In The Community
Chamomile for Soothing
Photo by Irene Ivantsova on UnsplashFeeling stressed? Have an upset stomach? Need help falling asleep? Manzanilla tea has your back. Chamomile is one of the most widely used herbal remedies in Latinx households, known for its calming properties. Abuelas across Latin America have been offering it as a solution for just about everything—whether you’re dealing with anxiety, indigestion, or even teething pain for babies. Its gentle, soothing nature makes it a go-to remedy that can be used for both the body and mind.
Aloe Vera for… Almost Anything
Photo by Sincerely Media on UnsplashIf you’ve ever been sunburned, you might’ve had someone in your family cut a thick, gooey leaf off an aloe vera plant to rub directly onto your skin. Sábila, or aloe vera, is known for its healing properties, especially when it comes to burns, cuts, and irritated skin. But it’s not just for topical use—some Latinx families even drink the juice of the plant (though we don’t recommend trying that without checking with a pro first!). Aloe vera is a staple in many homes, acting as a natural, go-to healer for anything from acne to inflammation.
Peppermint for Stomach Problems
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Got a stomachache? Feeling nauseous? Your tía will likely offer you a cup of yerba buena tea before reaching for anything in the medicine cabinet. This peppermint-based remedy has been used for generations to help with digestion and relieve bloating. In addition to being a cure for stomach woes, yerba buena is also said to help with headaches and colds. It’s one of those “all-purpose” herbs you’ll find in almost any Latinx household, perfect for soothing whatever’s troubling you.
Rue for Pain and Indigestion
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Rue, or ruda, is a plant that carries both medicinal and spiritual significance in many Latinx communities. It’s commonly used to ward off negative energy and cleanse the home, often found hanging in doorways or windows to protect against the “evil eye” (mal de ojo). But ruda also has some physical healing properties—used in teas or compresses, it’s said to help with menstrual cramps, indigestion, and even arthritis. Just be careful with how it’s used, as it’s a powerful herb with strong effects.
Eucalyptus for Colds and Congestion
Photo by Alex Lvrs on UnsplashWhenever you have a cold or feel congested and nothing seems to help, eucalyptus can be a lifesaver. Whether used in teas or as an essential oil in steam baths, eucalyptus is known for opening up the sinuses and helping with respiratory issues. In many Latinx homes, you’ll find eucalyptus leaves tied together and hung in the shower to release their soothing scent, turning a regular hot shower into an herbal sauna that helps you breathe easier.
Prickly Pear Cactus for Blood Sugar Control and More
Photo by shraga kopstein on UnsplashNopal or prickly pear cactus is more than just a healthy side dish—it’s a long-standing herbal remedy used for a variety of health issues. This cactus, often chopped and cooked in traditional dishes, is believed to help control blood sugar, aid digestion, and reduce inflammation. Some people even apply it to their skin to help with wounds and burns. Nopal is packed with vitamins, fiber, and antioxidants, making it a go-to remedy for boosting overall health in Latinx communities.
Hibiscus for Heart Health and Digestion
Photo by Kelly Sikkema on UnsplashIf you’ve ever sipped on a tangy glass of agua de Jamaica, you’re already familiar with the refreshing taste of hibiscus. But did you know it’s also a traditional remedy with powerful health benefits? Flor de Jamaica is known for helping to lower blood pressure, improve heart health, and aid digestion. This vibrant red flower is packed with antioxidants and is often used to treat colds and fevers. In addition to its medicinal properties, it’s a delicious way to stay hydrated and healthy, especially during hot summer days.
Lemon Balm for Anxiety
Photo by Sebbi Strauch on UnsplashLemon balm, or toronjil, is another favorite in the Latinx herbal arsenal, especially when it comes to calming the nerves. Often brewed as a tea, it’s used to ease anxiety, reduce stress, and help with sleep troubles. But its uses don’t stop there—toronjil is also said to help with digestion, headaches, and even cold sores. If you’re ever feeling jittery or under the weather, a warm cup of toronjil tea might be just what you need to feel more balanced.
Oregano for Flu Symptoms
Photo by Nikolett Emmert on UnsplashOregano isn’t just for seasoning your favorite dishes—it’s a potent medicinal herb in Latinx culture. When steeped into a tea, oregano helps soothe sore throats, coughs, and other cold symptoms. It’s packed with antioxidants and has antibacterial properties, making it a natural remedy for respiratory issues. Plus, it’s easy to find right in your kitchen! Whether you’re adding it to soup or brewing it in tea, oregano is an herbal powerhouse that can help keep you feeling your best.
Cinnamon for Circulation, Inflammation, and Blood Sugar Control
Photo by Rens D on UnsplashIn Latinx culture, cinnamon isn’t just a spice for desserts—it’s also a warming herbal remedy used to promote circulation, reduce inflammation, and even regulate blood sugar. Many families brew canela into a fragrant tea to soothe cold symptoms, especially sore throats and congestion. Its anti-inflammatory properties make it a go-to remedy for aches and pains, while its sweet, comforting taste makes it a favorite home remedy that’s as delicious as it is healing.
