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The Witch
Doctor's Market is located in
southwest corner of Mercado Modelo
of Chiclayo city. The brujos
(witch doctors),
curanderos (healers) and
shamans sell tonics, hallucinogenic
beverages, aromatic herbs, amulets
and more, and they make traditional
medicine treatments, also read
cards, guess the future or move away
the bad spirits. Ancestral knowledge
of the curative properties of plants
has permitted Peruvian healers to
develop a veritable pharmacopoeia as
part of man’s religious integration
with nature. Using these plants is
widespread not only among healers
and indigenous people but also among
the residents of large modern cities
who appreciate their curative
properties. A “chamico" (Datura
stramonium) tea is recommended
to combat asthma while quinine, an
extract of the “quina” or
“cascarilla” (Cinchona
officinalis) is a sure remedy
against malaria. Kidney and gall
bladder stones can be dissolved
drinking a beverage made with “cola
de caballo” (Andropogon bicornis)
or “chancapiedra” (literally “stone
crusher”, or Phyllanthus niruri).
Meanwhile, jacaranda (Jacaranda
acutifolia) and “huamanripa” (Laccopetalum
giganteum) have proven
effectiveness against bronchial
conditions. “Matico” (Piper
adumcum) is an anti-inflammatory
and “tara” (Caesalpina spinosa)
leaves are an effective
anti-diarrheic. “Uña de gato” (Uncaria
tomentosa) acts as an inhibitor
of cancer cells and valerian (Valeriana
pinnatifida) prevents epilepsy
and cures insomnia. |
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Witch Doctor's
Market
Salesman of herbs |
Witch Doctor's
Market
Salesmen |
Witch Doctor's
Market
Saleswoman of herbs |
Witch Doctor's
Market
Snake and Seahorses |
Witch Doctor's
Market
Shells, scallops and turtle |
Condor's head and
skunk's skins |
San Pedro
hallucinogenic cacti |
Coca's leaves |
Snake skin |
Herbs with
curative powers |
Herbs with
curative powers |
Herbs with
curative powers |
Witch Doctor's
Market |
Magic concoctions
and tonics |
Medicinal herbs |
Witch Doctor's
Market
Ocelot and concoctions |
Witch Doctor's
Market
sulfur and borax |
Ekekos, religious
idols and stones |
Witch Doctor's
Market |
Balance, knives
and stones |
Witch Doctor's
Market - shells |
Witch Doctor's Market -
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