Discuss the origins of candomblé and how a pai-de-santo or curendiero might diagnose and treat an illness in Brazil


Candomblé is an Afro-Brazilian faith founded by blacks in the Bahia region and is now practiced nationwide by followers of all ethnicities. Followers of candomblé believe that health is maintained by achieving balance between the earthly and spiritual spheres. The pai-de-santo or babalorixá (high priest) or the mäe-de-santo or ialorixá (high priestess) may be hired to read the oracle of a personal orixá, for example, so that an individual can improve his or her relationship with the deity. Harmonious relations with one's orixá can maximize axé (vital force). Spiritual equilibrium is maintained by observing the preferences and prohibitions of one's orixá, including certain foods and beverages, colors, therapeutic herbs, beaded necklaces, and other limitations. The priest or priestess also serves as the local curendiero, diagnosing physical and spiritual problems, prescribing healing herbal baths or botanicals, and manipulating occult forces.

Nutritional Science

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