Discussion 1

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Herbal Remedies - Danielle Chest congestion and cough is treated by the African-American population with the use hot toddies. They are drinks made of hot tea, honey, lemon, peppermint, and a splash of any alcoholic beverage preferred/available (Spector, 2009). It is treated by some Italian-Americans by making a hot tea consisting of lemons, dried ginger, honey, sugar, and a little of a favorite liqueur (Use of Herbs, 2012).

I would imagine these herbs and ingredients could be purchased at a market and come could be grown right at home. Both remedies are ingested and I don't believe there are any side effects listed. Worms in the stomach is another illness treated with herbs by both cultures. The African-Americans mix sugar and turpentine together and ingest it rid their body of the worms (Spector, 2009).

The Italian-American remedy consist of ingesting garlic to get rid of these pests (Medicinal Herbs from Italy, 2012). Again, I would guess that all of these ingredients are available for purchase at a local market and the garlic could also be grown at home. Fevers are common with infections and viruses and can be treated with herbs as well. African-Americans use herbals teas to treat fevers like goldenrod root (Spector, 2009). Italian-Americans use basil to help reduce fevers (Medicinal Herbs from Italy, 2012). Both remedies are ingested and ingredients can be bought or grown right at home. When an herbal remedy is used in addition to allopathic medicines, it can be beneficial or it can cause more issues.

Just as certain pharmaceuticals can interact with other drugs, herbs can interact with other herbs as well as with prescribed medications. It is always best to let your doctor know all medications and any herbal remedies you are using or plan to use so they know and can help figure out if they are ok to use together.

References Medicinal Herbs from Italy. (2012).

Retrieved from Life in Italy: http://www.lifeinitaly.com/garden/medical.asp Spector, R. E. (2009). Cultural diversity in health and illness (7th ed.). Upper Saddle River: Pearson. Use of Herbs. (2012).

Retrieved from Life in Italy: http://www.lifeinitaly.com/food/nonna/herbal-remedies.asp