Recently, studies of folklore have been an interesting topic for many scholars. Examples of folklore include songs, art, stories, myths and medicine. Folklore Medicine is a tradition that shares ideas and common beliefs in a specific geographic area that is common in part of the United States of America. Folklore medicine includes most of the Eastern region of the United States, and consist of rooted experiences and skills shared by preview generations. Additionally, the role of folk medicine in Alternative and modern health care system has increased in the past decades. Having a better understanding of folk medicine, helps us understand the society and culture of the Appalachia region and the …show more content…
A large group of Native Americans occupied the South mountains for many decades and consisted of two major groups of people, the Iroquois and the Southern Cherokees; “Cherokees were farmers and hunters who lived in small independent villages” (“Appalachia”, Encyclopedia). This group of Indians in Appalachia were open communities, focused on being self-sufficient, socially and economically. Stories, myths, songs and medicine are the base of their culture.
Folk medicine is deeply rooted in the experiences of Native American culture. According to the dictionary, Folk medicine is “the traditional art of medicine as practiced among rustic communities and primitive people” (Collins Dictionary, “folk Medicine”). They were remedies before modern era medicine came along. Native Americans in the 19th century, would use their knowledge and skills as remedies to cure themselves and family members. Passing down theories on practices to young Appalachian through generations. In intent to maintain a good standard of health, as well as to prevent or improve physical illness. It is believed in …show more content…
But not everyone in Appalachia communities agreed with these traditions and cultural heritage left by their elders. These practices are at risk because knowledge practices among groups has been lost through generations. In the 17th century, an example the use of roses and honey was a remedy to cure what is known as “the prevalent disease” also known as a sore throat. In attempted to cure, testing dramatic and drastic remedies such as this one, give hope; “For an Ulcerated Sore Throat Put sixty drops of the Spirit of Marine Salt with a tablespoonful of honey of Roses into a quart of water, except the Ulcers in the Throat are very foul with white crust on them, in that particular case eighty Drops may be put into the quart of water.” (Kay Moss, 65). These courses of treatment covered a wide-range of sore throat diseases. Much cures and