Traditional Medicines- The Americas

What trend is happening with T&CM policy in the Americas?

More member states are developing national policies, regulations, and offices for T&CM, though the region lags slightly behind global averages.

Why is the Americas region important for T&CM?

It has incredible biological and cultural diversity and many biodiversity hotspots, though shaped by a 500+ year colonial history.

Which subregions make up the Americas?

North, Central, South, and Caribbean

How many plant species exist in North America, and how many were used by Native Americans?

About 28,000 species total, with 2,500 used medicinally.

What health issues were rare among Native Americans pre-colonization?

Heart/circulatory diseases, cancer, and classic infectious diseases (plague, typhoid, smallpox, cholera).

What health issues were common among Native Americans?

Injuries, arthritis, reproductive health conditions, zoonotic infections from hunting, and effects of warfare.

What was the primary healing method of Native Americans?

Herbal medicines guided by deep plant identification knowledge.

What region is Ligusticum porteri native to?

Regions near the Rocky Mountains (Arizona, Colorado, Montana, Nevada, New Mexico, Utah, Wyoming, Mexico).

What are the main uses of Osha root?

Treats GI issues, colds, flu, cough, sore throat, headaches, fevers.

Which poisonous plants resemble Osha?

Poison hemlock (Conium maculatum) and water hemlock (Cicuta virosa)

How can Osha root be distinguished from poisonous hemlocks?

Pleasant burnt-celery smell, darker roots, higher elevation. (Hemlock = foul smell, lighter roots, lower elevation).

Name three phytochemicals in Osha and their effects.

• Coumarin → helps relieve pain, calm muscle spasms/cramps, and fight off parasitic worms.

• Coniferyl ferulate → may help prevent cancer, kill bacteria, improve blood flow, and protect the body as an antioxidant.

• Ligustilide → works as a calming/sleep aid, reduces swelling and inflammation, and fights fungal infections.

What toxic compound is found in poison hemlock?

Coniine, a neurotoxin causing respiratory collapse.

What is zootherapy?

Use of animal-derived products to treat human diseases.

Why is zootherapy under-researched?

Most research has focused on medicinal plants, leading to underestimation of zootherapy’s importance.

How many animal species are used medicinally in Latin America?

584 species: 130 mammals, 122 birds, 110 fish, 95 reptiles, 54 insects.

Give two examples of animals used to treat multiple illnesses

Boa constrictor and Tupinambis teguixin

What body parts are used in zootherapy?

Fat, flesh, bone, marrow, cartilage, feathers, milk, eggs, secretions, rattles, etc.

How are hard vs. soft animal parts prepared?

Hard parts → crushed to powder, used in tea/food.
Soft parts → fats/oils used as ointments or ingested.

What cultural role do animal parts often play?

Used in amulets or charms with magical/religious significance (e.g., caiman teeth vs snakebites). It also may be the only resource some communities have for medicine.

Why do people in urban centers use zootherapy differently than rural populations?

Urban → chronic illnesses (cancer, heart).
Rural/poor → infectious diseases, less access to modern medicine.

Where are animal-derived remedies often sold?

In public markets in towns and cities.

What risks are associated with zootherapy?

Zoonotic disease transmission (e.g., Salmonella from tissues/organs)

What is needed for sustainable zootherapy?

Interdisciplinary research, respect for cultural views, and biocultural conservation strategies.