Nature’s Cookbook was created with the intention of learning the abundant gifts the earth provides us with and healing our collective relationship with the land. We hope that in cooking the delicious meals within these pages, and uncovering the healing powers and gifts of nature, you ask yourself what you can do for the earth. Download your free copy of Nature’s Cookbook »
I sat down with the Nature’s Cookbook team that helped bring our vision of creating a resource to capture plant knowledge while honoring our cultural histories and connections to food. Today, I share my conversation with Health Coach and Herbalist Cynthia Rico Mendoza of Earthy Mujer and I have been working together since January 2023, researching, writing, organizing, and dreaming up the completion of Nature’s Cookbook.
Interview with Cynthia Rico Mendoza
Can you tell me a bit about yourself and Earthy Mujer? How did Earthy Mujer come about?
My name is Cynthia Rico Mendoza, and I’ve been passionate about natural remedies, holistic health, and sustainable living since I was 15. This passion led me to create Earthy Mujer, a brand dedicated to promoting wellness through a healthy, balanced lifestyle.
Diagnosed with an autoimmune in my teenage years, I found myself trapped in a cycle of doctor appointments, medications, and routine blood tests. Consumed by the harsh side effects of the prescribed medications, I became frustrated and began seeking alternatives. I found a passion for herbal remedies and holistic approaches, which motivated me to take control of my health. Embracing a new lifestyle, I discovered the transformative power of natural solutions, realizing that true wellness lies within our environment and ourselves.
My journey led me to nurture my well-being through disciplined practices, including herbal remedies, clean eating, and regular exercise. This experience taught me that with the right motivation and awareness, we can unlock the secrets to vibrant health and reclaim our vitality. It was this profound realization that inspired the creation of Earthy Mujer.
Through Earthy Mujer, I focus on educating people about the benefits of natural resources, how to consume them, and ways to integrate these practices into a holistic, healthy lifestyle. The name “Earthy Mujer” reflects my roots and commitment to honoring the earth. “Mujer” means “woman” in Spanish, representing the strength, nurturing spirit, and resilience that all women possess. By creating Earthy Mujer, I aim to empower others to take charge of their health and well-being through the wisdom of nature.
Why did the Nature’s Cookbook project appeal to you?
I’ve always been passionate about sharing knowledge on natural remedies and foraging. This project appealed to me because it’s an exciting opportunity to educate others about the incredible health benefits of herbs, mushrooms, and other natural elements that are readily accessible in our surroundings – by simply taking a walk outside or exploring our own backyards! I believe that reconnecting with nature’s abundance enhances our physical health and deepens our appreciation for the environment around us. By learning to identify and utilize these gifts, we empower ourselves with natural solutions and foster a more sustainable and harmonious relationship with the Earth.
What was it like reviewing the collected recipes and gathering the healing properties found in the ingredients? Did you learn anything new?
Exploring each ingredient and its healing properties was exciting, especially since many people use these daily. Adding this extra layer of health benefits was exciting, as it increased awareness and encouraged ongoing usage. Through this process, I also learned about a diverse array of dishes from various cultures, and I’m eager to try them out myself!
What is your go-to herb and why? How do you use it?
Choosing just one herb is difficult, but Rosemary is a staple in my daily cooking. I use it regularly in meat dishes to help reduce the formation of heterocyclic amines (HCAs), which are linked to increased cancer risk during high-heat cooking. Even if you don’t eat meat, it’s delicious on a piece of sourdough with your choice of oil or butter. Beyond its wonderful benefits, Rosemary promotes healthier cooking practices. For a deeper exploration of the health benefits of Rosemary and other herbs, check out the Nature’s Gift section of the book!
Why do you believe a book like this is needed & important for environmental justice work?
A book like ‘Nature’s Cookbook’ is crucial because it provides accessible resources for people to reconnect with nature and understand the benefits of sustainable practices. It demonstrates how simple and rewarding it can be to grow your own food and forage for natural ingredients and emphasizes the importance of treating the Earth with respect and care.
How do you define your connection to nature?
My connection to nature is rooted in my deep fascination with its diverse beauty. Exploring different landscapes and observing the interactions within ecosystems—whether admiring wildflowers, observing wildlife in their natural habitats, or discovering mushrooms—deepens my appreciation for the natural world. I’m fascinated by how flowers, plants, and mushrooms sustain humans, animals, and insects. This awareness inspires me to nurture a mindful and sustainable connection with nature, aiming to appreciate all living things in the environment.
What is your favorite page or chapter in the book?
This is another hard question because the entire book is filled with beautiful illustrations and valuable content! Lynda did an incredible job bringing the entire book to life, making picking just one favorite page or chapter challenging. However, if I had to choose, my top two favorite chapters would be ‘Gifting and Receiving’ and ‘Meet Nature’s Gifts.
Can you share a memorable moment from your time working on this book?
An unforgettable moment was co-hosting an event with CLUES and CEED on Earth Day 2023, where we introduced the book to community members and cooked two delicious recipes from the cookbook. We discussed the health benefits of some ingredients and took a short walk to a park nearby to identify some herbs highlighted in the cookbook’s foraging section. It was incredibly rewarding to receive positive feedback from attendees who found the book informative and inspiring. Hearing how our work resonated with people and made a difference in their lives affirmed the significance of our collective effort to bring this book to life!
What resource would you recommend to those interested in learning more about herbs and mushrooms and their healing properties (aside from Nature’s Cookbook, of course)?
My go-to resources are listed in the ‘References & Further Learning Information’ section! The books that started it all for me were ‘Healing Mushrooms’ and ‘Wild Remedies’. These are excellent introductory books for anyone interested in mushrooms and herbs.\
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