Ethnomedicine
Encyclopedia
Ethnomedicine is a sub-field of ethnobotany
or medical anthropology
that deals with the study of traditional medicine
s: not only those that have relevant written sources (e.g. Traditional Chinese Medicine
, Ayurveda
), but especially those, whose knowledge and practices have been orally transmitted over the centuries.
In the scientific arena, ethnomedical studies are generally characterized by a strong anthropological approach, or by a strong biomedical approach, particularly in drug discovery programs. The focus of anthropological studies is the perception and context of use of traditional medicines, while biomedical approaches often focus on discovering therapeutic molecules, such as the anti HIV/AIDS molecule prostratin
.
Ethnobotany
Ethnobotany is the scientific study of the relationships that exist between people and plants....
or medical anthropology
Medical anthropology
Medical anthropology is an interdisciplinary field which studies "human health and disease, health care systems, and biocultural adaptation". It views humans from multidimensional and ecological perspectives...
that deals with the study of traditional medicine
Traditional medicine
Traditional medicine comprises unscientific knowledge systems that developed over generations within various societies before the era of modern medicine...
s: not only those that have relevant written sources (e.g. Traditional Chinese Medicine
Traditional Chinese medicine
Traditional Chinese Medicine refers to a broad range of medicine practices sharing common theoretical concepts which have been developed in China and are based on a tradition of more than 2,000 years, including various forms of herbal medicine, acupuncture, massage , exercise , and dietary therapy...
, Ayurveda
Ayurveda
Ayurveda or ayurvedic medicine is a system of traditional medicine native to India and a form of alternative medicine. In Sanskrit, words , meaning "longevity", and , meaning "knowledge" or "science". The earliest literature on Indian medical practice appeared during the Vedic period in India,...
), but especially those, whose knowledge and practices have been orally transmitted over the centuries.
In the scientific arena, ethnomedical studies are generally characterized by a strong anthropological approach, or by a strong biomedical approach, particularly in drug discovery programs. The focus of anthropological studies is the perception and context of use of traditional medicines, while biomedical approaches often focus on discovering therapeutic molecules, such as the anti HIV/AIDS molecule prostratin
Prostratin
Prostratin is a protein kinase C activator found in the bark of the mamala tree of Samoa, Homalanthus nutans . While prostratin was originally isolated and identified as a new phorbol from species of the genus Pimelea in Australia, the antiviral activity of prostratin was discovered during...
.
Further reading
- WILLEM, Jean-PierreJean-Pierre WillemJean-Pierre Willem, born 24 May 1938 at Sedan , is a physician and founder of Médecins Aux Pieds Nus. He led numerous humanitarian missions to help victims of catastrophes and conflicts...
: L’Ethnomédecine, une alliance entre science et tradition. Jouvence & Biocontact, Paris 2006, ISBN 2-88353-472-1. - WILLEM, Jean-PierreJean-Pierre WillemJean-Pierre Willem, born 24 May 1938 at Sedan , is a physician and founder of Médecins Aux Pieds Nus. He led numerous humanitarian missions to help victims of catastrophes and conflicts...
: Mémoires d'un médecin aux pieds nus. édition Albin Michel, Paris 2009, ISBN 978-2-226-18987-5.
See also
- AyurvedaAyurvedaAyurveda or ayurvedic medicine is a system of traditional medicine native to India and a form of alternative medicine. In Sanskrit, words , meaning "longevity", and , meaning "knowledge" or "science". The earliest literature on Indian medical practice appeared during the Vedic period in India,...
- Chinese medicine
- EthnobiologyEthnobiology]Ethnobiology is the scientific study of dynamic relationships between peoples, biota, and environments, from the distant past to the immediate present....
- EthnobotanyEthnobotanyEthnobotany is the scientific study of the relationships that exist between people and plants....
- EthnopharmacyEthnopharmacyEthnopharmacy is the interdisciplinary science that investigates the perception and use of pharmaceuticals , within a given human society....
- HerbalismHerbalismHerbalism is a traditional medicinal or folk medicine practice based on the use of plants and plant extracts. Herbalism is also known as botanical medicine, medical herbalism, herbal medicine, herbology, herblore, and phytotherapy...
- Medicinal plants of the American WestMedicinal plants of the American WestMany plants that grow in the American West are purported to have therapeutic properties by practitioners of alternative medicine.-Use and availability:European and Asian plants are commonly used in herbalism and are generally available in retail shops....
- MedicineMedicineMedicine is the science and art of healing. It encompasses a variety of health care practices evolved to maintain and restore health by the prevention and treatment of illness....
- PharmacognosyPharmacognosyPharmacognosy is the study of medicines derived from natural sources. The American Society of Pharmacognosy defines pharmacognosy as "the study of the physical, chemical, biochemical and biological properties of drugs, drug substances or potential drugs or drug substances of natural origin as well...
- ShamanismShamanismShamanism is an anthropological term referencing a range of beliefs and practices regarding communication with the spiritual world. To quote Eliade: "A first definition of this complex phenomenon, and perhaps the least hazardous, will be: shamanism = technique of ecstasy." Shamanism encompasses the...