Healing with Herbs and Rituals: A Mexican Tradition

by Eliseo "Cheo" Torres, Timothy L. Sawyer (Editor)

Healing with Herbs and Rituals is an herbal remedy-based understanding of curanderismo and the practice of yerberas, or herbalists, as found in the American Southwest and northern Mexico. Part One, "Folk Healers and Folk Healing," focuses on individual healers and their procedures. Part Two, "Green Traditional Mexican-American Herbs and Remedies," details traditional Mexican-American herbs and cures. These remedies are the product of centuries of experience in Mexico, heavily influenced by the Moors, Judeo-Christians, and Aztecs, and include everyday items such as lemon, egg, fire, aromatic oil, and prepared water. Symbolic objects such as keys, candles, brooms, and Trouble Dolls are also used. Dedicated, in part, to curanderos throughout Mexico and the American Southwest, Healing with Herbs and Rituals shows us these practitioners are humble, sincere people who have given themselves to improving lives for many decades. Today's holistic health movement has rediscovered the timeless merits of the curanderos' uses of medicinal plants, rituals, and practical advice.

Genres: History, Nonfiction, Herbs, Spirituality, Reference, Health

176 pages, Paperback

First published March 1, 2006

Reviews

[Anne · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a quick introduction to famous Curanderos (Mexican folk healers), typical herbal remedies, and a listing of other resources to investigate for further information. It's written in common English for a general audience, but done by an academic who sticks to quoting and reference other sources, rather than a storyteller writing from original experience. Because of this, it makes for a great overview and intro to other recommendations, but should in no way be considered a definitive guide. There is an advocacy tone in certain sections, which I agree with- about bringing together science and traditional folk healing to serve populations who end up in the emergency room when all they really need is a remedy that a holistic health practitioner might be able to easily solve (like drinking water for dehydration symptoms). However, it's overall tone is to simply educate and inform. It's a fairly quick read if you need a swift introduction to folk remedies.

[Rachael Gonzalez · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book, I thought it was a good introduction and the back half had a bunch of resources and a fair amount of herbal uses

[G]

I'm not going to rate this book with stars because it's too complicated. As an academic book it would be a two. It's not even remotely trying to be objective although it makes attempts to present itself that way. There's no theory. No structure.

On the other hand it's not a how to book either. It's got a bit of history. Some underling information about healers in Mexico and a pretty decent herbal in the back.

But I read it as novel research and in that aspect it did help a bit in understanding a couple of my characters.

[Laura Ordonez · Rating 5 out of 5]

Being Mexican-American myself this book spoke to me on a very personal spiritual level. I’ve had the pleasure of meeting Cheo in person and his persona definitely comes alive in his writing. I loved the detail he put into the stories of the curanderos and how they have paved the way for modern Curanderismo. The way he ties herbs and rituals to the rich Mexican history behind them. How Curanderismo is perceived now versus back then. I picked it up and couldn’t put it down. Devoured the book in one Saturday.

[Jennifer · Rating 2 out of 5]

Sadly, this left me unsatisfied. I picked it up to learn about traditional Mexican healers. I would have liked to see more depth and development in the telling of their individual stories. The combination of this author's two works into this volume was not well executed, more transition would have improved it.

[Evie · Rating 4 out of 5]

I used this as a resource for a final paper in my Master's program, so for me, it was an excellent book for someone just learning about curanderismo. The writing was conversational, and the lists of herbs/illnesses were very helpful. Again, it's a good guide for someone just learning about the topic.

[Crystal · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a very good book for those who are interested in learning more about curandero/as. I thought Dr. Torres offered a good introductory background on working with herbs and how they can work powerfully in one's life. The rituals were a good overview as well.

[Cory · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book is exactly what it is intended to be: An intro guide into curanderismo. A good read for anyone wishing to began a study of curanderismo.