Celebrate Indigenous Peoples Day 2024 with these L.A. happenings

Instead of turning to a typical medicine cabinet, Chelly Xicali, owner of wellness brand Xicali products, encourages people to embrace the natural remedies of Indigenous communities. Once a month, the small business owner hosts an Indigenous medicine workshop where participants make their own custom products while learning about the ingredients’ origins. Over the two-hour session, Xicali tells the history of each plant and its previous usage before facilitating the group in making their personalized products.

Each attendee will leave the session with three of their wellness remedies. The first product they make is a facial toner that uses tepezcohuite, a native Mexican plant used for treating acne scars, stretch marks and sun damage. Next participants will create an oil tincture using the maca root — a plant native to the Andes Mountains. Lastly, attendees will concoct a topical rubbing alcohol infused with the ingredient of their choice. Xicali says the most common pick for this item is a nopal-infused mixture that helps with pain management and inflammation.

“Learning about natural remedies reconnects people to their ancestors, especially through these plants,” Xicali said. “It’s so empowering because people get to take their health into their own hands.”

The next workshop is scheduled for Oct. 21.