The Tico culture is one that many find hard to put their finger on. What are their deeply held beliefs? Many born from Costa Rica refrain from omitting any strongly held opinion, they are notoriously known as peace keepers. Perhaps wise in approach, it’s really hard to tell where their beliefs fall other than knowing, for the most part, they believe in god, as their language often reflects their beliefs: “si dios lo quiere”. What neighbors do share abundantly though are home remedies that every grandma used to know. And so, by hearing so many times a recipe accompanied by a story being told in response to an ailment, it is clear that their culture is one borne of the earth and close to Mother Nature. After all before pharmacies existed we went to the garden or woods to find our cure. In effect, there are at least 270 medicinal plants found in Costa Rica, and many among them treat more than one malaise. It’s not uncommon to find medicinal plants and herbs growing in backyards, along the roadside, in grocery stores and at your local garden nursery. Here are but a few of well known natural remedies for common upsets. And as always before trying a natural cure, always exercise caution and do your research!
Sun Exhaustion: Feeling faint after an awesome sunny day at the beach? It is said that if you drink the water of a young coconut called ‘pipa’, it will help revive you after getting too much sun. It is also said that it helps with headache, seasickness and when you are generally low on energy by replenishing your electrolytes. But with anything, only in moderation, those with low blood pressure must stick to only one a day and those recently pregnant may want to abstain.
Acid Reflux: If you love ‘chilera’ but not so much the after burn, fear no more. Get a small glass ready for afterwards made with a mixture of milk, a few drops of honey and freshly harvested aloe gel. Aloe gel is widely available, if not found in a yard near you, any farmer’s market and sometimes even grocery store will have it.
‘Fresco’ or Longevity: By now we have all heard that Costa Rica is one of the Blue Zone’s found in the world, boasting those with the longest life spans and great quality of life. And it may just be in what they drink every day. The regular use of what is a cold drink mixed with herbs can help keep the body hydrated in extreme heat, and it is said these mixed drinks can improve cardiac function, digestive performance and fertility. Commonly referred to as ‘fresco’ deriving its name from ‘refrescante’, which means refreshing, common mixes include tamarindo, chan, rosa de jamaica and a National favorite ‘agua de sapo’. Go ahead and try them all, they are sure to quench your thirst.
