultural relevance where Piper umbellatum, Cestrum nocturnum, Hamelia patens, Tagetes sp., Plumeria rubra, Tradescantia zebrina, Ceiba pentandra, and of course our cacao tree (Theobroma cacao).
Some of our visitors on July 5 during our introductory lecture to FLAAR Mesoamérica and medicinal plants documented by our team in recent years.
We also prepared a brief lecture to introduce our visitors to the work of FLAAR Mesoamérica and to some of the plants that we have documented in the last few years which hold potential for their medicinal properties. Some of them have been barely studied in this regard. Among such species, we showcased the following:
Magnolia spp. There are many magnolia trees which are endemic to Guatemala and that are currently endangered. However, exploring the use of their fragrant flowers could help to build a strategy or path to protect them.
Magnolia mayae, Huehuetenango. July 2014. Nicholas Hellmuth.
Lacmellea standleyi. The lechemiel tree (the tree of honey milk) exudes a tasty edible latex. The medicinal properties of the fruits of a close relative that can be found in South América have been studied in other countries, however much more research is still necessary for this local species.
Lacmellea standleyi documented in Cerro San Gil, Izabal. Photo by Nicholas Hellmuth. Jan. 30, 2021.
Plumeria rubra. Many people don’t know that this is a native species to Guatemala. Although it is broadly used for medicine in other countries, the properties of the local variety have probably never been studied.
A wild tree of Plumeria rubra in Santa Elena Petén. Photo by Edwin Solares. May 17, 2023.
Chiranthodendron pentadactylon. This tree is native to the mountain forests of the volcanic chain of Guatemala and has medicinal properties that are still to be explored.
Flower of Chiranthodendron pentadactylon. FLAAR Mesoamérica archive.
Bourreria spp. The infamous árbol del hermano Pedro, as it is locally known has been used for its properties since Pre Columbian times.
Bourreria huanita flowers in Antigua Guatemala. Photo by Nicholas Hellmuth. May 2012.
To continue exploring and documenting the biodiversity of Guatemala could broaden the possibilities to make a sustainable use of the natural resources. For instance, exploring the medicinal properties of wild flora species could help preserve them. In that sense, we were happy to receive this group of visitors in our garden and hope to receive them again in the future.
Posted July 12, 2024 Written by Sergio D’angelo Jerez
Opened avocados (Persea schiedeana) with their seeds exposed. FLAAR Studio, Guatemala City. July, 2015. Photograph by Sofía Monzón.
The avocado tree (in the genus Persea) belongs to the Lauraceae family and it is the bearer of one of the most popular fruits in the world: the “avocado”. Its journey to gain such popularity began, whatsoever, long ago, since it has held significant importance for Mesoamerican civilizations since the pre-Columbian era up to date.
Moreover, its impact in the modern world ranges through cultural, economic, nutritional, and culinary perspectives. For instance, its cultivation and consumption have posed a rich historical background not only in Mesoamerica, but also globally right now. With that in mind, the main goal of this article will be to undertake the exploration of such an amazing plant, and showcase how it gained such cultural value in the Pre-Columbian era.
The origin of the “Gem Fruit”: where did the avocado come from?
Group of avocados(Persea spp.) arranged in a Guatemalan traditional basket. Guatemala, Guatemala. July, 2015. Photograph by Sofía Monzón.
It is believed that the avocado (or at least a primitive ancestor of it), along with other members of the Lauraceae family, originated in the Early Cretaceous period, around 94-144 million years ago in the western part of the supercontinent Gondwana (at that time, the Earth and its continents were arranged differently). Furthermore, it is thought that later on, the avocado was dispersed by large primitive mammals that existed in that time, which could consume giant seeds (like those of the avocado and its ancestors), spreading the avocado to the area we now know as Mesoamerica. It was at this point that the origins of the avocado that many of us recall started to develop.
The avocado is native to Mesoamerica, more specifically, to the highlands of central and eastern Mexico and the highlands of Guatemala. In that sense, it is known that the avocado was domesticated in this region, along with other crops such as corn, beans, sweet potatoes, agave, and cassava. This process was developed primarily by Pre-Columbian civilizations, where the avocado fruit was highly valued for its particular characteristics. For instance, the Maya and Aztec groups valued its flavor, texture, and nutritional properties, not to mention the symbolic properties they later conferred it.
