Journal of ethnobiology and ethnomedicine
February 24, 2014
Chabaco Armijos, Iuliana Cota, Silvia González
58 citations
The Saraguro indigenous community in southern Ecuador maintains a traditional health system rooted in ancestral knowledge, despite external pressures since the colonial period. Ten recognized yachakkuna (traditional healers) were interviewed between 2010 and 2011 to document their diagnostic methods, including physical examination, urine and pulse observation, limpia (cleansing), palpation, and visionary techniques. They treat supernatural diseases such as susto, vaho de agua, mal aire, mal hecho, and shuka using rituals like limpia and soplada (blowing). Sacred and psychoactive plants used include San Pedro cactus (Echinopsis pachanoi), wandug (Brugmansia spp.), and tobacco (Nicotiana spp.). This system represents the Saraguros' cultural identity and survival as an Andean group.
Journal of ethnobiology and ethnomedicine
March 31, 2009
Rainer W Bussmann, Douglas Sharon
33 citations
The fruit called Ulluchu, frequently depicted in Moche art from A.D. 100-800 on the Peruvian north coast, has been identified as a group of species in the genus Guarea (Meliaceae). The identification is based on morphological characteristics of the grooved, comma-shaped fruit with an enlarged calyx shown in fine-line scenes on ceramics. Chemical analysis of the plant's compounds supports the thesis that it was used in sacrificial contexts to improve blood extraction. The authors also suggest that a ground preparation of Guarea seeds may have been used as a hallucinogen when inhaled, but note that more phytochemical research is needed to corroborate this hypothesis.
Journal of ethnobiology and ethnomedicine
April 25, 2020
Tiago Santos Pagnocca, Sofia Zank, Natalia Hanazaki
19 citations
Afro-Brazilian religions on Santa Catarina Island, Brazil, use plants not only for spiritual purposes but also for their medicinal properties. Interviews with 27 spiritual leaders from Candomblé, Umbanda, and Ritual de Almas e Angola terreiros identified 93 plants (86 species) used in 14 categories. Liturgical ritual use was most common (59%), followed by general diseases (32%) and digestive diseases (27%). Sixteen plants were cited across all terreiros, indicating a culturally important set of species. Direct contact between plant and patient occurs in many liturgies, such as baths and smoke cleansing. The authors suggest these plants warrant pharmacological investigation for external use and emphasize valuing ancestral Afro-Brazilian knowledge and its broader, spiritual view of health.