Use of Manzanilla Tea During the Childbearing Period Among Women of Mexican Origin who Reside in the U.S.-Mexico Border Region

Abstract

Hispanics are the fastest growing ethnic group in the United States with the states that border Mexico having a greater percentage of persons of Mexican origin residing in them. Herbs are widely used by persons of Mexican origin, however, little is known about specifics surrounding these cultural practices. An ethnographic study in the border region of Nogales, Arizona - Nogales, Sonora, Mexico, discovered the cultural components of values, beliefs, practices, and experiences of 9 women of Mexican origin who resided in the Arizona/Sonora, Mexico border region related to using manzanilla tea during the childbearing period. Data from semi-structured in-depth interviews were analyzed using a thematic, content analysis process. Intergenerational transmission of cultural health care knowledge emerged from abstraction of the findings. Details from the women's voices provide enlightenment surrounding the values, beliefs, and practices related to the use of manzanilla tea for childbearing. Nursing should be able to integrate this knowledge into care practices and education thereby promoting more culturally relevant care during the childbearing period for women of Mexican origin.