The University of Guam Press will launch Tinanom Åmot Siha: Plants Used in Traditional CHamoru Healing, an educational text by Lourdes “Mama Lou” Toves Manglona that documents more than 70 plants used by yo’åmte, or traditional healers, across the Mariana Islands. The book, Manglona’s debut, preserves generations of cultural knowledge and honors the healers who have passed down these practices.
Mama Lou credits her grandmother, Ana Toves Manglona, for shaping her understanding of traditional medicine, writing in her dedication that her teachings “profoundly shaped my understanding and appreciation of our heritage.” The event launch began with a book signing and Meet the Author on Saturday, Nov. 15, at the Guam Museum, and was followed by a HITA Talk exploring the role of local plants and natural elements in preparing åmot, or traditional CHamoru medicine.
The interactive guide includes a glossary and space for notetaking and will serve as the main text for Mama Lou’s UOG course, “Traditional Healing Practices on Guam.” She reminds readers that the book is for educational use only and stresses the importance of learning directly from trained yo’åmte when dealing with plants that may be harmful if not properly prepared. “We’re people on earth,” she said. “God gave us the land, and God gave us the plants… we have to use that.”
Tinanom Åmot Siha is available for pre-order for $20 at uogpress.com and will be sold at the launch and at local bookstores after its release. For more information, contact UOG Press Publicist Via Justine De Fant at (671) 735-2153 or defant@triton.uog.edu