Curandera is the Spanish word for healer. In Mexico, it’s used for traditional healers and, depending on the source, can have some negative connotations like “witch doctor.” But in many Mexican communities the curandera is a vitally important figure and frequently the only person in the immediate community who is on hand for medical problems. Most practitioners are female, you can certainly find curanderos as well.
Curanderas perform a variety of duties and are typically herbalists. We’re talking about them in the context of mezcal because they frequently use mezcal for their healing potions and rituals. In Mexican folklore, mezcal is a recommended remedy for many illnesses such as indigestion, the common cold, and thyroid problems. We’ve also seen curanderas rub mezcal on patients or even spit mezcal onto an ill person.
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