Mayan healers in Guatemala do grow their medicinal herbs.

This practice has been a cornerstone of traditional Mayan medicine for thousands of years, and it continues to be an important part of their healing practices today.

Reasons why Mayan healers grow their own:

• Control over quality and origin: Growing their herbs ensures they have access to high-quality plants that haven’t been treated with pesticides or other chemicals.
• Connection to the land: Growing herbs is deeply connected to the Mayan worldview, which emphasizes respect for nature and the interconnections of all living things.
• Cultural preservation: Growing and using medicinal herbs is an important part of Mayan cultural identity and helps to preserve traditional knowledge.

How Mayan Healers in Guatemala grow them:

• Home gardens: Many healers have small gardens near their homes where they grow a variety of medicinal plants.
• Communal gardens: Some communities have communal gardens where healers and other community members can grow herbs together.
• Wild harvesting: Healers also supplement their gardens by sustainably harvesting wild plants from the surrounding forests.

Examples of medicinal herbs grown by Mayan healers:

• Xolocotz’i (achiote): Used for wound healing, skin conditions, and digestive problems.
• Hierba del cáncer (cancer herb): Used for a variety of ailments, including cancer, although its effectiveness is not scientifically proven.
• Manzanilla (chamomile): Used for relaxation, anxiety, and inflammation.
• Romero (rosemary): Used for memory, circulation, and pain relief.
• Ruda (rue): Used for spiritual cleansing and protection.

Importance of traditional Mayan medicine:

Traditional Mayan medicine plays a vital role in the healthcare system of Guatemala, especially in rural areas where access to modern healthcare is limited.

It is estimated that up to 80% of Guatemalans rely on traditional medicine at some point in their lives.