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

Care Requirements For Shrimp Plant

Enjoy this easy to care for evergreen shrub that produces masses of blooms all year long – the Shrimp plant (Justicia brandegeana)! Discover its hardiness zones, cultural needs, and varieties for an eye-catching show in your garden.

Blooming Daylilies in Beautiful Colours

Learn about my experience growing fingerling potatoes in a cloth bag and the challenges I faced. Find out the benefits of regular pots for potato cultivation and the importance of proper watering.

A Quick Guide to Composting

Quickly learn everything you need to know about composting for your garden, including materials to use, methods and benefits. Easily reduce your environmental footprint and save money on large bags of compost from gardening stores with this user-friendly guide.