CHAMORRO traditional healer Fermina Blas of Rota fears that traditional medicine will be forgotten soon because of the younger generation’s lack of interest.
Blas, 75, said she “learned from my great grandma, my grandma, my auntie, and my mom.”
She was 15 years old when she started learning about local medicinal herbs and plants.
“My great-grandma showed me the kinds of plants that could be used for medicine. She taught me what kind of plants or herbs were good for what ailments,” Blas said.
She said her elders encouraged her to learn Chamorro traditional medicine and healing practices.
“Now I am worried that our Chamorro healing skills and local medicines will be lost because of the lack of interest of the younger generation.”
She said she wants to share her knowledge of traditional healing with the younger generation.
Herbal local medicine has no side effects, Blas noted. “Our herbal medicine is better than the ones prescribed at the hospital, I tell you.”
Blas was among the members of the Rota delegation that attended and participated in this year’s Flame Tree Arts Festival held from April 29 to May 1 at Sugar King Park and the CNMI Museum grounds in Garapan.
Blas sold and promoted Chamorro local medicine for different kinds of ailments.
Amot Makpong is for body pain and can cleanse your urinary tract, Blas said.
“Amot Tininu is for back pain. Amot Pasmun Sinago is for flu or coughing; you can drink it to prevent pneumonia,” she added.
For someone who recently underwent an operation, Amot Sague Hirida is recommended, Blas said.
Mames Meme is good for diabetic ailments, she said. “It could also cleanse your urinary tract,” she added.
For someone having a hard time sleeping and/or is restless in bed at nighttime, Blas recommends Amot Tabatdiyu.
“These are all natural locally grown plants and herbs,” she added.
Fermina Blas, 75, a Chamorro traditional medicine practitioner, promoted local medicine during the Flame Tree Arts Festival held over the weekend.
