Healing Practices Research Articles

Chemical analysis of Cyproheptadine Hydrochloride in appetite-stimulating herbs marketed in Banyumas regency: ensuring consumer safety

Jamu, a traditional Indonesian herbal medicine, is widely used in traditional healing practices nationwide, including the Banyumas Regency. The Indonesian government has implemented restrictions that forbid the inclusion of medicinal compounds in jamu, as their unregulated usage poses possible health hazards. Cyproheptadine hydrochloride is a frequently encountered medicinal component in appetite-stimulating herbs. However, the extent of adulteration of cyproheptadine hydrochloride in appetite-stimulating herbs marketed in Banyumas Regency is undisclosed. This study purposed to analyze and quantify the presence of cyproheptadine hydrochloride in appetite-stimulating herbs that are available for sale in the Banyumas Regency. The aim was to inform customers about these herbs' possible pharmaceutical ingredient content. The study utilized a qualitative analysis of thin-layer chromatography (TLC) and a quantitative analysis with a UV-Vis spectrophotometer. Fourteen samples of appetite-stimulating herbs in powdered, capsule, and tablet forms were gathered from different areas within the Banyumas Regency. Qualitative analysis revealed cyproheptadine hydrochloride in two herbal samples, SNM TG and SNM AM. The quantitative examination revealed that the content of cyproheptadine hydrochloride in SNM TG was 10.92 mg/5g, whereas in SNM AM, it was 7.93 mg/5g. These findings indicate that there have been breaches of regulations, and individuals who ingest these herbs may be susceptible to health problems. Further investigation is required to analyze a broader range of appetite-stimulating herbal samples, particularly those in liquid form, to ascertain the level of contamination with cyproheptadine hydrochloride and provide essential data for health regulations.

Harmonizing Traditional Knowledge with Environmental Preservation: Sustainable Strategies for the Conservation of Indigenous Medicinal Plants (IMPs) and Their Implications for Economic Well-Being

The coexistence of traditional knowledge and environmental preservation presents a critical nexus in advancing sustainable development efforts, particularly concerning the conservation of indigenous medicinal plants. These plants play a dual role: they are essential components of traditional healing practices and are integral to economic stability, food security, and nutrition in communities worldwide. However, the rapid depletion of biodiversity and ecosystem degradation threaten the availability and sustainability of these vital resources. Despite their cultural and economic importance, there is a noticeable gap in the research addressing the conservation and sustainable use of indigenous medicinal plants, particularly focusing on the preservation of traditional knowledge systems. The existing literature often lacks comprehensive studies that document traditional knowledge practices related to medicinal plant conservation. Additionally, there is limited understanding of how the mismanagement of medicinal plant resources impacts the livelihoods of rural smallholder farmers who heavily rely on these plants for economic gains and food security. Hence, this study sought to explore and investigate the harmonious strategies that integrate traditional knowledge systems with modern conservation practices to safeguard indigenous medicinal plants on economic well-being in the Amatole District Municipality of the Eastern Cape. The study was conducted in 2023, and a structured questionnaire was used to capture the realities and experiences of prominent stakeholders (smallholder medicinal plant farmers). A multi-stratified sampling technique was used to draw up an appropriate sample of 150 smallholder farmers. Descriptive statistics and propensity-score matching were used for analysis. The study results indicated that the women farmers who are 44 years of average age and have 10 years of average schooling duration participate more in the production of indigenous medicinal plants. The average farm size per household is 1 ha, and it is reliant on an average of five members per household. The participation of women with indigenous medicinal plants underscores the significant role of women in traditional knowledge systems and sustainable agricultural practices, contributing to household income and community resilience. Additionally, the findings indicated that smallholder farmers are only aware of keeping indigenous medicinal plants by producing them in protected areas and on-farm conservation; other measures appear challenging to them. The study results reveal that knowledge of seed propagation, lack of knowledge of the implications of endangerment, the removal of forests with the motive of building houses, and, lastly, financial support were the constraints faced by smallholder farmers. Empirical results on the conservation and sustainable use of indigenous medicinal plants revealed that farmers are generating income to sustain the household as well as enhancing food and nutrition security. Based on the study results, it is recommended that government entities and policymakers are urged to prioritize supporting traditional knowledge, implement on-farm conservation, and foster sustainable agricultural practices to ensure biodiversity conservation, cultural preservation, and sustainable livelihoods. Enhancing targeted support for smallholder farmers, including access to land, agricultural services, and financial aid, alongside market development, ensures equitable benefits and sustainable livelihoods. Educational campaigns should raise awareness about indigenous medicinal plants’ ecological and economic importance, integrating traditional knowledge into formal education.

