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Mexican kitchens, nothing is
taken for granted. Herbs, spices and vegetables are not only part
of tonight's dinner, they are trusted medicines. Take salsa for
example: onions and tomatoes may be the primary ingredients for
making this delicious condiment, but can they really help maintain
good health? Many grandmothers believe so. Here's a look at some
of the basic ingredients in Mexican relishes and their medicinal
uses:
A tomato is a popular cure for
a sore throat. Before bed time, roasted tomato poultices or plantillas
de jitomate are spread onto the soles of the feet and throat, then
wrapped in gauze.
* Not only are the pungent little
jalapeño peppers an outstanding source of vitamin A, but
when rubbed on an insect bite, they will get rid of the itch.
* A raw minced onion soothes
kitchen burns and scalds. For coughs, a purple onion is sliced
into thin spirals then drizzled with honey. before being placed
in an air tight container. In a couple of hours, the onions will
release what is referred as their sweat. One or two teaspoons of
this liquid should be taken, as needed to ease cough.
* Garlic is probably one of the
most universally recognized plants in folk medicine. For insect
bites, cut a clove of raw garlic in half, then dip in salt. Apply
directly to the bite. The garlic will not only draw the venom out,
but it will keep swelling down.
* When you feel bloated, sip
a tea of avocado leaves. Not only will it alleviate water retention
but it will ease menstrual cramps.
* Corn kernels are a complex
carbohydrate which are relatively low in fat and high in fiber.
Corn silk is rich in potassium, which brings about urination and
eliminates bile flow. Corn silk tea also breaks down and flushes
gravel from the bladder and kidneys.
* Honey has been used to heal
bee stings, burns, earaches, sinusitis and sore throat. When applied
to the skin, this syrupy liquid forms a protective covering impossible
for bacteria to survive in. Honey contains calcium, iron, magnesium,
and vitamins B and C. Never give honey to young children. Some
honey is highly toxic and may be fatal.
* Coriander was one of the first
spices to be cultivated in America. Coriander seeds contain volatile
oils which act as digestive aids.
* Lime is commonly used for colds,
hiccoughs and not so commonly used for liver disorders. In Mexico,
a distinction is not always made between the lemons and limes.
Limes are a rich in vitamin C, and B1, and contain potassium.
- 4
tomatoes
- 1
jalapeño or serrano (seeded)
- 1
small red onion (finely chopped)
- 2
tablespoons cilantro (chopped)
- 3
teaspoons lime juice (fresh)
- salt
and pepper to taste
Broil tomatoes and chilies until the outer skin is blackened.
Peel off most of the burnt skin then combine all of the ingredient
in a food processor. Mix on low setting for a few seconds
until consistency is thick and chunky.
Annette Sandoval's book Homegrown
Healing: Traditional Home Remedies from Mexico (Berkely '98) is
available through Amazon.com
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