Mal aire

If you cross the gate of her garden, you smell the refreshing scent of Ruda, a plant that is traditionally placed at the entrance of houses to prevent “bad energy” or “mal aire” (literally “bad air”) from coming in from the street.

For the Andean world, disease involves organic aspects (body) and inorganic aspects (mental state). Rue combats illness mainly on a mental level and is used in healing ceremonies called “limpias” (“cleanses”). During the "limpia," aromatic herbs are rubbed on the body while prayers are said. Ritual plays a key role in healing.