FUN FACT: The Aztecs called the avocado "ahuacatl," which some archaeologists suggest could also mean "testicles." In this context, it is known that this fruit was considered important in Pre-Columbian beliefs associated with fertility.
“A sacred fruit”: cultural and spiritual symbolism in Mesoamerican civilizations
Wild variety of avocado (Persea spp.). Las Pilas, Rabinal, Guatemala. August, 2016. Photograph by Alexander Gudiel.
As happened with other plants of Mesoamerica, the avocado was given great cultural value, and to some extent, religious importance because the native cultures considered the fruit to be a gift from the gods. In addition, avocados were also eaten and used in religious practices to invoke higher produce yields, and as a symbol of fertility and rebirth.
Regarding the arts, avocados made their way into numerous depictions, such as mural paintings and ceramics, where they may have represented not only real meals and scenes, but also religious beliefs. For instance, it is likely that the avocado was included in the rites of ceremonial meals of the Mayan people, and in the diet of the elite, which was a sign associated with prosperity and health. Besides, the fruit and other parts of the tree served as remedies for health problems including diarrhea, stomachaches, rheumatism, intestinal worms, toothaches, skin rashes, and menstrual cramps.
Another interesting belief in the Mayan culture was that avocado trees bore the spirits of their ancestors, which among the uses and beliefs previously described, added to the importance of this plant. Hence, it is notorious that this plant held deep spiritual connotations beyond mere utility. The trees were regarded as physical links with the past.
“A real star”: delicious, versatile, and packed with nutritional benefits
Wild avocado (Persea schiedeana) at Tactic market in Alta Verapaz, Guatemala; August 15, 2018. Photograph by Alexander Gudiel.
In Maya culture, avocado was consumed daily. Besides being one of the main foods along with beans, chilies, corn, yuca, and many others, the avocado also remained, up to the present, one of the most valued and consumed foods in Mesoamerica, which has happened to extend to the rest of the world. And this is not a surprise, since it contains many nutritional components, such as healthy unsaturated fats, vitamins, minerals, and fiber.
Some of its specific components include monounsaturated fatty acids; vitamins A, E, and C; potassium; folic acid, and a high concentration of fiber. And this doesn’t stop here. Thanks to its high caloric content, avocados are also a great source of energy.
In addition to being highly nutritious, avocados’ texture and flavor allow them to be used in multiple culinary recipes, ranging from savory dishes to desserts, or even as an ingredient for infusions and beverages.
Lastly, the use of avocados has surpassed culinary purposes. Due to their composition, they have been incorporated into various products such as vitamins, medicaments, creams, perfumes, shampoos, soaps, and other supplements.
FUN FACT: There are several varieties of avocado that are recognized by their differences in size, flavor, weight, texture, and appearance. Each of these vary in how they can be consumed and in their medicinal properties. Some varieties are "Hass," "Lamb Hass," "Reed," and "Zutano."
"Revolutionary”: how the avocado has changed the economy
Avocado farm in “Parramos”, Chimaltenango, Guatemala; 2011. Photograph by the FLAAR Mesoamérica Team (FLAAR Mesoamerica Photo Archive).
The avocado has had a significant global impact, with its fruit being one of the most consumed and most valuable agricultural products on the global market right now. Within that context, there is a strong demand for it in North America, Europe, Asia, and Oceania, where Mexico is known to be the leading producer and exporter of avocados. Moreover, this dynamic has not only encouraged its cultivation, but also has had a significant impact in the labor market, due to the labor it requires through each growing and commercialization stage.
Economic impact of the avocado (cv. Hass) wilt disease complex in Antioquia, Colombia, crops under different technological management levels. Crop protection, 101, 103-115.
Avocado production: Water footprint and socio‐economic implications. EuroChoices, 20(2),
48-53.
UHROVÁ, L.
2021
El simbolismo del aguacate como planta cultural a través de los tiempos y en diversos entornos culturales: desde la Mesoamérica precolombina hasta la República Checa contemporánea. (Tesis de pregrado).
World Traditional Medicine Day is commemorated on October 22, a day established by the World Health Organization (WHO) in 1991 through the Beijing Declaration, with the aim of rescuing, preserving, promoting, and widely disseminating the knowledge of medicine, treatments, and traditional practices. Through this agreement, Member States of the United Nations are asked to promote policies that guarantee the safe and effective use of traditional medicines.
Keep reading the note to find more information about traditional medicine in the World and in Mesoamerican countries.
