Mayan Culture Natural Medicines | Plant-based Treatments. Lake Atitlan in Guatemala is surrounded by lush vegetation and rich biodiversity, making it an ideal location for exploring herbal medicine and traditional healing practices.
The region is home to various indigenous communities who have a deep knowledge of medicinal plants and their uses.
The ancient Maya perceived health as “balance”, whereas illness and disease were “imbalance”.
Mayan medical texts are devoted to the treatment of symptoms based upon the effects of certain herbal remedies which could be swallowed, smoked, snorted, rubbed on the skin, and even given as enemas.
One finds on Social Media and other offerings the opportunity to learn about Mayan Natural Medicines, including courses, retreats, and immersions.
There is a fad about Natural Medicine, and most of these offerings offer little long-term results.
Lake Atitlán (Spanish: Lago de Atitlán, [atiˈtlan]) is a lake in the Guatemalan Highlands of the Sierra Madre mountain range. It is in the Sololá Department of southwestern Guatemala. It is the deepest lake in Central America.
The Mayans have a rich history of utilizing medicinal plants for the treatment of various ailments and maintaining overall well-being.
Here is an introduction to Mayan medicinal herbs and their traditional uses:
- Hierba Luisa (Cymbopogon citratus): Also known as Lemongrass, Hierba Luisa is commonly used for digestive issues, including stomachaches, indigestion, and flatulence. It is also known for its calming properties and is used to relieve anxiety and promote relaxation.
- Ixbut (Crotalaria longirostrata): Ixbut is a Mayan medicinal herb often used for respiratory conditions such as coughs, bronchitis, and asthma. It is believed to have expectorant and bronchodilator properties.
- Sac Xekik (Justicia spicigera): Sac Xekik, also known as Mexican Honeysuckle, is used by the Mayans for its antimicrobial properties. It is commonly used topically to treat skin infections, wounds, and sores.
- Palo de Pito (Zanthoxylum caribaeum): Palo de Pito, or West Indian Yellowwood, is traditionally used for its analgesic and anti-inflammatory properties. It is often applied topically to relieve muscle and joint pain.
- Ruda (Ruta graveolens): Ruda is a well-known herb used in various traditional healing practices, including those of the Mayans. It is believed to have antispasmodic and analgesic properties and is used to alleviate menstrual cramps and headaches.
- Matico (Piper aduncum): Matico is used by Mayan healers for its antiseptic and wound-healing properties. It is often applied externally to treat cuts, burns, and skin infections.
- Chipilín (Crotalaria longirostrata): Chipilín is a leafy green herb that is a common ingredient in Mayan cuisine. It is also valued for its medicinal properties and is used for its high nutritional content, as well as for its diuretic and digestive benefits.
- Chaya (Cnidoscolus aconitifolius): Chaya is a nutrient-rich leafy green that has been used by Mayans for centuries. It is believed to have numerous health benefits, including boosting immunity, improving digestion, and supporting overall vitality.
This is a wonderful opportunity to deepen your connection to herbal medicine in a rich sensory experience in one of the most beautiful places on earth.
Guatemala Herbal Medicine Shamans and Healers
DURATION: 7 hours
LOCATION: San Juan La Laguna and San Pedro La Laguna Lake Atitlan
PRICES PER DAY:
CHOSE ALL THREE DAYS OR ONE OF THE DAYS.
PRICE: $150.00 (Q1160.00) – 1 person per day (private)
$100.00 (Q780.00) – 2 or more people per day.
BOOKING REQUIREMENTS:
Reservations should be made 48 hours in advance.
INCLUDES Mayan medicine instruction, traditional Tipico lunch, transportation, and guide/interpreter.
Ethical Fashion Guatemala
Ethical Fashion Guatemala