Surviving Mexico

September 30, 2020 · 6:47 am

The Show Must Go On

Who says life can be boring during self-isolation? Not me, that’s for sure. Our animals have all decided that they are circus stars or at least TV stars and there’s never a dull moment around here!

You already know about Jolina and her kids, who believe they are part of a circus routine, rolling out the barrel just 20 minutes after birth.

Now we have Mama Chicken and the Magic School bus.

Our broody hen finally hatched some pollitos. She’s been an attentive mother for the most part. She kept them safe and sound in the corral for a week. Then, suddenly, one day, we hear this clucking and peeping symphony. My son ran out there yelling, “She’s decided to take them on an adventure!” And sure enough, there they were, under her wing, peeping excitedly as they left the corral.

We aren’t exactly sure what Terry will do when confronted with these chicken nuggets on legs and we weren’t ready to risk it, so back into the corral they went. My son said that she was like the teacher on the Magic School Bus cartoon. “Ok everyone, get under my wings. It’s time to head into the volcano!” Although, they may have been headed through the digestive tract instead.

Then there’s Fuzz, who has decided in retribution for the arrival of Cocoa, he’d become Douglas Fairbanks. On several occasions, he’s tried to slide down the blue screen I have for work, much like the sails of a pirate ship.

Cocoa is not one to be left out in the starring role. He’s decided that every moment possible would be a WWF session. Fuzz is the competitor whether he’s up for a romp or not. Starting as early as 5 am, Cocoa is ready for round one!

The Puppers continue their gladiator reenactments every time my son heads out into the back yard. Those of us about to die, we salute you! BATTLE COMMENCE! George, of course, takes on the starring role as the head dog. I will vanquish you, Fred!

Red has been fitted with his first saddle. He’s too young to be ridden, but my husband has been having him run in circles with the saddle on so that he becomes accustomed to it. Lady has a new set of shoes and happily does a little tap dance every time her hooves hit the road. All we need now are the elephants, and we’re good to go!

Terry’s contribution to the Greatest Show in La Yacata is fairly dismal. Every day, without fail, he bolts from the gate and drags my son out the door, nearly dislocating his arm. That’s really is one and only trick. Too bad he seems unwilling to try some of these tricks!

So, with all our barnyard animals joining in, quarantine, or no quarantine, the show must go on!

***

Spot the Cat

A few days after Cocoa joined the gang, my son tried to introduce the new addition to the Puppers. Fred was curious but George was jealous. He barked at Cocoa who leaped out of my son’s arms and ran to the corner of the yard, curling up on himself like a pillbug. My son was disappointed. He’d hoped they could be friends.

Since the dogs aren’t getting along, we have three walks to take in the morning, and three in the afternoon. Fred and George have priority. Then Terry, as fast as possible–Terry’s choice not ours. Finally, Cocoa. He’s small, so he doesn’t go too far, but he loves the grass. He throws himself about like a kid in a ball pit. He isn’t much interested in doing his business outside though–too many things to sniff.

Our walks have added a Where’s Waldo activity just to liven things up. The borega guy has an orange and white cat that looks like a sun-bleached Garfield. This cat has taken to my son like they are long lost buddies. It comes mewing along every time it sees us, completely oblivious to the dogs.

So each of our walks, we play Spot the Cat! Sure as anything, at some point along the walk, Garfield will appear. Sometimes it’s on a rock, waiting like the Cheshire Cat. Other times it is in the cornfield, just watching us pass.

Fred and George are absolutely stunned at Garfield’s presence, every single time. They freeze and it takes some coaxing to get them started again. Terry, when he takes the time to notice, tries to attack. The new leash has proven its mettle. Cocoa can’t see Garfield over the clover and has no reaction whatsoever.

We’ve recently realized that Garfield is actually a Mrs. Garfield, and a pregnant one at that. She now not only appears on our walks but follows us home meowing piteously for food. She’ll only accept food from my son for whatever reason. And since she’s eating for 23 (or so my son says) she comes morning, noon, and night for more vittles.

I think she’s taken up residence in my sister-in-law’s house and that’s where the kittens will appear. Time will tell!

