Atava, you have a diverse heritage, including Mexican, Navajo, Hungarian, Polish, and more. How has this rich cultural background influenced your approach to herbalism and healing?
Well, when I began my journey into herbal medicine, it was nearly 30 years ago. At that time, I was studying in schools in the United States that primarily taught herbal medicine from a more Western or European scientific perspective. However, I was deeply curious about the herbal traditions of my ancestors. I knew that my lineage had rich herbal and healing traditions, but these were not readily available or accessible in my education. So, I took it upon myself to embark on a journey of self-study and sought out teachers from these ancestral traditions.
My main inspiration and guiding force in all my work is the desire to connect with, be informed by, and honor these traditions that are sometimes referred to as folk medicine or indigenous medicine. These traditions are often underrepresented and undervalued in herbal medicine spaces. They encompass the spiritual, prayerful, and ceremonial practices involving plants and healing, recognizing that healing goes beyond one human helping another; it involves creating a sacred space and engaging with various energies to facilitate the healing process.
My research has led me to explore the herbal traditions of my Mexican ancestors, which I've documented in my book. Additionally, I've delved into the practices of my Polish ancestors. Interestingly, I've found that herbal healing traditions from around the world share common elements when you trace them back far enough. They all emphasize the importance of being in a reciprocal relationship with the Earth, the plants, ancestors, and spirit.
The unique energy of a particular region, whether it's Poland, Mexico, or Hungary, shapes how herbal medicine manifests. This exploration of ancestral traditions has not only enriched my own learning and practices but also informs my approach to self-healing and self-care.
