Jamaican Folk Medicine

This pioneering work is multi-disciplinary in approach as it examines the rich folk medicine of Jamaican. The authors analyse the historical and linguistic aspects of folk medicine, based on their research, extensive fieldwork and interviews. They explore the sociological and ethnological dimensions of common healing practices and Jamaica's biodiversity, in both flora and in fauna. As is the case with other aspects of Jamaican traditional culture, Jamaican folk medicine is largely misunderstood and subject to negative pejorative attitudes. This comprehensive study challenges some of the myths and misinformation. Particular attention is paid to cultural transference from Africa and the use of herbals in African-Jamaican religions. The comprehensive book is of academic value to teachers, students and researchers, and can also aid practitioners and policy makers in the field of health and healing. The work has an appendix and glossary as well as a detailed bibliography.