Plant Remedies against Witches and the Evil Eye in a Spanish “Witches’ Village”

González, José Antonio García-Cruces; García-Barriuso, Mónica; Pardo‐de‐Santayana, Manuel; Amich, Francisco

doi:10.1007/s12231-011-9183-y

Cited by 8 publications

(5 citation statements)

References 15 publications

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“…Specifically, Allium sativum L. and O. americanum were reportedly used by the Amo, Bache, Buji, and Irigwe ethnic groups to repel witches and wizards, while most of the ethnic groups reported they use E. africanum to detect or kill witches and wizards. The claim of using A. sativum agrees with similar reported work [61]. On the other hand, some ethnic groups use E. enispina to repel farm enemies that hamper farm produce yields.…”

Section: Comparative Analysis Of Plant Species Reported By Different ...supporting

confidence: 88%

Ethnobotanical Survey of Plants Used as Biopesticides by Indigenous People of Plateau State, Nigeria

et al. 2022

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The quest for sustainable health, environmental protection, and the conservation of beneficial organisms makes the use of biopesticides a desirable option. This research aimed to identify the botanicals used in the management of farm and household pests in Plateau State, Nigeria. A cross sectional study was carried out using semi-structured questionnaires and on-the-spot, face-to-face interviews. The main issues captured include the pests, the plants used to manage the pest, the parts used, the cultivation status, the availability, the effects on the pests, the indigenous formulation methods, and the modes of application. The quantitative data were analyzed using the Frequency of Citation (FC), Relative Frequency of Citation RFC (%), and Use Value (UV). A total of 45 plant species belonging to 42 genera, 20 orders, and 30 families were found to be useful in the management of 15 different pests. The FC, RFC (%), and UV values identified the most popularly used plants as Mesosphaerum suaveolens (L.) Kuntze, Gymnanthemum amygdalinum (Delile) Sch.Bip., Azadirachta indica A. Juss, Canarium schweinfurthii Engl., Euphorbia unispina N.E.Br., and Erythrophloem africanum (Benth.) Harms. The plants that showed broad uses by the ethnic groups include Azadirachta indica A. Juss (7 uses), Erythrophloem africanum (Benth.) Harms, Khaya senegalensis (Desr.) A. Juss., and Gymnanthemum amygdalinum (Delile) Sch.Bip. The perception of the respondents indicated that most of the biopesticides are available, affordable, effective, eco-friendly, and safe. This survey provides a pathway for the formulation of stable biopesticides.

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Section: Comparative Analysis Of Plant Species Reported By Different ...supporting

confidence: 88%

Ethnobotanical Survey of Plants Used as Biopesticides by Indigenous People of Plateau State, Nigeria

et al. 2022

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“…Additionally, Different species within the same genus are used, indicating that they may have similar effects, and people utilize the species that grow in the region, for example the Sage (Salvia officinalis) is used to clear negative energy and dispel evil, it is often burned as smudge sticks or used in cleansing rituals (González et al, 2012), while in our study is reported the Botón de Oro (Salvia amarissima) for similar purposes.…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 81%

“…Some species are shared in both studies, differing in the way of use. For example, the Ruda (Ruta graveolens), which is utilized to protect against malevolent intentions and to cleanse spaces from negative energies and it is believed to possess strong protective properties and is often hung in homes or worn as an amulet (González et al, 2012). Another plant shared in both communities is Laurel (Laurus nobilis) which is utilized as a protective plant against witchcraft and negative influences.…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Flowers vs. Devils: plants used against witchcraft in the urbanized Sonora Market, Mexico City

Garcia-González,

Muñoz-Tejada,

Torres-Montufar

2024

BLACPMA

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Mexican markets embody cultural diversity and offer a wide range of products, serving as hubs for local exchange.In our study at Mexico City's Sonora Market, the country's prominent medicinal market, we explored the use of plant remedies against witchcraft in an urban environment. Through interviews with plant vendors and extensive data collection, we identified 21 plant species from 16 botanical families renowned for their effectiveness in combating sorcery, attracting good luck, and promoting success. Additionally, we documented 14 ailments associated with envy and negative emotions. These remedies involved practices and applications such as cleansings, decoctions, baths, and incense burning, aimed at alleviating afflictions and fostering positive outcomes. Notably, the Sonora Market continues to uphold the tradition of using plant remedies against witchcraft, even in the bustling setting of one of the world's largest cities. This highlights the enduring significance of these practices within Mexican society.

