C.E. Flores's Blog

Natural Healing — Cardo Santo

Photo Credit: Erick Noe Tapia Banda The genus Cirsium, known as cardos, has around 300 species, 75 of which are native to North American and another 35 native to tropical Central and South America. Cardo santo (Cirsium Mexicanum), holy thistle, … Continue reading →

Natural Healing — Algodoncillos

Algodoncillos (Asclepias spp.) There are approximately 200 species of Asclepias worldwide, 75 of which are found in Mexico, and at least 17 of those have reported medicinal uses. The plants in this genus are most often referred to as algodoncillos, … Continue reading →

Echoes of History

Every morning when I read through the headlines, I become more and more concerned about the direction the US is heading and wonder how the new authoritarian regime will affect my life in Mexico and my loved ones’ lives still … Continue reading →

Natural Healing — Zarzaparrilla

Color me surprised when I discovered the Maya her Koh-key (also spelled koke’) was good old fashioned sarsaparilla and a Mexican native plant to boot. Zarzaparrilla is the Spanish term for the Nahuatl herb, Mecapàtli, heralded by Nicolás Monardes in … Continue reading →

Natural Healing — Jalapa

Morning glories (Ipomoea) are native to Mexico and, in many herbal sources, lumped together. However, it’s worth the time and effort to unravel the specific uses. Today’s post focuses on jalapas.  Ipomoea purga Ipomoea purga, as the name implies, has … Continue reading →

The Great Sewer Standoff

This month, our community drama had to do with the sewer line. The issue was urgent and completely solvable, but it became a huge bone of contention among the colonos. Here’s how it evolved.  The sewer lines were installed some … Continue reading →

Your Digital Wellness Toolbox: 20+ Resources for Real Life (Plus My Herbal Book!)

I’m so excited to share something that’s right up my herbal love alley:👉 The Ultimate Healthy Living Bundle, available only from July 14–18, 2025. This digital bundle brings together 20+ handpicked resources that cover: 🎉 And yes — my book … Continue reading →

Natural Healing — Tumba Vaqueros

Ipomoea stans, another morning glory although more bushy than viney, is most often called tumba vaqueros (knocks down cowboys) in the area where I live. However, there are a plethora of other names including espanta lobos (frightens wolves), limpia tunas … Continue reading →

Elections? Today? Mexican Judicial Elections 2025

When posters went up around La Yacata, I had to stop and do a double-take. I had heard there were going to be elections, but honestly, I hadn’t paid much attention. So, I thought I’d do a little research and … Continue reading →

The Clucking of Chickens

One afternoon, not long after our tense encounter with the infamous Chicken Feather Guy, I got a call from a fellow colona, her voice full of excitement. She had just come from the presidencia, and was eager to share what … Continue reading →