What is Iztete?
Iztete is a pre-Hispanic medicinal candy made from agave stem ash and honey, boasting expectorant, antiacid, and detoxifying properties. This lesser-known treat, originating from pre-Hispanic herbal practices, has a rich history and is primarily made from agave stem ash or vegetable ash, honey, lemon, and aromatic herbs like peppermint.
More Than a Candy, a Natural Remedy
While Iztete delights the palate with its mineral and herbal flavor, its components transform it into a genuine therapeutic aid. For generations, it has been used in rural and urban communities as:
- Natural expectorant: it soothes coughs and clears respiratory passages due to the alkalinity of the ash and the calming effects of honey and lemon.
- Antiacid: its vegetable ash base helps neutralize stomach acidity, acting as a home remedy for gastritis and indigestion.
- Oral anti-inflammatory: frequent consumption can alleviate sore throats or irritated gums.
- Detoxifier: its alkaline composition makes it a gentle digestive detox component, recommended by some herbalists.
Source of minerals: the use of vegetable ash provides traces of calcium, potassium, and magnesium.
Preparation and Traditional Knowledge
The Iztete production process is artisanal and not widely documented in modern industry. It involves burning specific parts of the agave (mainly leaves) until they turn into fine ash. This is mixed with honey, lemon juice, and sometimes herbs like eucalyptus, mint, or cinnamon. The mixture is slow-cooked until it forms a thick paste, which cools and is then cut into cubes or molded into pills.
Many herbalist families in Oaxaca, Puebla, Morelos, and Mexico City still produce Iztete for personal consumption or sale at traditional markets, though its presence in conventional stores has dwindled.
Why is it Worth Reviving Today?
In a context where natural options are sought and over-the-counter medication consumption is reduced, Iztete stands as a simple yet powerful alternative. It doesn’t compete with clinical medications but strengthens ancestral wisdom and low-cost, high-efficacy remedies.
Today, small producers, herbalists, and even organic product stores are beginning to revive Iztete as part of a blend of tradition and health offerings.
Key Questions and Answers
- What is Iztete? Iztete is a pre-Hispanic medicinal candy made from agave stem ash and honey, offering expectorant, antiacid, and detoxifying properties.
- What are the health benefits of Iztete? It soothes coughs, neutralizes stomach acidity, alleviates oral inflammation, and aids in gentle digestive detox due to its alkaline composition.
- How is Iztete made? The artisanal process involves burning agave leaves to create ash, mixing it with honey, lemon juice, and herbs, then slow-cooking the mixture until it forms a thick paste.
- Where can I find Iztete? It is traditionally produced by herbalist families in Oaxaca, Puebla, Morelos, and Mexico City. Some small producers and organic product stores are now reviving it.
