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It was also used as a liniment, a poultice, and a tea bath to treating rheumatism, fatigued limbs, sores, and fevers. [48] [53] The Chumash also used this as a liniment for the feet and chest. [53] Eriodictyon californicum (Yerba Santa), Native Americans used it to treat asthma, upper respiratory infections, and allergic rhinitis. [54]
The word ethnomedicine is sometimes used as a synonym for traditional medicine. [1] Ethnomedical research is interdisciplinary; in its study of traditional medicines, it applies the methods of ethnobotany and medical anthropology. Often, the medicine traditions it studies are preserved only by oral tradition. [1]
A great deal of information about the traditional uses of plants is still intact with tribal peoples. [20] But the native healers are often reluctant to accurately share their knowledge to outsiders. Schultes actually apprenticed himself to an Amazonian shaman, which involves a long-term commitment and genuine relationship.
Medicinal plants are used in codified indigenous healthcare practices, such as Ayurveda, as well as local practices unique to tribes or tribal groupings. Of the ethnic or tribal groups in this region, 54 are reported to utilize plants for their primary medical needs, though only 40 have been surveyed for exact plant species used.
Indigenous healers often claim to have learned by observing that sick animals change their food preferences to nibble at bitter herbs they would normally reject. [90] Field biologists have provided corroborating evidence based on observation of diverse species, such as chickens, sheep, butterflies , and chimpanzees .
Although toxic, was used historically in Italy by women to enlarge their pupils, as well as a sedative, among other uses. The name itself means "beautiful woman" in Italian. [27]. Azadirachta indica: Neem: Used in India to treat worms, malaria, rheumatism and skin infections among many other things. Its many uses have led to neem being called ...
Native Americans used foxglove herb as a treatment for an illness they referred to as dropsy or edema, which is fluid buildup typically in the lower legs, and its common cause is heart failure. [36] In modern medicine, foxglove extract is still used under the name digitalis, and its purpose is to moderate the heart rate. [36]
Their knowledge of herbs has been invaluable in African communities and they among the few who could gather them in most societies. Midwives also make extensive use of indigenous plants to aid childbirth. African healers commonly "describe and explain illness in terms of social interaction and act on the belief that religion permeates every ...