Table 2 Uses of honeys of Plebeia sp. nov. —mansita—in the locality of Baritú

Pure

–

Generally, the honey is supplied in fast by the morning, but it can be eat also at other times of the day.

Complement

Bread, mote—grains of corn in shell boiled, chicha—ferment drink—of Zea mays (maiz).

1) At breakfast or as snack.

2) In the elaboration of the chicha drink, as a substitute of ground sugar or chancaca (caña de azúcar, Saccharum officinarum unrefined).

Drink (Aguamiel)

Water.

The mode of preparation consists in mixing boiled water (the opposite of cold or raw water, as locally called unboiled water), tempered or cold with honey, usually in 3:1 proportions respectively, or sometimes in 2:1 or 1:1.

Sweetener in infusions

Plants: Camellia sinensis (te), Ilex paraguarensis (mate).

–

Offering in honor to Pachamama

–

The ceremony of the Pachamama (mother earth) is an activity practiced ancestrally by social groups of the Andean region, consisting of offering various foods and beverages to mother earth. When honey is available, it is offered along with the other foods.

Offering in honor to Los Fieles Difuntos (Day of deceased faithfuls, day of all souls).

–

In commemoration of the day of the deceased faithful or day of all souls, people are accustomed to making bread with animal shapes and objects (horses, dogs, staircases), sweet and savory foods, and beverages for the departed. When honey is available, it is part of offerings. The set of products is offered to the deceased on November 1st until the conclusion of the following day. After this period, the offerings are lifted by relatives and neighbors.

Honeys sale

–

For the benefits it grants, the honey is sold to residents of neighboring towns. The product is ordered or purchased in advance to the residents of Baritú.

Medicinal

Digestive system

Constipation*

–

The only mention registered requires the use of honey in the pure state (one or two tablespoons of honey).

Diarrhea

Water.

Plants: starch of Zea mays (maiz), Origanum vulgare (orégano), Lepidium didymum (quimpy)

The honey is incorporated mixed with the starch, or in infusions of orégano o quimpy

Stomach ache

Water.

Plants: Clinopodium gilliesii or C. bolivianum (muña), Lepidium didymum (quimpy), Origanum vulgare (orégano), Tripodanthus acutifolius (c’orpo).

Honey is incorporated only with raw water or in infusions of flowers of c’orpo, leaves of orégano or portions of plants of muña or quimpy

Respiratory system

Sore throat*

–

For the relief of sore throat, only pure honey is used.

Influenza

Water.

Plants: Citrus limon (limón).

The mode of incorporation consists in to mix boiled water together with lemon juice and honey.

Cold

Water.

Plants: Citrus limon, (limón), Anthemis cotula, Matricaria chamomilla, (manzanilla).

The mode of incorporation is through infusions of the manzanilla for a short time. Later the limón juice and honey are added.

Reproductive system

Post partum

Water.

Plants: Adiantum lorentzii (culandrillo),

Artemisia absinthium, Tanacetum parthenium (ajenco), Clinopodium gilliesii y/o C. bolivianum (muña), Lepidium didymum (quimpy), Melissa officinalis, Minthostachys mollis (toronjil), Origanum vulgare (oregano), Tripodanthus acutifolius (c’orpo).

The honey is incorporated in infusions of ajenco, culandrillo, toronjil, flowers of c’orpo, quimpy, orégano or muña.