Tag Archives: Spanish

najual

m. in Mayan thought, an animal spirit that sometimes causes illness

mal de mayo

m. lit. May sickness; diarrhea; the early spring rains may cause water sources to be contaminated, potentially leading to diarrhea.

luna

f. moon; thought to affect the activity of parasites and position of babies before birth

jalar aire

v. to breathe deeply; patients may understand, “Jale aire” better than “Respire profundo”.

inconoso

adj. refers to certain foods which are thought to cause wound infections, such as eggs, fish, avocados and beans. Patients need to be taught about diet to avoid malnutrition and poor wound healing.

hormigueo

m. paresthesia; prickling or tingling sensation

ganas de comer

f. appetite; patients may understand this better than “apetito”.

desipela

f. cellulitis, esp. of the leg which is treated by rubbing with a frog or tortilla dough with achote; possibly derived from “erisipela” (erysipelas).

aguado 

adj. relaxed, hypotonic; parents commonly want calcium supplements for children who  are “aguado”.