Malvaviscus arboreus Cav. Sombrero Garde, Yaxhá, Petén. Erick Flores, 2018. Note: A decoction of the flowers is used in the treatment of bronchitis, fevers, inflammation of the digestive tract, as a gargle to treat sore throats, and in popular practice as an emmenagogue. A decoction of the leaves is used for the treatment of cystitis, diarrhea, gastritis, and sore throat
What is traditional medicine?
According to the definition of the United Nations, traditional medicine is the sum of total knowledge, skills, and practices based on theories, beliefs, and native experiences to different cultures, explainable or not, and used in the maintenance of health, as well as in the prevention, diagnosis or treatment of physical or mental illness. It comprises various health practices, approaches, knowledge, and beliefs from plants, animals, and mineral sources; spiritual therapies, techniques, manuals and exercises applied singly or in combination to maintain well-being, in addition to treating, diagnosing, and preventing diseases.
Traditional medicine encompasses a wide diversity of therapies and practices that vary between countries and regions. In some countries it is called “alternative” or “complementary” medicine. It has been used for thousands of years and its practitioners have contributed greatly to human health, particularly as primary health care providers at the community level. It is recognized as a fundamental source for the health of millions of human beings, an essential component of the tangible and intangible heritage of the world’s cultures, a wealth of information, resources, and practices for development and well-being, and a factor of identity of numerous peoples on the planet.
Aristolochia grandiflora Sw. Restaurante El Montañes, San Jerónimo, Baja Verapaz. Erick Flores, 2017. Note: The roots are abortifacient, sudorific and emmenagogue. They are used in the treatment of snake bites. The leaves are also sudorific and it is used in the treatment of cold and chills.
Traditional Medicine in the World
Traditional Medicine is a broad term used to refer to traditional Chinese, Hindu, Western Arabic, Olmec, Maya, Aztec, and/or various forms of indigenous medicine. This includes therapeutic practices, and experiences immersed in specific cultural contexts, which involve the use of herbal medicines, animal parts, mushrooms, and/or minerals. Likewise, they include non-medication therapies, such as acupuncture, manual practices, and spiritual therapies.
Traditional medicine has maintained its popularity throughout the world. Since the 1990s, there has been a resurgence of its use in many developed and developing countries. It is widely used and is a rapidly growing and economically important healthcare system. According to WHO estimates, 88% of all countries make therapeutic use of practices such as indigenous medicine, herbal medicine, acupuncture and others. In Africa, up to 80% of the population uses traditional medicine to help meet their health needs. In China, it accounts for around 40% of healthcare. In the Americas, 17 nations and territories have their own laws, policies and programs to recognize, protect, and include traditional and ancestry-based knowledge in their health system. Specifically, in Latin America, populations continue to use traditional medicine as a result of historical circumstances and cultural beliefs.
Cochlospermum vitifolium (Willd.) Spreng. Km. 25, CA9 Villa Nueva, Guatemala. 2014. Note: The roots and flowers are used to treat infections, headaches, stomachaches, and snake bites.
Traditional Medicine in Mesoamerica
Mesoamerican medicine had its own root and evolution, as it is based on specific concepts about the structure of the world and the origin of life. The ancient inhabitants of this territory imagined that the world was a huge cube. In the middle of that imaginary cube was a rectangular platform inhabited by man, where they located earth itself with its mountains, plants, animals, rivers and lagoons surrounded by the sea. That sea water arose on that distant horizon to form four immense blue was that reached the sky, conceived as the lid of the bucket. The sky roof was supported by 4 enormous trees, one in each corner. There was an underground world, the region below the habitable earth platform, which had nine cold levels where clouds formed, water was born, and aquatic beings lived. Above the platform they imagined thirteen celestial levels where light and heat were born and it was through this medium that the stars, the sun, and the moon and other beings of Mesoamerican mythology traveled.
In the pre-Hispanic world, the people conceived the disease as a product of action of beings that inhabit celestial floors and the underworld, and that through the elements of the platform: wind, water, sun, earth, animals, and others; they resulted in an imbalance in the human body. In this worldview, medicine was concerned with helping the patient regain balance. Medicinal plants were a resource with which the inhabitants of Mesoamerica helped themselves to seek a cure for their disease. These plants were used in different ways: ointments, to relieve disorder through the skin; potions, for external and internal use, vaporization, etc. The inhabitants maintained an almost perfect order and organization, with doctors specializing in different tasks. There were even schools to teach young people the art of healing and there were medicinal plant markets where the people could visit, buy and consult doctors.