A scoping review of the use of traditional medicine for the management of ailments in West Africa.

The coexistence of traditional healing practices deeply rooted in cultural and historical contexts and the evolving landscape of modern healthcare approaches in West African societies creates a dynamic interplay between tradition and modernity in healthcare. This study aims to comprehensively map the landscape of traditional medicine use for health in West Africa. A scoping review was conducted following the Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI) methodology and reported according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses Extension for Scoping Reviews (PRISMA-ScR) guidelines. Research questions focused on the links between traditional medicine practices and health in West Africa. The systematic literature search covered PubMed, Web of Science, and CINAHL from database inception to September 2023. A descriptive analysis was conducted highlighting the years of publication, countries of publication, study designs of plant families and plant parts used for making traditional medicines, and the diseases the traditional remedies are for. The search identified 3484 records, with 46 articles meeting the inclusion criteria. Publications spanned from 1979 to 2023, with no observed trend in the number of publications over successive decades. Nigeria had the highest number of publications (54.3%), followed by Ghana (19.6%). The studies employed various designs, including clinical trials, ethnobotanical, ethnopharmacological, and experimental designs. Plant families frequently studied included Combretaceae, Euphorbiaceae, and Rubiaceae. Traditional remedies address various health issues, highlighting their versatility, from general symptoms to specific diseases. This scoping review offers an extensive overview of traditional healing practices in West Africa. The studies highlighted in this review stress the necessity for culturally sensitive healthcare interventions. The widespread use of traditional medicine and the variety of practices underscore the importance of encouraging collaboration between traditional healers and modern healthcare professionals. This review also identifies knowledge gaps and areas needing further research, setting the stage for future exploration into West Africa's intricate healthcare landscape.

“It’s okay to dream: Navigating trauma, healing, and futuring among LGBTQ + Black girls, transgender and nonbinary youth in New York State”

Black LGBTQ + girls, femmes, transgender and nonbinary youth and young adults experience high rates of sexual violence, and other forms of trauma, including oppression-based trauma related to racism, misogynoir, homophobia and transphobia. Black LGBTQ + girls, femmes, transgender and nonbinary young people, whose experiences are underexplored within social science research, also experience disparately harsh discipline and pushout within school settings while being disproportionately represented in the foster care and juvenile justice systems. However, they are also a community with a tremendous history of creative resistance, and legacies of activism and powerful healing practices. Within this paper we have disaggregated the interview data of 13 LGBTQ + identified participants from a larger qualitative study with 24 Black girls, femmes, transgender and nonbinary youth, aged 16–25, who reside in New York State. Data were analyzed using critical thematic analysis and three main themes emerged: 1) the significance of participants’ experiences of childhood trauma, 2) participants’ conceptualizations and experiences of healing and resistance, and 3) participants aspirations and dreams for their futures and the futures of their communities.

Motifs of Healing

This article delves into the unique role of music as a therapeutic tool in ancient Israel, with a focus on the biblical account of music therapy healing Saul (1 Samuel 16:14-23). This study attempts to explore and question the relationship between music, healing, and religion. This study aims to: first, to interpret the text of 1 Samuel 16:14-23 which introduces the significance of music in the ancient Israelite tradition. Second, to emphasizes the function of music as healing therapy, where David uses the lyre to heal Saul. This text subtly demonstrates the prevalence of the healing practice of music in the biblical world. Third, it investigates narrative interpretive methods that discuss the extent to which Israel, through David, defines himself and how the superiority of music helps shape Israel’s self-perception as a musical community. Data was collected through literature studies/scientific literature related to the title of this study. The results of the data collection will then be processed and presented in the form of a description.

