An interesting study on this very topic in Peru revealed some interesting findings.[1] In the Peruvian city of Chachapoyas, those in the lowest economic class were more knowledgeable of medicinal herbs than middle and upper class residents, though the upper class and educated still had some understanding of medicinal herbs and used them in ways similar to those in the lowest class. [2] The lowest class was obligated to be more familiar with medicinal herbs and how to use them simply because they lacked the financial means to pay a doctor. [3]
Several observations and conclusions from this study merit consideration.
The 450 participants in this study resorted to using just 30 medicinal plants to address two-thirds of their medical conditions. Basically, common herbs are used to manage common conditions. And except for those living in the city center, these common herbs were already growing around those living in the periphery of the city or in the areas between the periphery and downtown. Not surprisingly, those living downtown earned more money and were far more likely to purchase prepared herbs.
And while several of the herbs they used are unique to Peru, the Andes, or South America, just as many grow in the US or have analogs that we grow here.
The herbs we have in common with the Chachapoyas residents:
- Aloe vera
- Apple
- Corn
- German chamomile
- Oregano
- Parsley
- Passionflower
- Pepper
- Plantain
- Spearmint
- Squash
- Minthostachys mollis (Andean mint)
- German chamomile
- Lemon
- Oregano
- Plantain
57% of the most important medicinal herbs were cultivated, the rest being native (about 1/3) or naturalized. The cultivated herbs are the ones purposefully grown at home or commercially. They’re the ones we can grow all around us. We don’t have to venture out into the wild.
The most important medical indications represented 58% of the total number of uses. The most common throughout the city:
- Stomach cramps
- Kidney disorders & diuretic
- Diarrhea
- Flu
- Intestinal parasites
- Tacsho (I think it doesn’t pertain to most of the US—defined as “when a person who is going to die manifests itself in another person making him ill”—I think there should be a comma in there somewhere, but it’s an exact quote)
- Insomnia
- Birth
Medical indications that occurred only in a single area:
- City center
- Prostate disorders
- Menstruation disorders
- Breastfeeding
- Intermediate area
- Wound healing
- Fever
- Periphery
- Burns
Common complaints are common across populations. Medicinal plants are widely used and culturally important precisely because they are available and accessible.
The most common way of acquiring medicinal herbs was to buy them in stores and at specialty markets, particularly in the city. In the intermediate area and periphery, just over half of herbs were purchased in markets. About ¼ were wildcrafted, and 20% were grown at home. The takeaway here? People want the convenience of store-bought, especially in urban areas. Most people prefer to buy their medicine rather than grow it themselves, and that is what the wealthy will do. More “exotic” remedies that cannot grow locally due to the climate, will only be afforded by the well-to-do. Those in a lower socioeconomic class are relegated to growing or foraging for their medicine.
Preparing to serve as the apothecarist in your community may be a source of income for you. Conversely, growing your own means you won’t have to pay dearly for herbal treatments.
Links to related posts:
Historically herbal "healers", medics, apothecarist and so on were viewed with a mixture of help me and suspicion.
ReplyDeleteIf you made folks better, you were a blessing. If not, not so much. Rumors of quack or worse poisoner was an issue.
Monks had the aura of religion, so they were protected from this problem aside from paranoid Rulers who were always concerned about poisoning it seems.
I'd personally only offer my services from my herbal garden to trusted friends and family.
Now would I share a cup of herbal tea with someone I knew could use it's mild healing benefits, yes. Even human kindness has healing benefits.
Michael