Plant AlieS
Allied plants are manifestations of divinity on earth.
Click on the image to see the plant name, scientific name, and some of its attributes.
Plants and people, we have evolved together. We have been united by a bond since the beginning of our human existence. Plants sustain us with their gifts of oxygen, food, medicine, materials for our homes, clothing, tools, musical instruments, cosmetics, detergents, and countless other things. They concentrate and channel water and create our landscapes. How many places in Borikén bear plant names? We can start with Ceiba, Moca, Maricao, Corozal, Naranjito, Mameyes, Caimito, Cupey, Jagüeyes, Achiotillo, Piñales, Almácigo, Tamarindo, Robles, Guayabales, Guavate . . . and the list has no end.
Modern, industrialized science documents and makes use of some of plants’ physical uses. But valuing plants because of their proven physical services alone reflects a poor understanding of their essence and power. (It’s like describing a person based on his or her paid job. We are more than that!)
Our plant allies are manifestations of the divinity on our earth. Plants are the green soul of our planet; they represent the heart chakra of our Mother, la Pachamama. Plants exist to celebrate and support life. They have soul, great sensitivity, and the power to keep us alive. We can communicate with them and exchange gifts with them. Their friendship confers miracles of wellbeing and healing.
These photos were taken at my teaching spaces, mostly at BotaniCultura’s gazebo or glorieta in Aguas Buenas. Each plant you see has collaborated with human beings for thousands of years here, in Africa, in Europe, or throughout the Americas. I hope that these photos help us to recognize and respect them more as beings of light, intelligence, and love. To get to know them better, we can start by observing them attentively, with gratitude. We can make them offerings of our attention and loyalty, perhaps a pinch of tobacco. We can harvest them with respect. Then we will be well on our way along the beautiful path of love for them and for all of nature...
Medicinal plants
By José Seda Vázquez,
a Mayagüezan inspired by his reading of Even Baths Heal You!
Medicinal plants, treasures of my country (2x)
They put an end to ailments in people and animals (2x)
Voice asks:
What if I get the flu?
Chorus responds:
May pennyroyal revive you!
Voice asks:
What if I get a fever?
Chorus responds:
Lemongrass will get rid of it!
Voice asks:
What if I feel depressed?
Chorus responds:
Mint, allspice, and exercise!
Medicinal plants, treasure of my country (2x)
They put an end to ailments in people and animals (2x)
Voice asks:
What's good for a sore throat?
Chorus responds:
Sage buds, chew them!
Voice asks:
And for an earache?
Chorus responds:
Witch's leaf is a shot!
Voice asks:
What if all this stresses me out?
Chorus responds:
Orange leaf and go to bed!
Medicinal plants, treasures of my country (2x)
They put an end to people's and animals' ailments (2x)
Young man:
Oh, Don Pancho, my rooster has got a cold.
Gentleman:
Well, my dear. Don't worry. Add lemon peel or a little lemon juice to the water you give your rooster to drink. Just so you see. Then you can tell me how it goes.
Medicinal plants, treasures of my country (2x)
They put an end to ailments for people and animals (2x)
Young man:
Oh, neighbor, it's true, one goes from one problem to another. Now it turns out the goat's udder is clogged with milk. It's blocked!
Lady:
Don't be discouraged, young man. Look. Boil castor bean leaves, and after they release their color, wash her udder with that water twice a day. You'll see how quickly the milk flows. She'll give you more milk, yes, miss!
Medicinal plants, treasures of my country (2x)
They put an end to ailments for people and animals (2x)
Neighbor:
It's like a patch of mauve cloths. One off, one on!
Now, my dog is crawling with fleas!
Neighbor
Calm down, calm down. It's not the end of the world. Boil a bucket of water with lots of pennyroyal leaves. After bathing the dog, rinse him
with that green water and pour it where he sleeps too, so you'll see that
fleas will take to the purslane, my dear.
They'll take to the purslane! They'll be gone!
Medicinal plants, treasure of my country (2x)
They put an end to people's and animals' ailments (2x)