Plant Preparation

In most cases plants are prepared minimally in one of two ways: (1) crushing or expressing fresh material and applying directly to the affected part of the body; or (2) brewing a tea or infusion for drinking. I observed only a few instances where a chemical extraction seems to be the principle of operation, such as when green onions are chopped up and placed on leaves of the floripondio plant (Zapotec: Yag Yej Poroe; Brugmansia suaveoleus (Willd.) Bercht. E Presl.) with a little alcohol, following which the leaves are bound to a bodily area to relieve muscular pain. In some cases, sap is the active agent desired (e.g., ocote). For a complete list of the methods of preparation and application refer to the full database included in Appendix C.