Curanderismo Explained to Large Crowd
at January SAHS Meeting
| Dr. Elizabeth De La Portilla, anthropologist, and her
co-researcher and friend, Mr. Madrigal, took guests and members on a
journey to forgotten places in Texas where the healing herbs grow
amidst junkyards and desolation. Dr. De La Portilla read excerpts
from her book, The All Want Magic, and made us feel that we were
with her as she learned the old traditions of healing from her
family members. Mr. Madigral, speaking through an interpreter,
discussed medicinal uses for rue, rosemary, and other herbs that
have been used for centuries in healing ritual. He invited visitors
to his home to further explore these traditions. Many thanks to both
for a fascinating program!
Contact information for Dr. De La Portilla is: Elizabeth de la
Portilla, Ph.D |
 Mr. Madrigal, left, and Dr. De La Portilla, right |
 SAHS President Eileen Achorn introduces the program |
 An assortment of Mr. Madrigal's healing herbs |
 The Twig Bookshop was on hand to make copies of the speaker's book available to attendees |
 Dr. De La Portilla invited guests to smell Rue, then told them what their impressions told about themselves and their personalities |