chííh díkʼǫ́ǫ́zhí

Navajo

Etymology

chííh (“red ochre”) + díkʼǫ́ǫ́zh (“it is sour”) + -í (nominalizer)

Noun

sour red ochre

Usage notes

Red ochre mixed with salt, or sometime with chiiłchin (ground sumac berry). A medicine to cure or provide protection from the effects of contact with menstrual blood. The medicine also has other uses, such as to restore a singer’s failing voice.