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“…Thus, maintenance of these beliefs has been seen as an illegitimate form of faith: “lo verdaderamente importante es participar en la procesión y no simplemente procurarse una palma o ramo de olivo; que estos no se conserven como si fueran amuletos, con un fin curativo o para mantener alejados a los malos espíritus y evitar así, en las casas y los campos, los daños que causan, lo cual podría ser una forma de superstición” (“what is truly important is to participate in the procession and not simply procure a palm or olive branch; these should not be kept as if they were amulets, for healing purposes or to ward away evil spirits and thus prevent the damage they cause in the homes and fields, which could be a form of superstition”) [ 54 , 55 ]. Similarly, in Spain, for the same celebration, these protective uses of ramos have been interpreted as a link between popular religiosity, magic, and nature and have been described as “profane remedies” [ 56 ].…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…The species identified as essential to make a “good ramo ” are of European origin: chamomile ( Chamaemelum nobile ), rosemary ( Rosmarinus officinalis ), rue ( Ruta graveolens ) and olive ( Olea europaea ). The latter three have been documented in Spain in relation to Domingo de Ramos, where rosemary is venerated for its relationship with the story of the Virgin, rue is considered protective due to its powerful smell and the olive tree symbolizes peace [ 56 ]. These introduced species in Mexico are used together with native plants such as the Brahea dulcis palm and the Mexican laurel ( Litsea glaucescens ) (its European equivalent Laurus nobilis ) is a symbol of victory and eternal life accordance to [ 56 ], which reflects the syncretism.…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Palm Sunday in central Mexico: among sellers, palms and syncretism

Briseño-Tellez,

Pulido Silva,

Bautista

et al. 2023

J Ethnobiology Ethnomedicine

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Background Domingo de Ramos, or Palm Sunday, is a traditional Christian religious event where devotees use ramos, which are bouquets currently elaborated from palm leaves and other natural elements. In various countries, it is assumed this use of biodiversity leads to the depletion of the species involved. However, other important aspects must be considered, including the role of the people who produce and sell these ramos, the associated symbolism that has been overlooked, as well as commercial aspects that have barely been documented. This ethnobotanical study evaluates the regional-scale cultural, biological and socioeconomic aspects associated with Domingo de Ramos in central Mexico from an emic perspective. Methods Ethnographic and commercial information was obtained through interviews with ramos sellers in 28 municipalities in the state of Hidalgo, Mexico. We specifically sought sociodemographic data regarding the interviewees, as well as information pertaining to the ramos themselves and the palms. These aspects were explored with all of the sellers. The free list method was used to describe the uses and key elements associated with the ramos. Results Although the ramos are used for religious purposes, they have eight different uses in the daily life of the sellers, the main one being “protection.” They serve to protect families, crops and animals, as well as against several diseases. Likewise, they are considered valuable for diminishing strong storms. This belief in the protection conferred by the ramos preserves pre-Hispanic concepts and is combined with their use in blessing corresponding to Western beliefs. Ramos are made from 35 introduced and native plant species and comprise a base (made of palm, wheat or sotol), a “reliquia” (palm, rosemary, chamomile and laurel) and natural or artificial flowers. The ramos sellers are mostly adult women of indigenous origin and heads of family. Conclusions This study of Domingo de Ramos, carried out at a regional scale, highlights a syncretism that is reflected in both the symbolic importance of ramos palm and in the species used, as well as socioeconomic aspects that had not previously been identified in the study area and reflect the occurrence of complex relationships in non-timber forest products that remain little addressed.

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Plant Remedies against Witches and the Evil Eye in a Spanish “Witches’ Village”

Cited by 8 publications

References 15 publications

Ethnobotanical Survey of Plants Used as Biopesticides by Indigenous People of Plateau State, Nigeria

Ethnobotanical Survey of Plants Used as Biopesticides by Indigenous People of Plateau State, Nigeria

Flowers vs. Devils: plants used against witchcraft in the urbanized Sonora Market, Mexico City

Palm Sunday in central Mexico: among sellers, palms and syncretism

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