Folklore and Alternative Medicines

Many of our traditional Western medicines stem from centuries-old folklore remedies. For example, aspirin from witchhazel or the administration of bismuth for intestinal ulceration originating in soil deposits in central Africa. 

There are now many alternative medicines which benefit the patient, sometimes from the increased encouragement and psychological uplift given by the prac titioner and sometimes by the chemical contents of the material being administered. As scientists we must, as with supplements, bear in mind the total concentrations of the ingredients, the bio-availability, the efficiency of circulation, and whether overdosing is a threat. An interesting new development is the combination of therapies from both Western and traditional medicines. 

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