Camaray Devalos: Decolonize medicine by returning to tradition

Abandonment is akin to colonization, which is akin to death; when we shun our old medicinal ways for colonial medication, we are committing an act of cultural genocide. Why leave traditional healing when it has been aiding us for centuries? Dr. Bonnie Duran stated that the promotion of Indigenous medicine and treatment “is often effective cultural revitalization”. And I think she is right. We need to get back to knowing our plants, our other people; Yerba Santa, for example, was a medicinal plant for sore throats used by Indigenous people from California down to Mexico. The transition away from Western medicine might seem useless to some, but hear me out: When my Great Aunt Betty was a child, she had a deadly kidney infection. Western doctors told her she had no chance. Her father (my great Grandfather) knew of a swamp root on our rez, and gathered some for her to make a tea. With this alone, I can proudly say my great aunt was cured, and is presently a healthy eighty-year old woman.

Another herb I will testify to: Yarrow, Achillea millefolium. I had an ingrown toenail, not the most comfortable feeling while walking. Something had to be done. A fellow tribal member suggested the petals of Yarrow, and spoke highly of its regenerative properties. I found that Yarrow promotes the rebuilding of white blood cells, which in turn aids inflamed skin on the body. After applying yarrow once a day for three days, the irritated skin around my toe had deflated, thanks to this astringent. I was overjoyed; I had defeated my ingrown toe, and more importantly, I had defeated colonialism by resorting to a traditional cure instead of a Western cure.

Some have questioned the validity of traditional herbs, and instead live by Dayquil, made of artificial ingredients. I ask: is this truly better than an all-natural plant like Yerba Santa? Would our ancestors pass down this healing knowledge since the beginning of time if it didn’t work? If the knowledge wasn’t curing, it would have never been passed on in the first place.