About the book
In the first comprehensive exploration of the history and practice of folk medicine in the Appalachian region, Anthony Cavender melds folklore, medical anthropology, and Appalachian history and draws extensively on oral histories and archival sources from the nineteenth century to the present. He provides a complete tour of ailments and folk treatments organized by body systems, as well as information on medicinal plants, patent medicines, and magico-religious beliefs and practices. He investigates folk healers and their methods, profiling three living practitioners: an herbalist, a faith healer, and a Native American healer. The book also includes an appendix of botanicals and a glossary of folk medical terms.
Demonstrating the ongoing interplay between mainstream scientific medicine and folk medicine, Cavender challenges the conventional view of southern Appalachia as an exceptional region isolated from outside contact. His thorough and accessible study reveals how Appalachian folk medicine encompasses such diverse and important influences as European and Native American culture and America’s changing medical and health-care environment. In doing so, he offers a compelling representation of the cultural history of the region as seen through its health practices.
Editions of Folk Medicine in Southern Appalachia
- Hardcover
- ISBN 9780807828243
- Paperback
- ISBN 9780807854938
- EBook
- ISBN 9781469617398
- PDF
- ISBN 9798890877321
Read an Excerpt
In the first comprehensive exploration of the history and practice of folk medicine in the Appalachian region, Anthony Cavender melds folklore, medical anthropology, and Appalachian history and draws extensively on oral histories and archival sources from the nineteenth century to the present. He provides a complete tour of ailments and folk treatments organized by body systems, as well as information on medicinal plants, patent medicines, and magico-religious beliefs and practices. He investigates folk healers and their methods, profiling three living practitioners: an herbalist, a faith healer, and a Native American healer. The book also includes an appendix of botanicals and a glossary of folk medical terms.
Demonstrating the ongoing interplay between mainstream scientific medicine and folk medicine, Cavender challenges the conventional view of southern Appalachia as an exceptional region isolated from outside contact. His thorough and accessible study reveals how Appalachian folk medicine encompasses such diverse and important influences as European and Native American culture and America’s changing medical and health-care environment. In doing so, he offers a compelling representation of the cultural history of the region as seen through its health practices.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Folk Medicine in Southern Appalachia about?
In the first comprehensive exploration of the history and practice of folk medicine in the Appalachian region, Anthony Cavender melds folklore, medical anthropology, and Appalachian history and draws extensively on oral histories and archival sources from the nineteenth century to the present. He provides a complete tour of ailments and folk treatments organized by body systems, as well as information on medicinal plants, patent medicines, and magico-religious beliefs and practices. He investigates folk healers and their methods, profiling three living practitioners: an herbalist, a faith healer, and a Native American healer. The book also includes an appendix of botanicals and a glossary of folk medical terms.
Demonstrating the ongoing interplay between mainstream scientific medicine and folk medicine, Cavender challenges the conventional view of southern Appalachia as an exceptional region isolated from outside contact. His thorough and accessible study reveals how Appalachian folk medicine encompasses such diverse and important influences as European and Native American culture and America’s changing medical and health-care environment. In doing so, he offers a compelling representation of the cultural history of the region as seen through its health practices.
What core themes, tropes, or subjects are explored in Folk Medicine in Southern Appalachia?
Health, Relationships and Personal development > Mind, body, spirit > Complementary therapies, healing and health
Where can I read a sample of Folk Medicine in Southern Appalachia?
You can read an official preview of the few pages here https://www.book2look.com/book/9780807828243
How long is Folk Medicine in Southern Appalachia and how many pages does it have?
Folk Medicine in Southern Appalachia has 288 page(s)
Who is/are the Author/s of the book Folk Medicine in Southern Appalachia?
Anthony Cavender
What are the ISBN numbers for the physical and digital editions?
Folk Medicine in Southern Appalachia is available as hardcover(ISBN 9780807828243) and paperback(ISBN 9780807854938) and ebook(ISBN 9781469617398) and pdf(ISBN 9798890877321)
Where can I buy Folk Medicine in Southern Appalachia online or support local independent bookshops?
You can buy Folk Medicine in Southern Appalachia from below
Where can I buy Folk Medicine in Southern Appalachia?