Folk Medicine in Arkansas

Superstions and Symbolism

Medicinal Techniques of Healers

• Folk medicine was based on observable evidence and trial and error.
• Healers used a combination of household items and herbs that were found in the areas near their homes.
• Ozark residents had a large depth of knowledge about these ingredients and their preparation.
• Generally prepared teas, salves, and ointments.
• Usually only alleviated the symptoms of a person's ailment

• Many techniques of healers were rooted in superstition.
• The patient's faith in the treatment alone helped aid recovery.
• Believed in items that had no real medicinal power could aid in the patient's health.
• Ex: Wrapping newborn in father's shirt
• Believed certain people carried special powers that could help heal a specific ailment.
• Also used charms and chants.
• Rooted in Christian and pagan beliefs

History of Folk Medicine

Medicinal Effects of Plants and Herbs

Bibliography

Catnip

• Folk medicine was the primary form of medical care in Ozark and Ouachita areas until the 20th century.
• This began to change during the Great Depression and WWII
• Most of these healers were female.
• Knowledge was passed down from mother to daughter
• Were well respected in their communities.
• By the 1900's, trained physicians dismissed the methods of these healers as superstition.
• Often regarded as unsafe and unsanitary.

Elderberry

• http://cast.uark.edu/ar_tourism/content/miracles_mountains.pdf
• http://www.ozarkfolkcenter.com/!userfiles/BritishIrishScotsIrish.pdf
• http://thelibrary.org/lochist/periodicals/wrv/v4/n4/s71i.htm
• http://beckerexhibits.wustl.edu/mowihsp/articles/Ozarks.htm

• Many of the plants and herbs used by folk healers have real medicinal effects.
• Some common plants used are:
• Catnip: Mild Sedative, Cough Suppressant
• Elderberry: Painkiller, Laxative, Wart Removal
• Ginseng: Reduces Fatigue
• Goldenrod: Skin Infection, Kidney Pain, Backache
• Blackberry: Digestive Pain, Nighttime Cough
• Most medicinal plants are "weedy" species.
• Contain higher levels of bioactive substances to combat animal consumption.

Ginseng Root

Goldenrod

Blackberry

Scotch-Irish Heritage

Arkansas Folk Medicine Today

• Most of the residents of the Ozarks and Ouachitas were of Scotch-Irish descent.
• Retained their European customs in the Ozarks.
• Including their form of medicine
• 48% of plants in the Ozarks are used throughout Great Britain

• Folk Medicine has been a source of tourism to remote Ozark and Ouachita areas.
• Ex: Mountain View
• More prevalent in areas dependent on tourism.
• Attracts patients with chronic illnesses.
• Folk healers still rely heavily upon herbs and their medicinal effects for treatment.
• Crystal Therapy has also gained popularity.
• Embrace techniques from a broader variety of cultures and religions.

Folk Medicine in Arkansas