History of the Aztec Empire :: Pre-Columbian History Culture

History of the Aztec Empire The center of the Aztec civilization was the Valley of Mexico, a huge, oval basin about 7,500 feet above sea level. The Aztecs were formed after the Toltec civilization occurred when hundreds of civilians came towards Lake Texcoco. In the swamplands there was only one piece of land to farm on and it was totally surrounded by more marshes. The Aztec families somehow converted these disadvantages to a mighty empire known as the Aztec Empire. People say the empire was partially formed by a deeply believed legend. As the legend went, it said that Aztec people would create an empire in a swampy place where they would see an eagle eating a snake, while perched on a cactus, which was growing out of a rock in the swamplands. This is what priests claimed they saw when entering the new land. By the year 1325 their capital city was finished. They called it Tenochtitlan. In the capital city, aqueducts were constructed, bridges were built, and chinapas were made. Chinapas were little islands formed by pilled up mud. On these chinapas Aztecs grew their food. The Aztec Empire included many cities and towns, especially in the Valley of Mexico. The early settlers built log rafts, then covered them with mud and planted seeds to create roots and develop more solid land for building homes in this marshy land. Canals were also cut out through the marsh so that a typical Aztec home had its back to a canal with a canoe tied at the door. In the early 1400s, Tenochtitlan joined with Texcoco and Tlacopan, two other major cities in the Valley of Mexico. Tenochtitlan became the most powerful member of the alliance. Montezuma I ruled from 1440 to 1469 and conquered large areas to the east and to the south. Montezuma's successors expanded the empire until it extended between what is now Guatemala and the Mexican State of San Luis Potosi. Montezuma II became emperor in 1502 when the Aztec Empire was at the height of its power. In 1519, the Spanish explorer Hernando Cortes landed on the East Coast of Mexico and marched inland to Tenochtitlan. The Spaniards were joined by many of the Indians who were conquered and forced to pay high taxes to the emperor. Montezuma did not oppose Cortes because he thought that he was the God Quetzalcoatl. An Aztec legend said that Quetzalcoatl was driven away by another rival god and had sailed across the sea and would return some day. His return was predicted to come in the year Ce Acatl on the Aztec Calendar.

Traditional and Alternative Health Care Practice

Traditional and Alternative Health Care Practice The tropical climate of the Philippines has made it possible for thousands of plants and vegetation to thrive more in lush forests. Many herbal plants have been tapped because of its efficacy against common ailments and the practice of the use of herbal plants as medicines have stretched as far as during pre-Spanish era, and are still being practiced until these modern times. The Department of Health (DOH) advocated the use of herbal plants as what is considered as form of primary health care and as an answer to the increasing cost of synthetic drugs in the market.These 10 DOH-approved herbal plants are found within the country and have been proven to treat common ailments, according to the thorough research done by National Science Development Board, and other government and private agencies and persons. Its importance in providing better health care was not overlooked. In 1992, The DOH, through former Health Secretary and Senator Jua n M. Flavier made a health program by virtue of Administrative Order No. 12. This program was known as the Traditional Medicine Program, with its main function of promoting and advocating the use of traditional medicine across the country.In 1994, the drafting of a traditional medicine law was initiated in order to institutionalize the program. Then by 1997, President Fidel V. Ramos saw the promising potential of traditional medicines both in the health of Filipinos and the economy and timely approved the Republic Act 8423, also known as the Traditional and Alternative Medicine Act (TAMA) of 1997. This law then, gave rise to the government owned and controlled corporation known as the Philippine Institute of Traditional and Alternative Health Care (PITAHC).It is attached to the DOH in delivering safe, effective and affordable proper traditional and alternative (TAHC) health care products and services to the people. The 10 DOH-approved herbal plants are listed below, along with their uses, preparations and names in different places/dialects within the country. 