Rosewood (Aña pë’kë majoro)
Story by Milena Piaguaje
As Siekopai women, we believe menstruation should last no longer than 4 to 5 days. The “rosewood” flower, known as aña pë’kë majoro in our language, helps relieve cramps and can also shorten the duration of our periods.
However, consuming this flower in excessive doses or during non-menstruating days can be dangerous, possibly causing sterility. This ancestral knowledge was passed down to me by my mother.
Last week, my mother and I searched for the plant on our chacra (cultivated land) in the Siekoya Remolino community. We lit a fire to prepare the medicine. Once the water boiled, my mother placed a flower in the pot. After a few minutes, she removed it from the heat and gave me a cup to drink. At that moment, my sister and brother returned from school. Not knowing about the plant, my mother explained its medicinal uses to them. I was delighted to have my family’s support and to share this new knowledge with my siblings.
Drinking tea made from this red flower not only alleviates my physical discomfort but also connects me with the profound love of my ancestors, who guide and heal me. It honors the wisdom of generations of women who have passed down the value of medicinal plants. Aña pë’kë majoro allows me to maintain a strong connection with my roots and preserves the collective memory of the Siekopai people.
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