Traditional Skin Remedies in Southern Italy
Author Information
Author(s): Cassandra L Quave, Andreas Pieroni, Bradley C Bennett
Primary Institution: Florida International University
Hypothesis
The study aims to document traditional remedies from various sources for treating skin ailments in southern Italy.
Conclusion
The study identified 165 remedies for skin and soft tissue conditions, with many being previously unpublished.
Supporting Evidence
- Remedies are used to treat over 45 skin and soft tissue conditions.
- 110 of the 165 remedies reported have never been published before.
- Women are the primary carriers of knowledge regarding folk remedies.
Takeaway
People in southern Italy use plants and animals to treat skin problems, and many of these remedies are not written down anywhere.
Methodology
Field research involved semi-structured interviews and participant observation in ten communities.
Potential Biases
Potential bias in knowledge retention due to socioeconomic changes affecting traditional practices.
Limitations
The study may not capture all traditional remedies due to the decline in knowledge transmission across generations.
Participant Demographics
Interviewees were stratified by age and gender, with a focus on older generations.
Statistical Information
P-Value
<0.05
Statistical Significance
p<0.05
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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