Incorporating Medicinal Plant Knowledge into Green Workshops in Autlan, Jalisco, Mexico

Indigenous knowledge of medicinal plants is highly valued in the region of Autlan, Jalisco. Due to the high prevalence of indigenous communities in the region, and a substantial emphasis on biodiversity conservation in the region, the indigenous knowledge of medicinal plants is very desirable. Participant observation and community surveys are from fieldwork conducted across four trips (from 2013-2015) are used to demonstrate the ways in which indigenous and traditional knowledge are currently being used to: (1) address needs of marginalized communities, (2) bolster a segment of the local economy based in sustainable principles, and (3) promote human well-being at a community and family level. The findings suggest that the incorporation of indigenous medicinal plant knowledge in the broader region of Autlan reflects broader global movements toward health sovereignty.