1. Lagundi (Vitex negundo) * Kamalan (Tag. ) * Limo-limo (Ilk. ) * Tugas (Ceb. ) * Dabtan (If. ) * Molave aso (Sul. ) * 5 leaveschaste tree (English) Lagundi is a shrub type of plant growing wild in vacant lots and waste land. Matured branches are planted. The flowers are blue and bell-shaped.The small fruits turn black when ripe. It is better to collect the leaves when are in bloom. Uses: * For asthma, cough and fever – boil raw fruits or leaves in 2 glasses of water for15 minutes until the water left in only 1 glass (decoction). Strain. Leaves should be chopped and the following dosages of the decoction are given according to age group: Dried leavesFresh leaves Adult4 tbsp. 6tbsp. 7-12 yrs. 2 tbsp. 3 tbsp. 2-6 yrs. 1 tbsp. 1 ? tbsp. * For dysentery, colds and pain in any part of the body as in influenza – boil a handful of leaves and flowers in water to produce a glass full of decoction an d drink it three times a day. For skin diseases (dermatitis, scabies ulcer, eczema) and wounds – prepare a decoction from handful of leaves. Wash and clean the skin/wound with the decoction. * For headache – crush leaves and may be applied on the forehead. * For rheumatism, sprain and contusions, insect bites – pound the leaves and apply on affected part. * For aromatic bath for sick patients – prepare leaf decoction for use in sick and newly delivered patients. 2. Yerba (Hierba) Buena (Mentha cordifelia) * Herba Buena (most dialects) * Hierba/Yerba Buena (Spanish) * Hilbas (Dav. , Ley. ) * Opiz Ablebana (If. ) * Malipuen (Als. ) Peppermint, mint (English) Yerba (Hierba) Buena is a small multi-branching aromatic herb. The leaves are small, elliptical and with toothed margin. The stem creeps to the ground and develops roots. It may be also propagated through cuttings. Uses: * For pain in different parts of the body as headache, stomach ache – boil c hopped leaves in 2 glasses of water for 15 minutes. Cool and strain. Dried leavesFresh leves Adult6 tbsp. 4 tbsp. 7-12 yrs.? tbsp. of adult dose Divide decoction into two parts and drink one part every three hours. * For rheumatism, arthiritis and headache – crush the fresh leaves and squeeze sap.Massage sap on painful parts with eucalyptus. * For cough and cold (serves as expectorant) – get about 10 fresh leaves and soak in a glass of hot water. Drink as tea. * For swollen gums – steep 6 g. of fresh plant in a glass of boiling water for 30 minutes. Use solution as gargle. * For toothache – cut fresh plant and squeeze sap. Soak a piece to cotton in the sap and insert this in aching tooth cavity. Mouth should be rinsed by gargling salt solution before inserting the cotton dipped with plant sap. To prepare salt solution: add 5 g. of table salt to one glass of water. For menstrual and gas pain – soak a handful of leaves in a glass of boiling water. Dr ink infusion. It induces menstrual flow and sweating. * For nausea and fainting – crush leaves and apply at nostrils of patients. * For insect bites – may be prepared in two ways: 1. Crush leaves and apply juice on affected part. 2. Pound leaves until paste-like. Rub this on affected part. * For pruritis – boil plant alone or with eucalyptus in water. Uses decoction as a wash on affected area. 3. Sambong (Blumea balsamifera) * Alibhon Alimon (Vis. ) * Kambihon, Lakdanbulan (Vis. ) * Ayohan, Bulaklak, Ga buen, Kaliban (Tag. * Gintin-gintin, Haliban/Camphor (English) Sambong is a plant that reaches 1 ? to 3 meters in height with rough hairy leaves. Young plants around mother plant may be separated when they have three or more leaves. Uses: * For anti-edema, diuretic, and anti-urolithiasis – boil chopped leaves in a glass of water for 15 minutes until one glassful remains. Cool and strain. Dried leavesFresh leaves Adult4 tbsp. 6 tbsp. 7-12 yrs.? tbsp. of adu lt does Divide decoction into 3 parts. Drink one part 3 times a day. Note: Sambong is not a medicine for kidney infection. 4. Tsaang Gubat (Carmona retusa) Alibungog (Vis. ) * Kalabonog, Maragued (Ilk. ) * Kalimunog, Taglokot, Talibunog, Tsa (Tag. ) * Malatadian (Gad. ) Tsaang- Gubat is a shrub with a small, shiny nice-looking leaves that grows in wild uncultivated areas and forests. Mature stems are used for planting. Uses: * For diarrhea – boil the following amount of chopped leaves in 2 glasses of water for 15 minutes or until amount of water goes down to 1 glass. Cool and strain. Dried leavesFresh leaves Adult10 tbsp. 12 tbsp. 7-12 yrs. 5 tbsp. 6 tbsp. 2-6 yrs. 2 ? tbsp. 3 tbsp. Divide decoction into 4 parts. Let patient drink 1 part every 3 hours. For stomach ache – wash leaves and chop. Boil chopped leaves in 1 glass of water for 15 minutes. Cool and filter/strain. Dried leavesFresh leaves