***

Mexican Herbal First Aid Kit

Although there are countless home remedies used in Mexico, not all of them have been studied for effectiveness. However, I believe that having a basic herbal first aid kit, in addition to an emergency first aid and medicine supply can help you in the event of some medical emergencies.

Árnica Mexicana (Heterotheca inuloides) can be used externally for joint inflammations, arthritis, injury, contusions, bruises, tendonitis, sore muscles and skin infections due to bacteria or fungus. You can buy dried Árnica Mexicana from the market and make a tincture or find pomada de Árnica at most pharmacies.

La sábila or aloe vera (Aloe barbadensis miller) can be used externally for burns, insect bites, and wound care. It’s best when used fresh. Growing aloe vera isn’t difficult and having it on hand in emergencies makes it worth the effort. To use, cut the pencas (leaves) in half lengthwise and heat briefly to get the juices flowing. Then apply to the affected area.

La manzanilla, chamomile, (Matricaria chamomilla) can be used as an eyewash, digestive aid or mild sedative. It can be found dried at the market or already in teabags at the store.

Los chiles, peppers, from the Capsicum annuum family have a variety of medicinal and health benefits. Rubbed on the body, they promote circulation to the area. Be careful not to get any in your eyes though. A bite of a particularly spicy chile will cure a headache after your eyes stop watering. Toasted on the comal, dried chiles will clear the nasal cavity and lungs. Powdered chile and olive oil and be mixed to make a liniment for joint, muscle and back pain.

El ajo, garlic, (Allium sativum) is not just for flavoring. When battling a cold, la gripa, or cough, la tos, regular doses of garlic tea will perk you right up. To make boil 3-6 peeled and halved cloves in three cups of water. Add ½ cup of lime juice. Add honey to taste and serve.

El limón, lime, (Citrus aurantifolia Swingle) is a regular addition to most meals in Mexico. The leaves can be used to make a refreshing tea, high in antioxidants. Lime juice squeezed on wounds will reduce the chances of infection and slow bleeding. Fresh is best, so consider planting a lime tree in your backyard.

El jengibre, ginger (zingiber officinale), also helps soothe the digestive system. A pinch of powdered root in your cup of yerba buena (spearmint) or manzanilla (chamomile) will help with nausea. Its anti-inflammatory action relaxes membranes in the airways, reducing the cough reflex. To brew yourself some ginger tea, add 20 to 40 grams of fresh ginger root slices to hot water and sweeten with honey (another natural cough suppressant). Finally, ginger works as a warming agent by improving blood circulation. Ginger root can be found at the market quite easily.

La lavanda, lavender, (Lavandula angustifolia) is a natural antiseptic and has antifungal properties, making it an excellent wound wash. Mixed with olive oil, it works well as a muscle rub, headache cure, or for cramps. Used as aromatherapy, it reduces tension and helps you sleep better. It can also be burnt for insect fumigation. The leaves can be added to other herbs for a digestive tea. You can easily find lavender plants at the viveria (plant nursery) so you’ll always have it on hand.

The following are not herbs per se but are great natural additions to your Mexican herbal first-aid kit.

La miel, honey, has all sorts of beneficial properties. If you happen to live in the Yucatan, the local Melipona honey has even higher antimicrobial, antibiotic and anti-inflammatory properties than regular organic honey. Apply honey to wounds and burns to aid in healing. Honey is a natural cough suppressant. It also aids in digestion, calming heartburn and ulcer flare-ups. If your blood sugar drops, one tablespoon of honey will bring it up. If your jar of honey crystallizes, place the container in a pan of hot water to liquify it again.

El bicarbonato de sodio, baking soda, is useful for stings and bites. Mix water and baking soda to make a paste. For severe heartburn or urinary tract infections, 1/4 tsp can be taken internally to help alleviate the symptoms quickly.

El carbón activado, activated charcoal, can be applied as a poultice on spider bites, stings, and infected wounds by mixing it with enough water to make a paste. It can also be taken internally as a remedy for food poisoning, diarrhea or gas. Taken early enough, it may also help absorb other types of accidentally ingested poisons.

You might also want to invest in an herbal apothecary book. Look for one that specializes in plants found in Mexico rather than one that is designed for all of North America. Do you have any suggestions?

Surviving Mexico

The Show Must Go On

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Spot the Cat

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Mexican Herbal First Aid Kit

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