CRUZ – BADIANO MEXICAN CODEX

The Libellus de medicinalibus indorum herbis, better known as the Cruz-Badiano Codex (of Mexican medicinal plants) is the oldest medicinal book that has been produced in America. It was compiled in 1552, at the Colegio de Santa Cruz de Santiago Tlatelolco in Mexico City by the indigenous doctors Martín de la Cruz and Juan Badiano to preserve the knowledge originated by the cultivation of native plants and flowers. The Codex describes 185 different plants and how to prepare remedies, therapeutic uses and cures for diseases or symptoms that the human body presents. The Cruz-Badiano Codex is arranged according to diseases or conditions and goes from head to toe, which corresponds to an indigenous principle of classification.

The Codex, which was kept in the Vatican Apostolic Library until 1990, was returned by Pope John Paul II on his second visit to Mexico. Today, through the efforts of cultural agencies, educational institutions and foreign relations in Mexico, a renewed printed and electronic edition is available at http://codicecruz-badiano.com/index.html#home

Thanks to Vallarta Botanical Garden for this information.

Comments

Leave a Reply

More From Gardening Calendar

Stiff Goldenrod

Plant Stiff Goldenrod for a vibrant fall display in prairie gardens, cottage gardens and pollinator gardens. This multi-functional flowering plant is easy to grow and its leaves in fall change to lovely colors of red. Learn more about this impressive species.

Dog Violet

Dog Violet can be used as a ground cover. It grows well in native plant gardens, shade gardens, or in shady areas of rock gardens.

On Harvesting and Drying Sage

Discover Judy's simple process to dry Sage in the oven, which you can use to make tea & add taste to your dishes. Also find out the medicinal benefits of dried sage & how it helps against depression & Alzheimer's.

Sweet White Violet

Sweet White Violet is ideal for planting in shaded areas of rock gardens, in shade gardens or border fronts. Read more on Viola Blanda.

How to Grow the Delicate Harebell

Admire the delicate and graceful harebell wildflower with its deep bluish-purple flowers, native to North America and Europe, that are eaten raw, used to make dye, and believed to give witches the power of transformation. A perfect addition to the rock garden that grows through summer and fall, and pollinated by hummingbirds, butterflies and bees.