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Pacific Lutheran University

Aztec Medicine

Aztec Medicine

by Paula Nguyen


resting
"Aztec use of Tlatlanquaie" (Sahagun 1963-1975:11:Figure 589).

Aztec medicine not only included the use of different herbs found outside and near the basin of Mexico, but also included Aztec religion and taboo (Berdan 2005).  The physician was highly regarded in Aztec culture, and this is evident in the Aztec definition of a "good" physician.


"The Physician (is) a curer of people, a restorer, a provider of health...The good physician (is) a diagnostician,experienced-a knower of herbs, stones, of trees, of roots...He provides health, restores people, provides them splints, sets bones for them, purges them, gives emetics, gives them potions; he lances, he makes incisions in them, stiches them, revives them, envelopes them in ashes" (Sahagun 1961-1981:10:30).

 

It is apparent that the Aztec physician was highly regarded and that there was a particular way of treating different conditions (Berdan 2005). The purpose of this website is to present the different methods or "remedies" the Aztec's used to treat certain ailments, as well as compare Aztec medicinal treatments to those practiced in Medieval Europe.  Possible similarities and differences between Aztec medicine and the medicine practiced in Europe will be explored.  In addition, social implications relating to Aztec medicinal treatments will be discussed.  In sum, this website will discuss Aztec medicine, as well as compare it to medicinal practices in Europe. When discussing Aztec medicine, it is important to have an understanding of the history behind their culture.