What is a Folk Remedy

Folk remedies, also known as traditional, indigenous or folk medicine, are the healing techniques prescribed by the traditions that have grown up within a particular region or culture. Depending on the place and culture, folk remedies may include herbal treatments, a prescription to eat or abstain from certain foods, relying on certain animals or their products, prayers, ceremonies, acupuncture or visiting a shaman, healer, midwife or other indigenous healer. In most instances, folk remedies and indigenous medical practices are passed down through oral tradition.

Herbs

Herbs have been used in folk remedies across culture, centuries and continents. Today, the use of herbal treatments is being incorporated into conventional practices. More than 5,000 years ago, the Sumerians were the first people to record the used of herbs for medicinal purposes. Chinese culture has developed an elaborate indigenous treatment system using herbs. The Bible also records the use of herbal remedies. A common herbal folk remedy still in use is the application of aloe vera to a burn wound.

Foods

From providing an aphrodisiac to curing depression, the folk remedy often includes instructions to eat or abstain from certain foods. A folk remedy using food in common practice today is the drinking of cranberry juice to prevent or treat a urinary tract infection. The use of food for medicinal purposes has a history that goes back at least 4,000 years. Various systems of indigenous medicine have prescribed various diets, depending upon the desired outcome.

Animals

In many instances, folk remedies depend upon magic. Often this magic comes from the natural world in indigenous healing systems and the link between healing and nature comes in the form of animals. For instance, birds' nests are often used to treat headaches. The use of animals in the continued use of traditional medicine has lead to the endangerment and extinction of specific species as demand for these animals increases.

Prayers

Prayers are often incorporated into folk remedies and have been in nearly all cultures and times. From Native American, African and Appalachian societies, calling upon a deity for healing is often part of the prescribed healing in traditional healing. The person seeking healing may offer the prayer, or a special shaman, clergyman or other religious authority may offer the prayer. Or, in many instances, the entire community may offer prayers for the ill individual.

Ceremonies

Various ceremonies may be prescribed as part of folk medicine. A common Appalachian folk remedy to treat warts involves stealing a dishrag from a neighbor and then burying the rag at a crossroads during a full moon. Other cultures prescribe dances or fasting ceremonies as part of traditional healing.

References

• Folk Remedies: Natural Health
• Animals Used in Traditional Medicine
• Folklore and Healing