Something you may like to know is that Belize is one of the most biodiverse countries on the planet. More than 4,000 different native flowering plants can be found in Belize, as well as more than 700 different species of trees and other flora. Scientists have only just begun to catalog all of the different plants in the country, a difficult task as more than 70% of Belize is forest, rainforest, or jungle, much of it is old growth and incredibly dense. Today over 25% over the world’s pharmaceutical drugs are derived from exotic plants found in the jungles of Belize and other tropical realms. many of the world’s leading pharmaceutical companies are studying local plants to create new and ever more effective medicines. Increasing and encroaching human populations and climate change has made the work of cataloging, documenting and preserving habitat crucial to the health of our planet.

For thousands of years, the rainforests of Belize have not only provided of basic sustenance and livelihood for local people, but also acted as the resource for nature’s pharmacy. Understanding and using native plant species to form effective medicines is a tradition in Belize dating back to the early days of the Maya civilization. The ancient Maya goddess, Ix Chel, represented the powers of the medicinal world and healing and is often depicted in Mayan petroglyphs found at many of the ruins around Belize.

Locally referred to as “bush medicine”, the use of various plant roots, flowers, barks, seeds, and leaves to cure common ailments and as preventatives for major illnesses such as cancer is common practice in Belize. Many Belizean prefer to try their herbal bush medicines before going to the hospital and conveniently it is some of the most common shrubs, plants, and vines that are used as bush medicine in Belize. throughout the country these common plants grow along the roadside, in people’s yards, and in empty lots, making for easy and accessible homeopathic cures. In many cases, herbal cures are combined with mental and spiritual cleansing and healing practices invoking Ix Chel and burning the resin of the Copal tree, chanting and spiritual ceremonial bathing.