Significance of Folk medicine
Folk medicine refers to traditional healing practices that utilize natural substances, particularly plants, within specific cultural contexts. These practices are often passed down through generations and involve local herbs and remedies used by communities. Examples include the use of Nigella sativa, Aegle marmelos, and Ocimum gratissimum L for various health benefits. Folk medicine represents a vital system of knowledge that showcases the cultural heritage and healing traditions of local populations, laying the groundwork for modern pharmacological practices.
Synonyms: Traditional medicine, Herbal medicine, Alternative medicine, Ethnomedicine, Home remedies, Natural remedies, Indigenous medicine, Popular medicine, Natural medicine, Naturopathy
The below excerpts are indicatory and do represent direct quotations or translations. It is your responsibility to fact check each reference.
The concept of Folk medicine in local and regional sources
Folk medicine, exemplified by a Nasik-based Swamiji in the 1980s, intertwines traditional healing practices with soothsaying and astrology, serving both spiritual and financial purposes, especially to support his pilgrimages as an ascetic.
From: History of Science in South Asia
(1) Folk medicine was made a living by a Nasik-based Swamiji in the 1980s, along with soothsaying, and astrology to fund his pilgrimages as an uninitiated ascetic.[1]
The concept of Folk medicine in scientific sources
Folk medicine encompasses traditional remedies and healing practices inherited through generations within communities, emphasizing local knowledge and cultural significance in health care, reflecting the unique beliefs and practices of those societies.
From: The Malaysian Journal of Medical Sciences
(1) Folk medicine refers to the traditional use of natural substances like propolis, royal jelly, and honey for various health benefits, such as supporting healthy life or treating burns.[2] (2) This type of medicine involves a holistic approach, addressing spiritual and psychological needs in addition to physical treatments, and is practiced in Malaysia.[3] (3) This describes the traditional healing practices and remedies used by people in a particular community or culture.[4] (4) Traditional remedies and practices that involve the use of plants and natural substances to treat medical conditions.[5]