In the context of the celebrations for the arrival of the New Year, the National Institute of Health (INS)an organization attached to Ministry of Health (Minsa)issued an alert to the population about the risks that some traditional rituals associated with energy cleansing and good luck, such as the well-known flowering baths, can generate.
These practices, widespread at this time of year, are usually carried out without adequate sanitary measures and can endanger the health of those who practice them.
Use of concoctions and unknown substances represents a risk
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The biologist Jorge Luis Cabrera Melendezan INS specialist, explained that many of these rituals include the consumption of concoctions and the direct application of plants, flowers, potions and even animals to the body, without any type of health control.
He warned that rubbing people with substances of unknown origin, ingesting drinks prepared with spirits, chemicals or macerated herbs of dubious origin, can cause poisoning, allergic reactions, infections and even more severe damage to health.
Tradition and interculturality, but with a preventive approach
The specialist pointed out that the Health sector recognizes and respects ancestral knowledge and the cultural diversity linked to these traditional practices. However, he stressed that there is also a responsibility to provide preventive information that protects people’s integrity and promotes safe lifestyles.
In this context, he especially warned about bottled liquids known as “water from seven churches”, “water from cananga” or “water from the seven spirits”, which do not have a health record and can cause poisoning, especially when ingested.
Risks due to ingestion and contact with ritual water
The INS recommended not drinking the water used in flowering baths, since its composition can cause stomach problems, gastrointestinal infections or diarrhea.
Likewise, he warned that direct contact with these substances could cause skin irritations or other adverse reactions, depending on the components used in each ritual.
Key recommendations to avoid health damage
Among the main recommendations, the INS indicated that, if the use of medicinal plants or flowers is chosen, they must be clean, free of fungi, without bad odor and without the presence of insects. In the case of fresh flowers, they must be in good condition and never wilted.
The Minsa also advised purchasing any product only in trusted establishments, verifying that the packaging is in good condition and always checking the expiration date.
Children and water temperature: special care
Specialists emphasized that young children should stay away from these types of practices, since contact with unknown substances can cause allergies, skin rashes or other complications.
Finally, it was urged to be especially careful with the temperature of the water when the rituals include baths in a tub, in order to avoid burns or other domestic accidents.
The Minsa recalled that welcoming the New Year by taking care of your health is the best way to start a new cycle, avoiding unnecessary risks for people and their families.
