Comboni Missionaries' Team

Herbs & Plants: Leonotis nepetifolia – ‘A Lion ear’

In traditional medicine, the plant is used to treat a number of diseases like bronchial asthma, fever, influenza, cough, as well as treatment of epilepsy. Medicinal plants are a huge element of the indigenous medical systems. Leonotis nepetifolia (Family Lamiaceae) is one of such medicinal plant species with significant medicinal values. It is commonly known …

Herbs & Plants: Leonotis nepetifolia – ‘A Lion ear’ Read More »

Colombia: The Ticuna ritual called ‘Pelazón’

The Ticuna indigenous ethnic group is one of the most numerous in the ‘Amazonian Trapezium’ which includes the triple border of Colombia, Peru and Brazil. The Pelazón ritual, which marks the transition from childhood to adulthood of a girl, is part of the cultural ceremonies of the Amazon community of the Ticuna people. Although some …

Colombia: The Ticuna ritual called ‘Pelazón’ Read More »

The fascinating mystery of migrations in the African skies

Hundreds of species of bird migrate seasonally, covering enormous distances, urged on by irresistible instinct. Scientists have discovered the origin of this behaviour and the surprising ability of birds to ‘learn’ from their journeys. The African skies are full of migrating species of birds that move, according to the season, from one specific place to …

The fascinating mystery of migrations in the African skies Read More »

Herbs & Plants: Blighia unijugate – A Plant with a remarkable healing potentiality

A genus Blighia comprises only three species and is endemic in tropical Africa. It can be distinguished from the other two species by its leaflets having tufts of hairs in the axils of lateral veins. It is an indigenous tree widely distributed in the tropical forests in the Sub-Saharan Africa. It is commonly referred to …

Herbs & Plants: Blighia unijugate – A Plant with a remarkable healing potentiality Read More »

Bolivia – Apthapi, a time for sharing

Among the indigenous peoples of the Andes, every detail of life has a fundamental meaning because it strengthens one’s identity’. One example of this is the Apthapi: sharing food. The coexistence of the Andeans is interconnected with three existential spaces: Janaq Pacha (sidereal space), Kay Pacha (local space) and Ukhu Pacha (the space of depth) …

Bolivia – Apthapi, a time for sharing Read More »