Passed down from generation to generation, these remedies are often shared with love and care in Latino families. Next time you’re feeling a little off, consider reaching for one of these time-tested remedies. They’ve been soothing, healing, and comforting for centuries—and they’re not going anywhere anytime soon!
The information provided in this article is for educational and informational purposes only and is not intended as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified healthcare provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition or treatment.
1.Anette Padilla
Running, biking, and swimming come naturally to Anette Padilla, a regular triathlon participant. But after coming across a social media post that encouraged users to have diverse feeds, Padilla began noticing that the outdoorsy accounts she followed were predominately white and male. After a failed online search for Latina hikers and explorers, she decided to start an Instagram presence as Outdoor Latina.
“I think some people feel they’re not ‘outdoorsy’ based on the traditional definition, so by broadening it and making it a little more inclusive, [it] empowers people to call themselves outdoorsy…and continue to do outdoorsy things,” Padilla tells Luz Collective.
Currently traveling the U.S. in an RV with her partner, Padilla documents their trips while providing beginner tips for biking and hiking all in an effort to advance equity, diversity and inclusion in the outdoors. She also welcomes advice from more experienced outdoors people and shares this knowledge with her followers.
“In order to feel welcome, it’s easier if you see someone that looks like you already doing it,” she adds.
2.Heather Diaz
Through Hike and Lift, Heather Diaz is bringing representation in the outdoors. Diaz founded the blog to help people understand the fundamentals of hiking, camping, and backpacking. After learning about the Leave No Trace method, which encourages campers to not leave behind food, cans, plastic bags, or other items, she was motivated to teach and inspire others to do the same through online tips and guides, like how to plan a day trip or what to carry in your backpack. The goal is to help set individuals and groups up for camping and hiking success, no matter their level of experience.
“When I see people post a [nature] picture or image with a quote, it does nothing for me. I want [my followers] to feel inspired and empowered, and think ‘yes, I can do that. It makes sense,’” she says.
Growing up a runner, Diaz realized her love for nature could reach deeper levels by slowing down her pace in walking trails and camping overnight. For these trips, Diaz packs bright and bold colors; she’s not a fan of the neutral tones that are popular in mainstream hiking gear. After a friend likened Diaz’s style to tejana icon Selena, she started using her flamboyant prints and colors as a way to also inspire more Latinas in the outdoors.
“You don’t have to conform to a certain look or style just so you can be outdoorsy,” Diaz says.
3.Nez Nuñez
Moving from Texas to Colorado for a job opportunity, Nez Nuñez was exposed to new landscapes. Living closer to nature, she says, improved her physical and mental health. In 2019, she started The Random Rover to share everything she could about her newfound love for nature.
“We were too poor to travel…but most of these things are free, and I just really want my nieces, nephews, cousins, my future kids, and future generations to know that the outdoor spaces are for all of us,” Nuñez says.
In August, Nuñez extended the invitation to diversify the outdoors to others by creating All Women Outdoors, a digital outdoor community profiling women of all backgrounds, shapes, and sizes exploring nature. By widening representation of hikers and explorers, she hopes to encourage more Latinas to adopt these hobbies. Through the page, she also educates and raises awareness about how to preserve the beautiful landscapes that are pictured.
“I’m educating myself on people who [need accessibility] and things that I hadn’t had to keep in mind when I’m outside,” she adds.
4.Cindy Rodriguez
After a solo winter trip to Badlands National Park in South Dakota, Cindy Rodriguez realized the journal she carried was among the most important items packed. After all, her trip through the national park was inspired by her need to reflect on life and return to the outdoors. Not long after, Reclama, a spiritual wellness community for women of color she founded in 2018, was born.
“You take up space in the woods, you will take up space in other parts of our life,” Rodriguez tells Luz Collective. “…I tell [my groups], ‘we’re going to do a sharing circle at the trailhead. I’m going to smudge you with sage. You might even feel people kind of looking – ignore them. This is about us right now.’”
Diversifying the outdoors as a spiritual hiking guide, Rodriguez leads her groups by asking hikers to make sure they take moments to stop, breathe, meditate, and journal.
“To be with other women that look and sound like me who are taking up space in nature is reclamation, and it’s empowering to me,” she adds.
5.Evelynn Escobar-Thomas
Growing up watching kids of all racial and ethnic backgrounds enjoying the outdoors during summer camp on the Disney Channel’s reality TV series Bug Juice, Evelynn Escobar-Thomas assumed she’d see similar representation during her first national park trip at 23 years old. She didn’t. To get this representation, Escobar-Thomas formed Hike Clerb, an intersectional hiking community and nonprofit that centers Black and brown women working to dismantle white supremacy, recharge, and focus on collective healing.
“As Black and brown people, we do carry a lot of intergenerational trauma, and nature is this sort of infinite source of healing [that] we can tap into and heal ourselves and our past generations,” Escobar-Thomas says.
The hikes are open to anyone who aligns with the mission and values of the community, including the goal to promote diversity in the outdoors. She tries to ensure that anyone who is interested in attending the trips are able to by securing partnerships that allow her to offer giveaways, like monthly national park passes, to low-income women of color.
“Being Black and being Indigenous, it’s been such a journey to not only reclaim the land but solidifying my own roots,” she says.
