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Jamaican Folk Medicine: A Source of Healing »

Book cover image of Jamaican Folk Medicine: A Source of Healing by Arvilla Payne-Jackson

Authors: Arvilla Payne-Jackson, Mervyn C. Alleyne
ISBN-13: 9789766401238, ISBN-10: 9766401233
Format: Paperback
Publisher: University of the West Indies Press
Date Published: August 2004
Edition: (Non-applicable)

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Author Biography: Arvilla Payne-Jackson

Book Synopsis

"This pioneering work is multi-disciplinary in approach as it examines the rich folk medicine of Jamaica. Payne-Jackson and Alleyne analyse the historical and linguistic aspects of folk medicine, based on their research, which included extensive fieldwork and interviews. They explore the sociological and ethnological dimensions of common healing and health-preserving practices which rely on Jamaica's rich biodiversity in medicinal and nutritional flora." "As is the case with other aspects of Jamaican traditional culture, Jamaican folk medicine is largely misunderstood and subject to negative pejorative attitudes. This comprehensive study challenges some of the myths and misinformation. Particular attention is paid to cultural transference from Africa and the use of herbs in African-Jamaican religions." The work has an appendix and a glossary as well as a detailed bibliography.

Table of Contents

1The social historical context : slavery and its aftermath14
2The ethnic dimension33
3African and African-Jamaican religions57
4Aetiology and illness79
5Folk medical practitioners104
6Treatments and health care123
7The nature of healing herbs143
8Conclusion181
AppDrugstore medicines, Kingston, Jamaica190

Subjects