Adult2 tbsp. 3 tbsp. 7-12 yrs. 1 tbsp. 1 ? tbsp. 5. Niyug-Niyogan (Quisqua lis indica L. ) * Balitadham, Pnones, Pinio, Bono (Bis. ) * Bawe-bawe (Pamp. ) * Kasumbal, Talolong (Bik. ) * Tartarau (Ilk. ) * Burma creeper, Chinese honey suckle (English) Niyug-Niyogan is a vine which bears tiny fruits and grows wild in backyards. The seed must come from mature, dried but newly opened fruits. It is propagated through stem cuttings about 20 cm. in height. Uses: For anti-helmintic purposes – used to expel roundworms which cause ascariasis. The seeds are taken 2 hours after supper. If no worms are expelled, the doses may be repeated after one week. Adults8-10 seeds 7-12 yrs. 6-7 seeds 6-8 yrs. 5-6 seeds 4-5 yrs. 4-5 seeds Caution: Not to be given to children below four years old. 6. Bayabas (Psidium guajava L. ) * Guyabas, Kalimbahin, Tayabas (Tag. ) * Bagabas (Ig. ) * Bayabo (Ibm. ) * Bayawas (Bik. , Pang. ) * Biabas (Sul. ) * Guyabas (Ilk. ) * Guava (English) Bayabas is a tree about 4-5 meters high with tiny white flowers with round or oval fruits that are eaten raw.It is propagated through seeds. Uses: * For washing wounds – may be used twice a day * For diarrhea – may be taken 3-4 days twice a day * For relief of toothache and as a gargle – warm decoction is used for gargle. Freshly pounded leaves are used for toothache. Guava leaves are to be washed well and chopped. Boil for 15 minutes at low fire. Do not cover pot. Cool and strain before use. 7. Akapulco (Cassia alata L. ) * Bayabas-bayabasan, Kapurko, Kantada, Katandang Aso, Pakagonkon, Sonting (Tag. ) * Andadasi, Andadasi-a dakdakol, Andadasi-bugbugtong (Ilk. ) * Adadasi (Ting. ) * Ancharasi (Ig. * Andalan (Sul. ) * Bayabasin, Bikas-bikas (Bik. , Tag. , Bis. ) * Kasitas (bik. , Bis. ) * Snting, Palo china (Bis. ) * Pakayomkom Kastila (Pamp. ) * Ringworm bush or shrub (English) Uses: * For anti-fungal purposes (Tinea flava, ring worm, athlete’s foot and scabies) – fresh, mature leaves are pounded. Apply to the affected part 1-2 times a day. 8. Ulasimang Bato (Peperonia pellucida) * Pansit-pansitan (Tag. ) Ulasimang Bato is a weed with heart-shaped leaves that grow in shady parts of the garden and yard. Uses: * For lowering uric acid (rheumatism and gout) Preparation: Wash the leaves well.One and a half cup leaves are boiled in two glassfuls of water over low fire. Do not cover pot. Cool and strain. Divide into three parts and drink each part three times a day after meals. It may also be eaten as salad. Wash the leaves well. Prepare one and a half cups of leaves (not closely packed). Divide into three parts and take as salad three times a day. 9. Bawang (Allium sativum) * Ajos (Spanish, Bis. ) * Garlic (English) Uses: * For lowering of cholesterol levels in blood; for hypertension and toothache Preparation: may be fried, roasted, soaked in vinegar for 30 minutes, or blanched in boiled water for 5 minutes.Take two pieces three times a day after meals. Caution: Take on full stomach to prevent stomach and intestinal ulcers. * For toothache – pound a small piece and apply to affected part. 10. Ampalaya (Mamordica charantia) * Amargoso (Spanish, Ilonggo) * Margoso, Ampalaya (Tag. ) * Apalia (Pamp. ) * Agape (Ibn. ) * Apapet (Itn. ) * Palia (Bis. , Ban. , If. , Ilk. ) * Pubia (Sub. ) * Suligum (Sul. ) * Balsam Apple, Balsam Pear, Bitter Gourd (English) Uses: * For those with Diabetes Mellitus (Mild non-insulin dependent) Preparation: Gather and wash young leaves very well. Chop.Boil 6 tablespoons of chopped leaves in two glassful of water for 15 minutes under slow fire. Do not cover pot. Cool and strain. Take one third cup 3 times a day after meals. Note: Young leaves may be blanched or steamed and eaten 1/2 glassful 2 times a day. REMINDERS ON THE USE OF HERBAL MEDICINE 1. Avoid the use of insecticides as these may leave poison on plants. This may be hazardous to consume and may cause poisoning that may lead to death. 2. In the preparation of herbal medicine, use a clay pot and remove cover while boiling at low heat. 3. Use only the part of the plant being advocated.Use of the parts not indicated may affect the potency of the herbal medicine, making it less effective or not effective at all when consumed. 4. Follow accurate dose of suggested preparation. Proper amount and timing of dosage is critical in achieving the expected results. Not following those can be detrimental to one’s health and recovery. 5. Use only one kind of herbal plant for each type of symptoms or sickness. 6. Stop giving the herbal medication in case untoward reaction such as allergy occurs. 7. If signs and symptoms are not relieved after 2 or 3 doses of herbal medication, consult a doctor.

