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  • Guatemala Mayan Herbal Medicine

Guatemala Mayan Herbal Medicine

Traditional Healing Plants and Their Uses

Guatemala Mayan herbal medicine is an ancient practice deeply rooted in the traditions of the indigenous Mayan people. With centuries of accumulated wisdom, the Mayans have developed a rich understanding of the medicinal properties of native plants to treat a wide range of health conditions naturally.

Today, traditional Mayan natural remedies continue to be used in many rural communities throughout Guatemala, offering a holistic approach to healing that connects mind, body, and spirit.

Guatemala Mayan Herbal Medicine: Traditional Healing Plants and Their Uses

Guatemala Mayan herbal medicine is an ancient practice deeply rooted in the traditions of the indigenous Mayan people. With centuries of accumulated wisdom, the Mayans have developed a rich understanding of the medicinal properties of native plants to treat a wide range of health conditions naturally.

Today, traditional Mayan natural remedies continue to be used in many rural communities throughout Guatemala, offering a holistic approach to healing that connects mind, body, and spirit.

Commonly Used Plants in Guatemala Mayan Herbal Medicine

Below is a list of medicinal plants native to Guatemala that are commonly used in Mayan herbal medicine for their healing properties:

1. Ixbut (Piscidia piscipula)

  • Uses: Treats insomnia, anxiety, and nervous disorders.

  • Benefits: Natural sedative and calming agent.

2. Maxcan (Capsicum annuum)

  • Uses: Pain reliever for headaches and muscle aches.

  • Benefits: Promotes circulation and reduces inflammation.

3. Nance (Byrsonima crassifolia)

  • Uses: Treats indigestion and diarrhea.

  • Benefits: Supports digestive health and gut function.

4. Palo de Pito (Cochlospermum vitifolium)

  • Uses: Reduces inflammation and treats skin conditions.

  • Benefits: Traditional anti-inflammatory remedy.

5. Pacaya (Chamaedorea tepejilote)

  • Uses: Treats urinary tract infections, kidney stones, and high blood pressure.

  • Benefits: Supports kidney and urinary tract health.

6. Yerbabuena (Mentha spicata)

  • Uses: Eases digestive disorders and respiratory problems.

  • Benefits: Acts as a general tonic and breath freshener.

7. Zarza (Rubus spp.)

  • Uses: Treats urinary infections and gastrointestinal disorders.

  • Benefits: Astringent and diuretic properties.

8. Palo Mulato (Capparis odoratissima)

  • Uses: Pain relief for toothaches and sore muscles.

  • Benefits: Natural analgesic and anti-inflammatory.

9. Ajenjo (Artemisia absinthium)

  • Uses: Digestive aid and treatment for intestinal parasites.

  • Benefits: Detoxifying and antimicrobial.

10. Macal (Swietenia macrophylla)

  • Uses: Supports cardiovascular health and fights microbes.

  • Benefits: Rich in bioactive compounds.

11. Tila (Tilia spp.)

  • Uses: Reduces anxiety, stress, and promotes restful sleep.

  • Benefits: Calming and sedative effects.

12. Pixoy (Guazuma ulmifolia)

  • Uses: Treats coughs and bronchitis.

  • Benefits: Expectorant and respiratory support.

13. Chichicaste (Caesalpinia coriaria)

  • Uses: Treats diarrhea and skin inflammation.

  • Benefits: Astringent and antibacterial.

14. Chichipince (Bourreria cassinifolia)

  • Uses: Diuretic used for urinary infections and kidney health.

  • Benefits: Promotes detoxification.

15. Sacate de Venado (Cyperus rotundus)

  • Uses: Pain relief for headaches and menstrual cramps.

  • Benefits: Natural analgesic and antispasmodic.


Guatemala Mayan Herbal Medicine Capsicum Bolivian Rainbow
Guatemala Mayan Herbal Medicine
Ethical Fashion Guatemala Herbal
Guatemala Mayan Herbal Medicine

Why Guatemala Herbal Medicine Matters Today

As interest in natural and holistic remedies grows worldwide, Mayan herbal medicine offers valuable insights into plant-based healing. These traditional practices not only support physical health but also maintain the cultural heritage of indigenous Guatemalan communities.

  1. Below is a list of medicinal plants native to Guatemala that are commonly used in Mayan herbal medicine for their healing properties:
    1. Ixbut (Piscidia piscipula)
  2. Uses: Treats insomnia, anxiety, and nervous disorders.
  3. Benefits: Natural sedative and calming agent.
  4. 2. Maxcan (Capsicum annuum)
  5. Uses: Pain reliever for headaches and muscle aches.
  6. Benefits: Promotes circulation and reduces inflammation.
  7. 3. Nance (Byrsonima crassifolia)
  8. Uses: Treats indigestion and diarrhea.
  9. Benefits: Supports digestive health and gut function.
  10. 4. Palo de Pito (Cochlospermum vitifolium)
  11. Uses: Reduces inflammation and treats skin conditions.
  12. Benefits: Traditional anti-inflammatory remedy.
  13. 5. Pacaya (Chamaedorea tepejilote)
  14. Uses: Treats urinary tract infections, kidney stones, and high blood pressure.
  15. Benefits: Supports kidney and urinary tract health.
  16. 6. Yerbabuena (Mentha spicata)
  17. Uses: Eases digestive disorders and respiratory problems.
  18. Benefits: Acts as a general tonic and breath freshener.
  19. 7. Zarza (Rubus spp.)
  20. Uses: Treats urinary infections and gastrointestinal disorders.
  21. Benefits: Astringent and diuretic properties.
  22. 8. Palo Mulato (Capparis odoratissima)
  23. Uses: Pain relief for toothaches and sore muscles.
  24. Benefits: Natural analgesic and anti-inflammatory.
  25. 9. Ajenjo (Artemisia absinthium)
  26. Uses: Digestive aid and treatment for intestinal parasites.
  27. Benefits: Detoxifying and antimicrobial.
  28. 10. Macal (Swietenia macrophylla)
  29. Uses: Supports cardiovascular health and fights microbes.
  30. Benefits: Rich in bioactive compounds.
  31. 11. Tila (Tilia spp.)
  32. Uses: Reduces anxiety, stress, and promotes restful sleep.
  33. Benefits: Calming and sedative effects.
  34. 12. Pixoy (Guazuma ulmifolia)
  35. Uses: Treats coughs and bronchitis.

Preserving Mayan Traditional Medicine in Guatemala

These plants represent just a portion of the extensive knowledge passed down through generations in Mayan communities of Guatemala. The preparation and dosage of these herbs can vary significantly and should always be guided by a trained Mayan herbalist or traditional healer. Their expertise ensures that the remedies are used safely and effectively.
Why Guatemala Herbal Medicine Matters Today

Preserving Mayan Traditional Medicine in Guatemala

These plants represent just a portion of the extensive knowledge passed down through generations in Mayan communities of Guatemala. The preparation and dosage of these herbs can vary significantly and should always be guided by a trained Mayan herbalist or traditional healer. Their expertise ensures that the remedies are used safely and effectively.

Join us for one of our Guatemala Mayan Herbal Medicine Workshops or Tours

As interest in natural and holistic remedies grows worldwide, Mayan herbal medicine offers valuable insights into plant-based healing. These traditional practices not only support physical health but also maintain the cultural heritage of indigenous Guatemalan communities.

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