TRADITIONAL HEALERS

Traditional Healers of Ilika Tribes in Garmsar, Iran

Table of contents

CHAPTER: 4 DISCUSSION3

Theoritical Framework3

History Of Herbal Medicine6

Introduction to the Area11

Traditional healing11

Indigenous Treatments13

The Region of Ilika Tribes in Garmsar, Iran21

Climate22

History and Culture23

History of ancient Medicine in Iran25

Traditional Healers Of Ilika Tribes In Garmsar, Iran48

Iranian Health Traditions52

Methods54

Relations55

Relationship between Healing Practices and Spirituality55

CHAPTER 5: CONCLUSION59

Relationship between Healing Practices and Self63

Herbalism, Traditional Healers Of Ilika Tribes and Modern Medicine63

Modern Medicines From Ancient Remedies64

Tinctures65

Teas65

Tablets66

Powders66

Safety Issues And Regulations66

Which Herbs For What Ailments?67

Contraindications67

Use of Animals for Healing by Ilika Tribes68

Available animal substances69

Rare animal substances69

Exotic animal substances69

Use Of Leeches73

Description74

Summary75

REFERENCES77

BIBLIOGRAPHY81

APPENDIX83

Traditional Healers of Ilika Tribes in Garmsar, Iran

Chapter: 4 Discussion

Theoritical Framework

Herbs are derived from flowers, shrubs, trees, algae, ferns, fungi, seaweed, and grasses. They are used not only to treat diseases but also to improve the quality of life. All parts of plants are used. Some are most potent fresh, and others can be dried or preserved in alcohol (tinctures), steeped as teas (infusions), simmered (decoctions), extracted by vinegar (acetracts), syrups, vegetable glycerin, or honey. Freeze-dried herbal powders are made into tablets, capsules, pastes or concentrates (four to six times the regular strength). Herbs may also be given as suppositories, creams, liniments, oils (aromatherapy), or baths. (Behrouz 2003)

A belief held by many is that herbs are not drugs and are therefore safe. However the word “drug” is derived from an ancient word for “root” and thus, by definition, herbs are drugs. And, as many cases prove, herbal use is not always safe and can even result in a fatal outcome. The touted association between “herbs,” “natural,” “Mother Nature,” and the implication of “safe” can be further compared. In nature, water is essential to survival, mud is important for planting, and clay making. However, torrential rains and mudslides cause massive destruction and loss of life. Clearly this is an example of an adverse natural interaction that is fatal. (Jonathan 2003)

Some of the recent resurgence in the interest in the United States in herbal medicine may be for several reasons:

1. Use of Western medicines may not always have good results.

2. An increase in travel and exposure to other cultures has revived and expanded many traditions. A certain exotic air is added to such therapies as ginseng, ma huang, etc.

3. High costs of medical care may force the public to seek what are perceived to be less expensive therapies.

4. Advice to eat less fat meat has resulted in great consumption of leafy vegetables and leafy herbs (there is no clear demarcation between the two: eg, chicory, parsley, comfrey).

5. Herbs make vegetarian meals more palatable.

6. The American Heart Association has recommended decreasing salt intake. An herbal substitute might be basil, black pepper, garlic powder, mace, marjoram, onion powder, parsley, sage, savory, thyme (of each, 1 part) and added to cayenne pepper (1/2 part).

7. Recommendation to increase fiber intake. Herbs are generally high in fiber.

8. Use of vitamin A and C as antioxidants, both of which are common in many herbs.

9. Ready availability of many preparations over the ...