Transcendence of caste ideology in the realm of spirits and Muslim faith healers of Malabar: social contexts, meanings and religious rituals in contemporary Kerala

ABSTRACT Scholarship on faith healing and spirit-possession often overlookssignificant influence of caste and its diverse expressions.Through ethnographic study, we explore how Muslim faith healers in Kerala’s Malabar region integrate caste notions into healing practices, and also normalizing them as an effective strategy for healing. Caste’s role in healing rituals and at faith healing sites is located within the context of lived Islam, lacking ritual legitimacy from institutional religion. This prompts us to consider how caste ideology extends beyond human material conditions into the spiritual realm, notably on sites of healing, with long-term implications on the political Islam in the region. It further explores how the caste has been altered temporarily on healing sites in terms of categories of spirits, types of healers, social categories of possessed people and how political Islam have approached caste and faith healing in the context of reformist and revivalist movement in the region.

AI: Bridging Ancient Wisdom and Modern Innovation in Traditional Chinese Medicine.

The pursuit of groundbreaking health care innovations has led to the convergence of artificial intelligence (AI) and traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), thus marking a new frontier that demonstrates the promise of combining the advantages of ancient healing practices with cutting-edge advancements in modern technology. TCM, which is a holistic medical system with >2000 years of empirical support, uses unique diagnostic methods such as inspection, auscultation and olfaction, inquiry, and palpation. AI is the simulation of human intelligence processes by machines, especially via computer systems. TCM is experience oriented, holistic, and subjective, and its combination with AI has beneficial effects, which presumably arises from the perspectives of diagnostic accuracy, treatment efficacy, and prognostic veracity. The role of AI in TCM is highlighted by its use in diagnostics, with machine learning enhancing the precision of treatment through complex pattern recognition. This is exemplified by the greater accuracy of TCM syndrome differentiation via tongue images that are analyzed by AI. However, integrating AI into TCM also presents multifaceted challenges, such as data quality and ethical issues; thus, a unified strategy, such as the use of standardized data sets, is required to improve AI understanding and application of TCM principles. The evolution of TCM through the integration of AI is a key factor for elucidating new horizons in health care. As research continues to evolve, it is imperative that technologists and TCM practitioners collaborate to drive innovative solutions that push the boundaries of medical science and honor the profound legacy of TCM. We can chart a future course wherein AI-augmented TCM practices contribute to more systematic, effective, and accessible health care systems for all individuals.

A Metasynthesis of Family Literacy Scholarship: Countering and Constructing Narratives about BIPOC Families and Communities

AbstractIn this metasynthesis, we examined 21 highly cited qualitative studies on family literacy scholarship conducted by Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC) scholars from 1981 to 2019. This metasynthesis integrates findings to present a counterstory that challenges dominant narratives in family literacy. By amplifying often overlooked or erased narratives, we highlight diverse themes including family literacy as activism, its temporal aspects, barriers, challenges, hybridity, emotionality, bonding, spiritual literacies, and healing practices. These themes enhance racial, linguistic, and cultural awareness in scholars' engagement with families and communities. This metasynthesis broadens the conceptualization of family literacy, encouraging a reevaluation of our understanding of families, literacies, and research representation. Additionally, it underscores the critical importance of acknowledging and authentically representing BIPOC scholars and their participants’ stories.

Advancements in Urolithiasis Treatment: Current Strategies, Future Challenges, and Integrating Traditional Wisdom into Modern Medicine:A Review

Urolithiasis, the formation of urinary tract stones, remains a prevalent and painful condition that affects millions of individuals worldwide. This article explores the current treatment strategies for urolithiasis, including minimally invasive procedures, dietary modifications, and pharmacological interventions. We also address the ongoing challenges in managing this condition, such as the high recurrence rates and potential complications. Looking to the future, we examine the prospects for innovative technologies, including targeted drug delivery and personalized medicine approaches, to enhance urolithiasis treatment. Furthermore, we discuss the promising potential of integrating traditional knowledge and remedies from various cultures into the modern medical system. This integration not only offers new avenues for preventive and curative therapies but also underscores the importance of preserving and respecting the wisdom of traditional healing practices. By exploring both established and emerging treatment options and considering the implementation of traditional knowledge, this article provides a comprehensive overview of the current state of urolithiasis management, future challenges, and potential solutions. It emphasizes the need for a holistic approach that combines the best of modern medicine with the insights of traditional healing systems to improve the quality of care for urolithiasis patients.

