This visual space captures the textures, colors, and all the elements of botánicas and traditional healing practices. From candles and herbs to statues, oils, perfumes, books, and more. Each image offers a glimpse into the different kinds environments where healing can take place.
Candles are tools used for things like cleansing, protection, prayer, connection, and more.
Talismans and pins are typically used for protection, healing, and strength. They can be worn, pinned, or even tucked away.
Prayer cards are carried as small sources of strength, protection, and devotion. They serve as a reminder that we are not alone.
Soaps meant to wash away negativity, attract good energy, and protect the spirit.
Each oil has its own unique purpose and can be used on candles, rituals, body, and more.
Rosarios and bracelets are often used for for protection and prayers. Can be used in limpias and worn daily, they help guard against negative energy.
La Santa Muerte (Saint Death/Holy Death) is offered candles, prayers, and gifts to ask for protection, justice, love, healing, and more. For many, she is a source of strength and guidance, especially for those who feel overlooked by traditional systems.
A cozy corner in Tola’s botánica
Sea moss is packed with rich mineral content and nutrients that boost immunity, improve skin health, aid digestion, and more. It is a natural remedy for detoxing and promotes overall wellness.
Incense is used for fragrance, cleansing, calming the mind, helping focus, and for the atmosphere. It plays a key role in rituals and healing practices, helping to clear negative energy.
Sage is used fir cleansing and protection. It is believed to clear negative energy, promotes healing, focus, and spiritual connection. Whether for purification, meditation, or rituals, its smoke is believed to bring balance and ward off harm.
Alumbre (alum stone) is a natural mineral often used to cleanse negative energy, provide protection, and promote emotional and physical healing. Can be worn, tucked away, or used in rituals and prayers.
Palo Santo (holy wood) is used for cleansing, purification, and spiritual connection. Its aroma is used to clear negative energy, promote healing, provide protection from bad spirits, meditation, emotional balance, and for the overall atmosphere.
Resources
Hendrickson, Brett. “Neo-Shamans, Curanderismo and Scholars: Metaphysical Blending in Contemporary Mexican American Folk Healing.” Nova Religio: The Journal of Alternative and Emergent Religions, vol. 19, no. 1, 2015, pp. 25–44. JSTOR, https://doi.org/10.1525/nr.2015.19.1.25.
Michel, Claudine. “Of Worlds Seen and Unseen: The Educational Character of Haitian Vodou.” Comparative Education Review, vol. 40, no. 3, 1996, pp. 280–94. JSTOR, http://www.jstor.org/stable/1189105.
Viladrich, Anahí. “Botánicas in America’s Backyard: Uncovering the World of Latino Healers’ Herb-Healing Practices in New York City.” Human Organization, vol. 65, no. 4, 2006, pp. 407–19. JSTOR, http://www.jstor.org/stable/44127454.
Wing, Donna Marie. “A Comparison of Traditional Folk Healing Concepts with Contemporary Healing Concepts.” Journal of Community Health Nursing, vol. 15, no. 3, 1998, pp. 143–54. JSTOR, http://www.jstor.org/stable/3427709.
Also includes insights from conversations with the botánica practitioners and people I know who participate in these healing practices.
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