Abstract
This is a study of the adaptive significance of behaviour that involves the medicinal use of indigenous plants and the adaptive potential of a non-Western medical system, in response to environmental stressors. The stressors are seen as disease and perceived structural and cultural barriers to the utilization of modern health-care services. The adaptive significance of the behaviour is related to the perceived and presumed efficacy of certain phyto-chemical properties and pathogenic processes of the plants and remedies that are used. The adaptive potential of the non-Western medical system is related to the perceived therapeutic value of the plant decoctions to the individuals who treat their illnesses in this way, as an alternative treatment modality within a matrix of cultural and symbolic significance. The adaptation and the adaptive potential are demonstrated in a study of the illness, treatment-seeking and self-treatment behaviour of a sample of elderly Coloureds in rural areas. A case is made for integrating the two medical systems to offer the best features of both to the elderly Coloured health-care consumer.
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