In this episode of Remedy and Rhyme, we explore the radical abundance of Mesquite — a desert tree whose generosity stretches from myth to medicine. We reflect on what it means to live in relationship with abundance — the kind that’s rooted, reciprocal, and attuned to the rhythms of the earth. The kind of abundance that gives and gives and gives.
We’ll hear a traditional story of Siwani and Coyote, which uncovers how mesquite came to scatter its sweet pods across the land. From its fiber-rich nourishment and blood sugar support to its deep cultural roots among Indigenous communities, mesquite reminds us that abundance isn’t always flashy — sometimes it’s slow, steady, and quietly sustaining.
This episode blends story, plant wisdom, poetry, and journal prompts to support your own journey toward radical abundance.
References & Further Reading
Books
- Bovey, Rodney W. Mesquite. Texas A&M University Press, 2016.
- Desert Harvesters. Eat Mesquite and More: A Cookbook for Sonoran Desert Living. Savor the Southwest, 2018. savorthesouthwest.blog
- Ferguson, T.J. History Is in the Land: Multivocal Tribal Traditions in Arizona’s San Pedro Valley. University of Arizona Press, 2006. archive.org
- Moore, Michael. Medicinal Plants of the Desert and Canyon West: A Guide to Identifying, Preparing, and Using Traditional Medicinal Plants Found in the Deserts and Canyons of the West and Southwest. Museum of New Mexico Press, 1989.
- Nabhan, Gary Paul. Gathering the Desert. University of Arizona Press, 1985.
- Nabhan, Gary Paul. Mesquite: An Arboreal Love Affair. Chelsea Green Publishing, 2018.
- Phillips, Steven J., and Patricia Wentworth Comus, editors. A Natural History of the Sonoran Desert. Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum, University of California Press, 2000.
- Rogers, Ken E. The Magnificent Mesquite. University of Texas Press, 2000.
- Slattery, John. Southwest Medicinal Plants: Identify, Harvest, and Use 112 Wild Herbs for Health and Wellness. Timber Press, 2020.
- University of Arizona Southwest Center. Mesquite: A Training Manual for Growers, Harvesters, & Artisans. University of Arizona Southwest Center, 2023. swc.arizona.edu
Articles, Reports, and Online Resources
- Arizona Historical Society. Ethnohistory of San Pedro Valley Collection. Ethnohistory PDF
- Archaeology Southwest. “A Brief Cultural History of Mesquite.” archaeologysouthwest.org
- Archaeology Southwest. One Valley, Many Histories: Tohono O’odham, Hopi, Zuni, and Western Apache History in the San Pedro Valley. Archaeology Southwest Magazine, Vol. 18, No. 1. archaeologysouthwest.org
- Salt River Pima-Maricopa Indian Community. “Mesquite Usage by the O’odham and Piipaash.” O’odham Action News. oan.srpmic-nsn.gov
- San Pedro River Valley StoryMap. San Pedro River Valley: An Ecological and Cultural Corridor. storymaps.arcgis.com
- Savor the Southwest. “Marvelous – and Medicinal – Mesquite.” savorthesouthwest.blog
- Wikipedia. “San Pedro River (Arizona).” en.wikipedia.org
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📩 Want to share a poem? I’d love to include voices from the community! If you have a nature-inspired or herbal poem you’d like to share in a future episode, send it my way at: kim@joyfulroots.com
🌀 Disclaimer: This podcast is for educational and inspirational purposes only. I am not a medical doctor or licensed health professional, and nothing shared here is intended to diagnose, treat, or cure any disease. The information provided has not been evaluated by the FDA. Always check with a qualified healthcare provider about any potential herb-drug interactions or health concerns. If you experience an allergic reaction to any herb, discontinue use and consult a professional. You are the steward of your own body—listen with curiosity, and honor your intuition.
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