As a Latina, I cherish the memories of my mother and abuelita nurturing me back to health with their natural remedies. Growing up in a Mexican household, I learned that sometimes the best medicine isn’t found in a pill bottle but in the wisdom passed down through generations.
Whenever I scraped a knee, battled a stomach ache, or nursed a broken heart, my family had a remedy at the ready. These remedies were more than just concoctions. They were a manifestation of our culture, heritage, and belief in the power of natural healing.
Sana Sana Colita de Rana
One of my fondest memories is the application of “sana sana colita de rana” (heal, heal little frog’s tail) whenever I get hurt. This simple phrase, accompanied by a gentle touch from my loved ones, seemed to work wonders. It often soothed both my physical pain and my spirit. This, I must say, is my children’s favorite remedy, along with a Barbie bandaid to seal the deal.
Te de Manzanilla
A warm cup of chamomile tea for an upset stomach or even anxiety can be the best natural remedy. You can drink the chamomile tea alone or with honey. Chamomile tea can also be a remedy to clean our eyes as a stye starts to appear. Room temperature chamomile tea can also remove dirt, makeup, and other germs from our eyes.
Honey and Lime
One of my favorite remedies is the potent blend of honey and lime for a sore throat. It provides instant relief and is a reminder of the sweetness and zest for life that defines our culture. For a natural antibiotic, you can add garlic for sore throats and other mild infections.
here’s to the magic of “sana sana colita de rana” and all the other home remedies that have sustained us through the ages.
These remedies aren’t just about curing ailments; they’re about connection. Each remedy carries with it a story, a tradition, and a piece of my family’s history. When I apply aloe vera to a sunburn or eat some caldo de pollo for the flu, I am not just treating a symptom; I am honoring my ancestors and preserving our heritage. Smelling the home meals, and the feeling of love from my family begins the healing process towards anything that may be hurting us.
While we do have to embrace and follow a healthy path and get medical attention when need it, it is beautiful to have a long list of traditional natural home remedies our ancestors and our culture created for us. As a Latina, I am proud to carry on the tradition of natural healing that has sustained my family for generations.