The Stigmatization of Health Remedies (Herbs, Stones and Charms) in King James I’s Daemonologie

This paper aims to analyze the stigmatization of concepts related to medicine and healing in King James I's Daemonologie as republished in 1604. In the early 1600's, witchcraft trials and persecutions were prevalent, and there was a widespread belief in the existence of witches and their malevolent activities. King James I had a strong interest in the subject and was involved in witch trials. The study's hypothesis is that in the King’s view, healing effects and properties of plants, stones or charms could be attributed to God or Satan. Therefore, when God’s help was excluded, such as in the case of witches, all beneficial or healing effects of witchcraft were considered the work of the Devil, who was thus deluding mankind. Through these ideas expressed in Daemonologie, King James I contributed to the stigmatization of healing practices and encouraged the fear and persecution of individuals suspected of engaging in such practices. This study of medical and health terminology will bring the traditional beliefs and practices that influenced medical knowledge at the time to the foreground. Some key points that will be detailed here are the influence of Galenic ideas, the different categories of medical practitioners and their social status, the knowledge of herbal medicines that had been passed down through generations as well as astrological influences, while also considering a comparison with the various medical treatises that were available at the time.

ALBULARYO: Advanced Learning for Botanical Understanding, Leveraging Artificial Recognition using Convolutional Neural Networks

This study aims to develop and implement an herbal medicine scanner. HerbID, with its approach, has sparked a growing interest in remedies for their healing properties in today's world. This state of the art technology introduces an identification system that is reshaping how we engage with medicine. By combining a repository of solutions, with advanced scanning capabilities HerbID ensures a seamless user experience. Through a scan users can precisely recognize herbs empowering them to make informed choices regarding their health and overall wellness. HerbID offers more than identifying herbs – it offers in depth insights into the benefits, potential advantages and usage tips for each herb. With HerbID you can gain the knowledge and confidence to make the most of medicine whether you're a beginner or well versed in natural healing practices. Explore a range of remedies, with HerbID your go to herbal medicine companion.

Practices Supporting Community Recovery and Healing from Climate-Related Disasters: A Systematic Review

This systematic review investigated the practices that support and hinder the recovery and healing of communities and the environments within which they live, following climate-related environmental disasters. Although the literature focused on recovery is dominated by interventions aimed at the individual and their mental health, a thematic analysis of thirty-six studies established a range of practices that enhance collective recovery and healing. Four narratives were identified from the findings highlighting key practices: (1) collective and community-led recovery; (2) recognising the criticality of context, place, and identity; (3) adopting a holistic conception of well-being and Country-centred practices; and (4) decolonising and Indigenising the literature. This study details recommendations for research and practice. First Nations’ knowledges and healing practices need to be recognised and harnessed in climate-related environmental disaster recovery. Community-led interventions harness local knowledge, networks, and expertise, which improves the dissemination of resources and enables recovery efforts to be tailored to the specific needs of communities.

In vitro and in vivo studies of the therapeutic potential of Tinospora crispa extracts in osteoarthritis: Targeting oxidation, inflammation, and chondroprotection

