Use of folk remedies in a Hispanic population

Article Abstract:

Hispanic populations may use folk remedies on their children in addition to conventional medical treatments. Researchers interviewed 47 mothers, two fathers, and two grandmothers whose children were cared for at a Texas primary care clinic. Most were from Mexico, and the rest were from Central and South America. Forty-one percent believed the child's illness had to do with environmental or behavioral factors with 12% believing the cause to be an abrupt change in temperatures. Respondants reported using herbal teas to varying degrees as well as regular pharmaceuticals for treating colic, colds, fever, asthma, abdominal pain, teething pain, ear infection, diarrhea, or vomiting. Respondants also reported treatments and preventative measures for four folk illnesses: mal ojo (evil eye), empacho (intestinal obstruction), mollera caida (sunken fontanelle), and susto (fright). Curanderos or folk healers might be consulted for these. Most folk remedies were harmless, but some might delay seeking medical care, and a few, such as wormwood tea, might be toxic.

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Ethnomedical (folk) remedies for childhood asthma in a mainland Puerto Rican community

Article Abstract:

Puerto Rican parents appear likely to use folk remedies in conjunction with standard medical care in treating asthma in their children. Researchers conducted interviews with 118 Puerto Rican families who had an asthmatic child attending a Connecticut health clinic. More than half of caregivers reported using prayer, camphor rub, a vaporizer, or massage as asthma therapies. Use of other folk remedies or spiritual practices were reported by 25% or less of respondents. No respondent reported using folk remedies exclusively. Many preventative or treatment strategies reflected folk medicine concepts of maintaining humoral balance between "hot" and "cold" and maintaining emotional equilibrium, for example, dressing the child warmly, avoiding overexercise, and keeping the child calm. Most treatments were harmless and many potentially have at least some benefits. If doctors are aware of and respectful of folk remedies, they can reinforce beneficial ones and modify or suggest alternatives to potentially harmful ones.

Asthma in children, Childhood asthma

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Home-Based Therapies for the Common Cold Among European American and Ethnic Minority Families

Article Abstract:

European American and ethnic minority parents are about equally likely to use basic home remedies in the treatment of a sick child. Researchers interviewed 281 mothers to determine if home-based care showed ethnic differences. In all groups, mothers used 2 or 3 remedies, such as over-the-counter analgesics, juice, humidification, menthol rub, and soup. Most of the home-care delivered was appropriate for childhood colds, and many would be recommended by pediatricians. Care given by mothers of children with colds may be soothing and helpful, and does not take the place of professional medical care, when necessary.

United States, Surveys, Sick children, Mothers, Cold (Disease) in children, Children's colds

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