'God gave us the plants': University of Guam Press to launch new book on traditional CHamoru healing
- Admin
- 13 hours ago
- 2 min read
By Pacific Island Times News Staff
There may be a pretty flower plant in your garden, a dull-looking weed on the ground or a bush with funny leaves in the boonie area behind your house. One might be surprised to learn that several local plants may seem ordinary, but actually offer extraordinary health benefits.
Lourdes Toves Manglona's soon-to-be-released book, "Tinanom Åmot Siha: Plants Used in Traditional CHamoru Healing," catalogs more than 70 medicinal plants and guides their corresponding uses.
The list includes plants that traditional healers, also known as "yo’åmte," use in their healthcare practices.
Chamoru traditional healing is a cultural practice that has been passed down through generations across the Mariana Islands.
“We’re people on earth. God gave us the land and God gave us the plants. God gave us the sun, the rain and even the sea. So, we have to use that,” said Manglona, fondly known as Mama Lou.
The University of Guam Press will launch "Tinanom Åmot Siha" on Nov. 15 at 11:30 a.m. at the Guam Museum.
Manglona dedicates her debut book to past and present healers who have shared their knowledge with passion and purpose.
She especially credits her grandmother for the timeless knowledge she can pass down to her children and predecessors.
"To Ana Toves Manglona, whose teachings on traditional medicine and its practices have profoundly shaped my understanding and appreciation of our heritage,” reads the book’s dedication.
The book’s launch will begin with a book signing and Meet the Author event at
A HITA (Heritage-Ideas-Traditions-Arts) Talk and presentation, hosted in collaboration with the Museum, will begin at 1 p.m. In the presentation, patrons will learn the value of local plants and natural elements in the preparation of åmot, or traditional CHamoru medicine, which uses items found in the living environment. The event is free and open to the public.
Equipped with a glossary and space for notetaking, the interactive guide will serve as the primary textual resource in Manglona's “Traditional Healing Practices on Guam,” a course she teaches at UOG that provides students a basic understanding of the indigenous healthcare system.
Manglona said "Tinanom Åmot Siha" is intended for educational purposes only She stressed the importance of learning from trained yo’amte when dealing with plants and medicine that can be fatal if not prepared correctly.
The guide does not serve as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment and will not include detailed recipes for åmot.
"Tinanom Åmot Siha" is available for pre-order at uogpress.com for $20 and will be available for purchase at the book’s launch and at local bookstores after its official release.
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