Ethnopharmacological relevanceThe increasing incidence of osteoarthritis (OA), especially among the elderly population, highlights the need for more efficacious treatments that go beyond mere symptomatic relief. Tinospora crispa (L.) Hook. f. & Thomson (TC) boasts a rich traditional heritage, widespread use in Ayurveda, traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), and diverse indigenous healing practices throughout Southeast Asia for treating arthritis, rheumatism, fever, and inflammation. Aim of the studyThis study investigates the anti-inflammatory and chondroprotective potential of TC stem extracts, including ethanolic TC extract (ETCE) and aqueous TC extract (ATCE), in modulating OA pathogenesis through in vitro and in vivo approaches. Materials and methodsThe study utilized LC-MS/MS to identify key compounds in TC stem extracts. In vitro experiments assessed the antioxidative and anti-inflammatory properties of ETCE and ATCE in activated macrophages, while an in vivo monoiodoacetate (MIA)-induced OA rat model evaluated the efficacy of ETCE treatment. Key markers of oxidative stress, such as superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase (CAT), were assessed alongside pro-inflammatory cytokines TNF-α and IL-1β, and matrix-degrading enzymes, matrix metalloproteinase (MMP 13 and MMP 3), to evaluate the therapeutic effects of TC stem extracts on OA. ResultsChemical profiling of the extracts was conducted using LC-MS/MS in positive ionization, identifying seven compounds, including pseudolaric acid B, stylopine, and reticuline, which were reported for the first time in this species. The study utilized varying concentrations of TC stem extracts, specifically 6.25–25 μg/mL for in vitro assays and 500 mg/kg for in vivo studies. Our findings also revealed that both ETCE and ATCE exhibit dose-dependent reduction in reactive oxygen species (41%–52%) and nitric oxide (NO) levels (50% and 72%), with ETCE displaying superior antioxidative efficacy and marked anti-inflammatory properties, significantly reducing TNF-α and IL-6 at concentrations above 12.5 μg/mL. In the MIA-induced OA rat model, ETCE treatment notably outperformed ATCE, markedly lowering TNF-α (1.91 ± 0.37 pg/mL) and IL-1β (26.30 ± 3.68 pg/mL) levels and effectively inhibiting MMP 13 and MMP 3 enzymes. Furthermore, macroscopic and histopathological assessments, including ICRS scoring and OARSI grading, indicate that TC stem extracts reduce articular damage and proteoglycan loss in rat knee cartilage. These results suggest that TC stem extracts may play a role in preventing cartilage degradation and potentially alleviating inflammation and pain associated with OA, though further studies are needed to confirm these effects. ConclusionThis study highlights the potential of TC stem extracts as a novel, chondroprotective therapeutic avenue for OA management. By targeting oxidative stress, pro-inflammatory cytokines, and cartilage-degrading enzymes, TC stem extracts promise to prevent cartilage degradation and alleviate inflammation and pain associated with OA.

Role of Balian in the Island of Gods

This study reveals the role of Balian in preserving traditional medicine as well as balancing the culture and mental health of the people on the Island of the Gods. This research was designed using a qualitative approach (medical ethnography). Informants were Hindu priests (Pemangku), local health workers and traditional medical experts (Balian). The research location was conducted in Balinese historical places that are believed to be qualified as a place to conduct traditional healing practices by a Balian, such as Pura (Pure), Holy Purifier (Tirta) and Beaches in Bali. The results show that the sickness and health of the Balinese ethnic soul refers to the concept of balancing the system elements in the body with cultural influences in the environment. Ethnic Balinese believe in the concept of Tri Hita Karana, which is the balance between Sang Hyang Widhi (God), Buana Agung (Universe) and Buana Alit (Human). If a person's physical or spiritual condition experiences an imbalance of these three things, then health is disturbed. In looking at the etiology of mental illness, they more than fully consider the abstract (non-physical) type of illness. The implication is that they seek Balian treatment as a primary option.

Charlatans and Fraudsters

Abstract This article delves into the intricate interplay among state institutions, belief systems, dominant discourses and alternative spiritual healing practices in Egypt. It scrutinises the challenges encountered by individuals seeking spiritual healing within a societal framework shaped by educational and religious institutions, social norms, media and the law. Employing a multidisciplinary approach that integrates social anthropology, discourse analysis and cultural studies, the research sheds light on the regulations and limitations imposed on individuals by state-generated discourses, compelling adherence to prescribed rules and belief systems. The analysis explores how power hierarchy and dominant institutions, which categorise certain practices as disordered due to their ritualistic nature, are challenged by practitioners persisting in their work and seekers continuing to pursue these services.

