The Andean medicinal flora in the traditional preparations of the community of Ocumazo (Pueblo Omaguaca), Jujuy, Argentina

Abstract

Introduction: The traditional knowledge about medicinal plants is an important part of the health systems of indigenous communities. The use of multiple combined species is frequent in the Argentine Northwest, but studies focused on the subject are scarce. This study describes and contextualizes the uses of these preparations for community health care.

M&M: We applied participant observation techniques in the indigenous community of Ocumazo, Humahuaca, Jujuy, Argentina, with its prior informed consent. Open interviews were undertaken with key collaborators and other adults, through sampling by networks and by opportunity. We investigated the elaboration of recipes and how people used them. Further, we analyzed the administration and the context of application. The data were analyzed with qualitative techniques. 

Results: 12 combinations of 26 plant species were surveyed, including some products of animal origin. The mentioned species were native (69%), cultivated (23%), and adventicious (9%).  In daily life, medicinal preparations are used for respiratory, gastrointestinal, bone, and musculoskeletal diseases, among others. In the context of ritual celebration, the beverages take on symbolic significance. The treatments are administered externally (patches, baths, frictions) and internally (infusions, water). 

Conclusions: In the use of medicinal preparations, the inhabitants of Ocumazo articulate precise knowledge about the ways to combine the species and to administrate the formulas. In a ritual context, the selection of species and the elaboration of recipes differ from the daily use. The community has its own knowledge about the distribution of species according to warm or cold qualities, prevailing notions of Hippocratic humoral medicine.