How to Use Appalachian Folk Medicine

Appalachian folk remedies, including botanicals like echinacea and butterfly weed, have remained locally popular for hundreds of years. One of the lesser known ones, jewelweed, is faithfully applied for the elimination of poison ivy irritation. Follow these steps to learn more about Appalachian folk medicine.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderate

Things You’ll Need:

• Internet access
• Library card
• Geographical curiosity

Treat Symptoms With Folk Remedies Developed in Appalachian

1. Move into spring with clear sinuses. There's a long-held belief that by consuming locally-produced honey you can affordably cure your allergy symptoms. Local honey that includes the pollen you're bothered by is said to be better for you than honey purchased from abroad (or even out of state). Honey from different places will not have the same pollen makeup as the honey harvested near you.
2. Combine the local honey with herbs like nettle and chickweed to go further than treating only your symptoms. Over time, the consumption of these combined ingredients (usually mixed together in tea) is reported to nullify the actual allergy. For increased effect, add some powdered ginseng root for more energy and lung health.
3. Drink locally-available herbal tea to calm the nerves.

Embrace History

4. Treat wounds like the Civil War soldiers did. Lacking the hospital technology of the modern age, wounded veterans of the U.S. Civil War often had to use herbs and other botanicals to survive. Appalachian folk medicine techniques, including salves and tonics, helped to save many lives and cure many wounds.
5. Locate the source. Running inboard of the eastern coast of the United States, the Appalachian Mountains remain a land shrouded with low clouds and mystique. Part of that mystique includes folk medicine remedies that have become part of legendary tales that continue to be shared after 150 years.

Practice Alternatives

6. Use prayer in Appalachian folk medicine traditions. Appalachian folk medicine incorporates Native American ritual.
7. Drink moonshine to calm the nerves. This is considered a perfectly normal piece of advice in Appalachian folk medicine. Homemade alcohol use epitomizes the traditional remedy. Since the dangers of alcohol are well known, practicality should be key.
8. Seek more knowledge online at Web sites like "The Southern Herbalist" (see Resources below).

Tips & Warnings

• Consult more than 1 source of information when seeking folk medicine suggestions. Be particularly circumspect when taking advice from an herbalist or practitioner vying for your money.
• Try to contain enthusiasm for a particular "cure" until you've found it to be personally effective.
• Beware the potential for unknown allergic reactions when ingesting unfamiliar herbal substances. Visit a doctor or even an ER right away if you have a severe allergic reaction like intense swelling or if you suddenly have difficulty breathing.
• Before you start any alternative medical technique, be aware that many have not been scientifically evaluated. If you decide to try folk medicine, consult your primary health care provider. Keep your doctor informed about the folk medical technique you undertake.
• Consult MayoClinic.com to learn how educate yourself about alternative medicine claims (see Resources below). Learn how to assess those claims before you make your treatment decision.