An Introduction to Mexicos Indigenous Traditional Medicine

Irma Cervantes

Note on modules by Ms. Cervantes and Dr. Marin. Speakers sponsored by The Memnosyne Foundation: Of great concern among both women, and their communities, is the protection of traditional knowledge in terms of both preservation as well as protecting their Native American communities inherited knowledge from those who might seek to copyright their traditions. There have been many nightmares in recent years caused by pharmaceutical companies seeking to patent indigenous peoples' remedies that then resulted in it becoming illegal for the indigenous people to use the remedies they had used for centuries. The reason this is a very real fear, is that for many poorer families, these remedies are their only means of survival and that knowledge must therefore be protected from those who would seek to take advantage. Therefore, while Dr. Columba Marin and Irma Cervantes are always happy to share their knowledge, it is important that it is made clear that those benefiting from their presentation agree to not seek to copyright or patent any of the formulas they present, as the medicines are often centuries old and are the cultural heritage of entire communities. Thank you.