folk medicine

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See also: folk-medicine

English

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Etymology

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From folk (believed or transmitted by the common people; not academically correct or rigorous) +‎ medicine.

Pronunciation

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Noun

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folk medicine (countable and uncountable, plural folk medicines)

  1. (uncountable) Traditional medical practices developed and used by non-physicians, typically involving customary homespun techniques and medicinal remedies derived from native plants.
    Synonym: indigenous medicine
    Holonyms: complementary medicine, integrative medicine, traditional medicine
    • 1935 September 2, “Medicine: Chemotherapy”, in Time, retrieved 8 June 2014:
      He learned medicine and surgery "from executioners, bathkeepers, gypsies, midwives, and fortune tellers and incidentally acquired an unusual knowledge of folk-medicine and a permanent taste for low company."
    • 2008 March 11, Eric Nagourney, “Nostrums: Aromatherapy Rarely Stands Up to Testing”, in New York Times, retrieved 8 June 2014:
      Aromatherapy is a big business, and its roots run deep in folk medicine.
  2. (countable) A particular medicinal remedy used in such traditional medical practices.
    • 1996 August 2, Liz Hunt, “Flower-power remedy proves equal of anti-depressant drugs”, in The Independent, UK, retrieved 8 June 2014:
      A folk medicine traditionally used to treat depression is as effective as standard anti-depressant drugs and has fewer side-effects, according to a new study.

Alternative forms

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See also

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Further reading

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