In the country I was born, Colombia, we used to have a popular figure: the yerbatero. The name comes from hierbas (popularly pronounced 'yerbas'), and designates that expert in treating any kind of condition, from the flu to heartbreak, with herb infusions. The yerbateros accumulate knowledge from others, especially the ancestors, and spread it widely - they are a repository of knowledge. In my profession as a social scientist, I often hear people lament the different writing afflictions they have, from the infamous and classic writer's block to the more contemporary writer's burnout. When I hear these concerns, I am often reminded of something I read here or there about how to treat the affliction. In this blog series, I share the discoveries and inventions of others. But the yerbatero not only attends when pain is already present; the herbs magician also prevents afflictions by improving health before it deteriorates. So, most blog entries will be about inspiration for writing.
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