The plants, rituals and spells that 'cured' helminthiasis in Sicily
2008

Folk Remedies for Worms in Sicily

Sample size: 25 publication 10 minutes Evidence: moderate

Author Information

Author(s): Mariangela Napoli

Primary Institution: Dipartimento di Botanica, Università di Catania

Hypothesis

How do traditional practices and beliefs in Sicily address helminthiasis?

Conclusion

Folk medicine remains significant in certain Sicilian communities, where traditional remedies and rituals coexist with conventional medicine.

Supporting Evidence

  • Folk remedies for helminthiasis are still practiced in rural Sicily.
  • Many elderly individuals consult traditional healers for ailments.
  • Rituals and spells are believed to have therapeutic effects alongside herbal remedies.

Takeaway

In Sicily, some people still believe in and use old-fashioned remedies and rituals to treat worm infections instead of just going to the doctor.

Methodology

Interviews with local healers and community members about their practices and beliefs regarding helminthiasis.

Potential Biases

Potential bias in self-reported practices and beliefs from interviewees.

Limitations

The study may not represent all areas of Sicily or all social classes, focusing primarily on rural communities.

Participant Demographics

Mostly elderly healers and community members from rural areas of Sicily.

Digital Object Identifier (DOI)

10.1186/1746-4269-4-21

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