 Reference Site Map |
|
|
There is a romantic idea about the Amazon jungle containing answers to all human disease. Watching “Tarzan” movies as a child imprinted images of what a “jungle” might be on me, but actually traveling through a jungle injects brutal reality into those childhood memories.
The rate of rainforest destruction is shocking and should be of greater concern to us all. Despite the existence of a traditional medical structure, I was surprised to find people relying on jungle shamans in the highlands of Peru. This is probably more likely a result of poverty than belief. Medication is expensive and so is travel to a hospital.
The Shamans are simply locals who have inherited a good knowledge of plants and insects and how they can be used to treat various maladies. Some treatments are simple and straightforward such as drinking "Cocoa" tea from the cocaine family to ward off fatigue and hunger, or inhaling the frangrance of "Mucha" plants to aid breathing problems. Digestive problems seem to be a common complaint and there are numerous concoctions to treat them.
We have a historical perspective on jungle medicine. The arrival of European conquerors in the 16th century introduced new diseases such as measles, smallpox and influenza. Shamans were helpless against the new scourges despite their knowledge of jungle medicine. Study of ancient mummies also suggests South America had endemic syphilis, tuberculosis and cancers. Infections such as malaria, chagas, and yellow fever continue to afflict locals. No wonder, outside of larger centers, there is still mistrust of preventive measures such as immunizations. Many children go without - despite available programs.
It seems contradictory that we in the developed world continue to find new treatments amid the depths of others' poverty. The Amazon is the richest area of diversity on the globe. Locked within it are undiscovered mechanisms regulating plant and animal life that could enrich the health of humans. I am truly saddened that I may be one of a generation who will be the last to witness the Amazon jungle. The loss of this hidden knowledge base containing cures and remedies should be a global priority.
Related resources:
Note: A number of Shamanism tours and workshops have sprung up as more people are interested in learning about the healing powers of herbal medicine in the Amazon.
