Rainforest Home Remedies: The Maya Way to Heal Your Body & Replenish Your Soul

by Rosita Arvigo, Nadine Epstein

Rainforest Healing from Your Home and Garden


Find alternatives to chemical anti-depressants and painkillers in your spice rack. Learn about natural anti-itch salves for insect bites. Soothe and relieve envy, grief, sadness, and fear the Maya way. Rid your house of negative energy with a Maya cleansing ritual. Try the easy-to-make bronchitis remedy.

Genres: Health

221 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2001

About the author

Rosita Arvigo is an American herbalist, author, and teacher dedicated to the study of medicinal plants and their role in human health. Born in Chicago in 1941 to immigrant parents, she was influenced by 1960s counterculture movements and lived in communes across the U.S. and Mexico. Her interest in traditional medicine began during her time in rural Mexico, where she witnessed the healing power of plants during a birth complication. She later studied Naprapathy in Chicago and returned to Belize, founding a clinic and learning from traditional healer Don Elijio Panti. Arvigo also co-founded the Ix Chel Tropical Research Foundation and The Arvigo Institute to preserve and share traditional plant knowledge. Her work combines modern therapeutic methods with ancient healing practices, especially those focused on women’s reproductive health. Though praised for preserving Indigenous wisdom, she has faced criticism for commercializing traditional techniques and privileging Maya traditions over others. Arvigo maintains that her teachings were passed down with full consent. She continues to advocate for the respectful integration of herbal knowledge into holistic health practices.

Reviews

[Cindy · Rating 3 out of 5]

About what I expected. The introduction drags a bit. The remedies themselves are very clearly described, and seem easy enough to make. I got the book for the massage section. Mayan abdominal massage is the only thing I've heard of that people seem to think helps to break up painful scar tissue like what I have from my c-section. I couldn't find any instruction on how to do it on the internet in spite of looking for quite a while, so I got this book. The massage it self is very simple and I'm surprised I couldn't find it online. But anyway, it was worth me getting this book for the five pages that I really wanted from it. I may try some of her remedies as well, but I'm definitely incorporating the abdominal massage into my life. The same massage helps to correctly position the uterus. The Maya believe that endometriosis and a number of other problems result from a prolapsed or otherwise poorly positioned uterus. I had never heard that before, but had a prolapsed uterus and endo both prior to my pregnancy. I don't know if it prolapsed again or not afterwards, but if so the massage will correct it.

[Barbc]

9

[H. Gibson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Chronicles of Han Book Club Read.
As a Natural Healer, I found this book invaluable in comparing notes on herbs and how to prepare simple recipes in your kitchen. I get a lot of long-distance clients contacting me, in remote emergencies or when nothing 'the doctor' prescribed assisted. Turning to what they have in the kitchen is usually the best place to resolve non-life-threatening irritations and long-standing issues.
As I have met with Rosario Panti, a daughter and apprentice of Don Elijio Panti, the stories about him through the retellings of Rosita Arvigo is special and personal, preserving a little bit of his amazing energy in her books for future generations.
Rainforest Home Remedies is not just a practical guide, but a personal journey of individuals and the Mayan people.

[sistaotey · Rating 5 out of 5]

A must read for this neophyte healer & highly recommended.

[Denisse · Rating 3 out of 5]

I like the premise and content of this book, but I am left dissatisfied by the lack of citations. The authors do have a list of resources in the back, but I was looking for more support for their assertions.

I realize though that some of these things can't be supported in the ways we are currently accustomed to. Studies are expensive, and I'm betting that there aren't a whole lot of companies looking to invest in studying natural approaches to healthcare.

Nonetheless, there are instances where studies are mentioned and not cited. That bugged me.

[R · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am a huge fan of Rosita Arvigo. I gave her books to my midwife and I had the easiest, most peaceful birth, despite a very complicated pregnancy. My midwife uses her methods now whenever possible. Wonderful book.

[Tink · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very useful and informative

[Vesna · Rating 5 out of 5]

A book every woman should have.