Folk medicine
Indigenous medicine, also known as folk medicine, is comprised of medical knowledge systems that developed before the era of modern science-based medicine. Folk medicine is typically passed down informally from one generation to another, and is known from virtually all societies across the globe. There exist numerous examples of modern variants of “folk medicine”, i.e. medical believes with no evidence in science.
Folk medicine is usally based around herbs living in the area and different cultures living in different areas with different plants therefore often have different remedies. In South-East Asia where the Indian almond tree is widespread it was for instance common to use Tropical almond leaves to threat dysentery, stomach parasites and similar ailments pertaining to the digestive system. The Vilcacora vine was used in a similar way in South American where it can be found throughout South and Central America.
Modern medicine has not as some of us might want to believe out competed indigenous medicine. 80% of the people in some countries in Africa and Asia still rely on folk medicine according to a stude by WHO.
Many herbs have been investigated by science for their potential healing effect and Foxglove is just one of several examples of an herb being adopted into modern medicine. The use of Purple Foxglove, Digitalis purpurea, to treat heart conditions was first described in medical literature in England 1785. This is a highly toxic plant that can be lethal if used improperly something which is true for a long row of herbs commonly used in indigenous medicine. Many people erroneously assume that “natural” equals “safe” but that is certainly not the case. It is also importnat to know that a herb that is safe for you might be deadly to your dog or other pets. The koala does for instance feed on eucalyptus; a plant that is toxic to most mammals.
The history of indigenous medicine goes back to prehistoric times and medical herbs were found among the personal effects of tzi the Ice man; a well-preserved natural mummy of a man that died about 3300 BC and was found in the Schnalstal glacier on the border between Austria and Italy in 1991. Scientists found whipworm (Trichuris trichiura) in his intestines and he is belived to have used herbs try to cure this problem.
Plants such as caraway, thyme and laurel was used for medicinal purposes by the Sumerians more than 5000 years ago and the ancient Egyptians of 1000 BC. are known to have utilized opium, garlic and castor oil. Ayurveda believers in India is believed to have started using turmeric as early as 1900 BC. Turmeric (Curcuma longa) belongs to the ginger family and contains the polyphenol curcumin and up to 5% essential oils. This very common spice used in curry is often used as an antiseptic in India, e.g. to prevent infection in small wounds.
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