Aztecs
Aztec’s healers are wonderful herbalist. They had developed a very successful system for using plants as medicines. This was one of the few cultural aspects of the pre-Hispanic era that the Conquistadores didn't destroy.
Some of the or herb salesmen keep alive the more mystical side of Aztec culture by offering rare herbs used in magic rites that are preliminary to medical activity. They also thought lotions, amulets, candles for ceremonies, powders, essences, little bundles of leaves that can cure any ailment and paper ribbons with incantations. They offer up concoctions guaranteed to cast off evil spirits and banish unhappiness or to attract members of the opposite sex.
The Aztecs had advanced health strategies that are only today becoming important in more developed countries. Preventative medicine was their principal strategy. They strongly believed that physical and mental well-being could not be separated. Today, one of the greatest expressions of indigenous cultures is still in the area of medicine or preventative care. Indigenous doctors generally transcend what is normally called medicine, arriving at a more holistic approach in the care of their patients.
The Aztecs utilized astrology, psychic healing, massaging, herbology and many other alternative methods of curing their people. They had the use of over 3000 herbs and, in fact, their greatest contribution to mankind is in the field of herbology.
Aztec doctors used many herbal remedies both to cure and prevent illness. They knew cures for all sorts of things. Healers understood a great deal about the human body. There were plenty of bodies to practice on with all the wars and sacrifices.
The Aztecs thought it gave their warriors strength. Early doctors used to prescribe it to cure ailments. Throughout history, chocolate has been revered more for its medicinal qualities than its delicious taste.
The ancient Aztec Emperors encouraged their people to learn about all varieties of the regions plants. When Cortez and the Conquistadors invaded Mexico in the 1500's, they found the Aztecs quite learned in herbal knowledge and lore. Fortunately, some of this knowledge survived the destruction of the Aztec's civilization. King Phillip II of Spain, sent his personal physician to catalogue and describe the Aztec plants. Francisco Hernandez wrote down this information, which was to serve as the basic text on the plants of Mexico for years to come.
Some of the or herb salesmen keep alive the more mystical side of Aztec culture by offering rare herbs used in magic rites that are preliminary to medical activity. They also thought lotions, amulets, candles for ceremonies, powders, essences, little bundles of leaves that can cure any ailment and paper ribbons with incantations. They offer up concoctions guaranteed to cast off evil spirits and banish unhappiness or to attract members of the opposite sex.
The Aztecs had advanced health strategies that are only today becoming important in more developed countries. Preventative medicine was their principal strategy. They strongly believed that physical and mental well-being could not be separated. Today, one of the greatest expressions of indigenous cultures is still in the area of medicine or preventative care. Indigenous doctors generally transcend what is normally called medicine, arriving at a more holistic approach in the care of their patients.
The Aztecs utilized astrology, psychic healing, massaging, herbology and many other alternative methods of curing their people. They had the use of over 3000 herbs and, in fact, their greatest contribution to mankind is in the field of herbology.
Aztec doctors used many herbal remedies both to cure and prevent illness. They knew cures for all sorts of things. Healers understood a great deal about the human body. There were plenty of bodies to practice on with all the wars and sacrifices.
The Aztecs thought it gave their warriors strength. Early doctors used to prescribe it to cure ailments. Throughout history, chocolate has been revered more for its medicinal qualities than its delicious taste.
The ancient Aztec Emperors encouraged their people to learn about all varieties of the regions plants. When Cortez and the Conquistadors invaded Mexico in the 1500's, they found the Aztecs quite learned in herbal knowledge and lore. Fortunately, some of this knowledge survived the destruction of the Aztec's civilization. King Phillip II of Spain, sent his personal physician to catalogue and describe the Aztec plants. Francisco Hernandez wrote down this information, which was to serve as the basic text on the plants of Mexico for years to come.