Double Consciousness - Free Essay Example

Sample details Pages: 3 Words: 828 Downloads: 6 Date added: 2018/12/18 Category Philosophy Essay Type Research paper Level High school Tags: African American Essay Discrimination Essay Racism Essay Did you like this example? The Souls of Black Folks investigates the concept of double consciousness. According to W.E.B. Du Bois (1903) double consciousness is looking at ones self through the eyes of another who sees you with amused disapproval and contempt. Don’t waste time! Our writers will create an original "Double Consciousness" essay for you Create order The concept discusses the progress and the struggle for freedom that African American went through up until 1903. Du Bois explores the inner struggle that the African American went through in the Caucasian-dominated culture. This paper examines Du Bois theory of double consciousness within the context of how Africans American see themselves through the eyes of European Americans who saw them with contempt and disregard. The black that is the African American had no ways to describe the feeling or the pain that the American subjected them. The two different views from each thus resulted in the concept of double consciousness. Primarily, double consciousness was developed as a result of close to three centuries of slavery experienced by African Americans. They experiences al sought of prejudice from the mainstream culture. To Du Bois, the concept of the veil referred to one the dark skin of the blacks which was the real distinction of the blacks from the whites. Second, it represent ed the lack of the whites to see the blacks as true Americans and also the lack of the blacks to view themselves different from what the white saw them. In their lifetime the African American had their most devastating time at the time the realized they were blacks and that was a problem and this to them was a life-altering encounter. The blacks had a hard time as they had to split their inner self to fit in and they had to see themselves in the eyes of the white. To DuBois, the veil meant that the white could not see the black beyond their race and the black, on the other hand, could not see themselves beyond the negative part that is his color. The veil, therefore, puts more emphasis on the black who had the two-ness in them in that they were half blacks and half Americans (Du Bois, 2008.) Moreover apart from the problem of their physical appearance the blacks still did not acquire full and equal citizenship as the whites even after slavery came to an end. The African Americans still struggled to overcome their experience like political power and physical freedom. As they tried to move on the blacks had more to unfold for example they had to struggle to get the right to vote and once they acquired the right to vote they had to fight against segregated education. The African American, therefore, have to fight to acquire equality at all levels, and until then they will still have the concept of double consciousness deep in them. The deep-rooted double consciousness was a result of the inner turmoil that the African felt and this highly manifested in the hesitant of trying to attain equal status as that of the Caucasian man. Du Bois claimed that there is a deep struggle for the black Americans to be fully considered as Americans and still hold on their African heritage. They had to ever feel the twoness in them, an American and a black person, have two souls two thoughts and two worrying ideas and one black body. Du Bois, hoped that instead of holding on to the twoness or the different identity, one day the Americans and the African American could be able to coexist peacefully (Du Bois, 2008). He hopes that they can be considered in their identity without feeling threatened split, discriminated or cursed right on their faces. The expectation of the culture group to Du Bois was beyond the desire to thrive in a world that gave them limited opportunities. It was then that it dawned on the black Americans that their struggle was unproductive it deemed to them that they had to be themselves and not another to gain their true identity. They had to replenish their minds with new ideas from the system of slavery and racial stratification. They had to act to open the door of prosperity that had been closed and leading to the state of double consciousness. The influence of racist practice had a high degree of negativity on the black Americans and deeply extended the double consciousness in 19century. Notably, Du Bois worked towards mitigat ing the social injustices in the society brought about by prejudices and discrimination based on color. He believed in a vibrant culture of education and internal awareness as a way of recovering from the double consciousness and the practices of the racists. To acquire an egalitarian society, Du Bois believed that both the Americans and the Black Americans need to realize and examine their characters and success since emancipation. Self-determination and encouragement would encourage the African Americans in achieving oneness, and no longer view themselves in the concept of double consciousness. References Du Bois, W. E. B. (2008). The souls of black folk. Oxford University Press.