Currently, many of these practices continue to be used within communities in Mesoamerican countries. The indigenous traditional medicine is practiced by therapists commonly known in Spanish as “curanderos” (traditional healers), “hierberos” (herbalists), and a considerable number of other specialists including “viboreros” or “culebreros” (snake healers), “rezanderos” (prayers), “sobadores” (massage therapist), “ensalmadores” (sorcerers), as well as “sabios” (wise ones) or shamans. These specialists offer different services aimed at preventing illness, restoring health, and maintaining individual collective and community health. They are often experts in health matters, but they are also religious or civil authorities, or individuals who are knowledgeable about the weather and give advice on planting practices. They base their practices and knowledge on the cosmovision of the traditional indigenous system and the population views them with profound respect and as intrinsically linked to the community.
Cestrum nocturnum L. Nicholas Hellmuth, 2018. Note: An extract of the plant is used as an antispasmodic and as a treatment for epilepsy. In recent studies the methanol extract of the plant has shown bactericidal activity against Staphylococcus aureus and various other bacteria. In laboratory tests, the extracts of the plant are shown to inhibit tumor growth and prolong the lifetime in a dose-dependent manner.
Methods, Procedures and Material Therapeutic Resources used in Mesoamerica
There are different methods for diagnosing illness in traditional medicine. They can include one or several of the following procedures: close observation of the patients and their environment, dialogue, divination, dreams and dream interpretation, pulses, “limpias” (cleansings), ingestion of psychotropic plants, premonitions or warnings, inquiry into behaviors, and assessment of emotional, climatic, social, and interpersonal factors among others. Sometimes the same procedure is used for both diagnosis and healing.
The therapeutic resources vary depending on the diagnosis and the specialty of a given traditional healer. Some resources include the use of medicinal, psychotropic plants, and plants used in rituals, medicinal animals and amulets, minerals, hydrotherapy (“temazcal” a pre-hispanic sweat lodge or tub bath), sacred places, “mandas” (penance or sacrifice offered to alleviate the problem), “rezos” (prayers), promises, pilgrimages, offerings to holy or sacred entities, and power staffs.
Cordia dodecandra A. DC. Paso Caballos, Río San Pedro, Petén. Nicholas Hellmuth, 2016. Note: The bark, flowers and fruit are used to make cough syrup. The fruit is eaten raw with a sweet pulp and is considered a delicacy by local people. It is also highly esteemed for making preserves.
Traditional Medicine in a Modern World
In the seventies, an important change occurred in the use and study of herbalism in most of the world. Such a shift came from the World Health Organization, which recognized that medical plants used by indigenous cultures played an important role in the health of many countries. In the present year, a report by WHO showed that 40% of pharmaceutical products have a natural product basis encompassing traditional, complementary and integrative medicine. In a world where many people still associate traditional medicine and complementary spiritually with witchcraft, integrating indigenous forms of healing into mainstream healthcare may be challenging but necessary.
The truth is that modern medicine is in dire need of new drugs. Getting a new substance past the research and development stages and onto the market takes years and the investment is enormous. Additionally, growing drug resistance, partly caused by drug misuse, has rendered several antibiotics and other life-saving drugs ineffective. Both trends make scientists and pharmaceutical laboratories urgently search for new sources of drugs and pay more and more attention to traditional medicine. A few achievements have fueled interest in traditional medicine as a source of highly successful and profitable drugs. As revealed at the WHO summit, many landmark drugs like aspirin, artemisinin, and childhood cancer treatments also derive ingredients from traditional medicine.
Pithecellobium dulce Mart. Tamarindito, Petexbatún, Sayaxché, Petén. Nicholas Hellmuth, 2019. Note: The pulp has been used as astringent and haemostatic, to treat gum ailments, toothaches, and bleeding in any wound. The cortex is used to treat chronic diarrhea, dysentery, constipation, and tuberculosis. The extract of the leaves is used for indigestion, prevent miscarriage, and bladder pain. The ground seed is used to treat ulcers, diabetes mellitus, biliary disorders, fever, cold, sore throat, malaria, skin pigmentation, acne, dark spots, conjunctivitis, irritable bowel syndrome, eczema and leprosy.
