Lydia Cabrera was born in Havana, Cuba, on May 20, 1900 and dies in exile in Miami, Florida on September 19, 1991. A writer and anthropologist, she is one of the central figures of Cuban culture. Her twenty-three books, primarily focusing on Afro-Cuban culture and religion, are considered classics because of her excellent investigations and the magical beauty of her prose.

Medicine in Cuba based on customs and traditions of yesteryear. Nineteenth century Cuban medicine reflecting the customs and traditions of the times, afrocuban healers, herbal remedies, as well as medical advice from elders. Includes an index of the Cuban herbs with special emphasis on indigenous and imported plants used for medicinal purposes.