Exploring the preferences of traditional versus Western medicine in the Spiti Valley region of India: A qualitative approach

BackgroundTraditional healing practices are prevalent in rural and mountainous areas of India where Western medicine is not accessible. WHO guidelines recommend integration of traditional and Western medicine to meet rural primary care needs. We explored three dimensions of rural patients' decision-making and satisfaction with their medical care: pregnancy-related concerns, pediatric care for children under five, and acute injuries. MethodsWe conducted a qualitative study using a phenomenological approach in India's Spiti Valley between August and October 2023. Sixteen individuals, age 18 years and older, participated in one-on-one interviews. The interviews were transcribed from Hindi into English, reviewed for accuracy by a native speaker, and imported into Dedoose software. Data were analyzed using inductive coding. FindingsMultiparous women aged 35–44 were concerned about pregnancy complications, leading them to choose Western medicine despite access and cost barriers. Pediatric illness requiring urgent care at night was a concern for women with children under five. Those in the injuries group reported having to travel for care beyond basic first aid. Overall, concerns were about limited access to some services locally, as well as costs of travel, medical procedures, and medications when services were obtained beyond the local area. InterpretationAll participants considered their traditional healer their first point of contact for medical care. A number of Western medical services were not available locally. These findings suggest a need to strengthen access to and integration of Western and traditional medical care in rural settings in India.

Time and Place for Counter-Storytelling as Liberatory Theory and Collective Healing Practice in Academia: A Case Example of a Black Feminist Psycho-Socio Cultural Scholar-Artivist

The institution of slavery engineered racialized gendered capitalism that locks Black women in multiple social identity-labeled boxes on the sociocultural and economic hierarchy. Acts of cultural invasion have produced controlling images and oppressive narratives to maintain the status quo of white male wealth and power. Critical race theory scholars have offered counter-storytelling as a theorizing method to study the impact of intersectional oppression on Black women and to develop strategies for resistance and healing for those who are at the margins of society. This manuscript weaves the voices of Black feminists with a creative arts methodology to explore resistance and healing practice rooted in lived experience and provides a case example of counter-storytelling in a predominantly white academic space. For future directions, there is a need for guidelines on how to navigate the use of counter-storytelling to safely engage and protect the Black woman’s humanity and not be a tool for public displays of Black pain or for trauma voyeurism.

Exploring Faith Healing Practices: Insights from Practitioners

Exploring Faith Healing Practices: Insights from Practitioners

Phytochemistry, Pharmacognosy and Pharmacological Properties of Tabernaemontana divaricata: A Review

Tabernaemontana divaricata (Crepe Jasmine) is a perennial, evergreen plant highly valued for its medicinal properties across various traditional healing practices worldwide. It is indigenous to areas of Asia, Australia, China, Japan, India, Myanmar, and the Apocynaceae family. It usually grows to a height of 1.5–2.5 meters and has silvery gray bark that, when broken, releases milky latex. It also has lustrous, deep green leaves and white blooms. Numerous studies have identified a wide range of phytochemical components in Tabernaemontana divaricata, including enzymes, phenolic acids, flavonoids, steroids, and alkaloids. Its blooms are notable for containing chemicals such apparicine, isovoacristine, voaphylline, vobasine, tabernaemontanine, and epivoacangine. effects that include anti-infertility, anti-inflammatory, anti-cancer, analgesic, antioxidant, anti-diabetic, anti-convulsant, and antibacterial properties. The goal of this review article is to give a succinct summary of Tabernaemontana divaricata's morphological traits, ethnobotanical applications, pharmacological qualities, and phytochemical makeup. It also emphasizes how crucial it is to carry out more investigation and development in order to completely investigate the therapeutic benefits that this medicinal plant may provide.

Intimacy and the gendering of war healthcare: women’s experiences of insurgency war in Nepal (1996–2006)

ABSTRACT This article explores intimacy and gendered practices in insurgent warfare, with special reference to the conflict in Nepal between 1996 and 2006. Drawing on fieldwork, we argue that women’s experiences of and during the insurgency highlight how they engaged with bodily concerns and care, reproductive, and healing practices while serving revolutionary causes. By drawing attention to these particular issues, the article contends that most of the existing literature on conflict fails to account for the gendered nuances and micro-politics of care in violent contexts. It shows how healthcare provisions have been restricted to informal and private spaces due to attacks against healthcare and illustrates the long-term impacts of being unable to access public healthcare due to insecurity.