Mexican Herbal Medicine and Interdisciplinary Education: A Methodological Proposal for Preserving Traditional Knowledge among Students at COBAQ Campus 10

Abstract

Mexican herbalism constitutes a highly relevant multicultural heritage; however, traditional knowledge related to medicinal plants faces generational loss and limited integration into educational settings. The objective of this study was to recover empirical-traditional knowledge about the traditional uses of herbalism among students at the Colegio de Bachilleres del Estado de Querétaro, Plantel 10. An interdisciplinary strategy based on participatory action research, with a mixed-methods approach, was employed, predominantly qualitative and supported by quantitative tools for analyzing surveys administered by 513 students to a total of 5,130 people in their family and community. In addition to the participatory action research approach, Project-Based Learning and Situated Learning were also incorporated. The quantitative analysis showed that over 80% of the students knew at least one medicinal plant and had used them in herbal remedies, primarily chamomile (Chamomilla spp.) and muicle (Justicia spp.). The qualitative results were tangible during the development of this project, in the participant observation of the students, the learning in the complementary workshops, the creation of the medicinal spiral in the facilities of the school, in the preparation of products, and the participation as exhibitors in an academic event.