| Abstract Detail
Ethnobotany Mundt, Gillian [1], Metzgar, Jordan [2]. Prevalence of Southern Appalachian medical plants as gynecological aids over generations. Gynecology and proper women’s health have been taboo for centuries, illustrated by the use of euphemisms such as “the change” for menopause and “troubles” for menstruation. Childbirth and pediatric health were often lumped in with women’s health and included a majority of documented women’s health herbal remedies. Other remedies for women’s health concerns are poorly documented, including treatments for cramps, heavy menstruation, STIs/STDs, menopause, and abortions. Some medicinal plants that are commonly used as gynecological aids in the Southern Appalachians are Actaea racemosa (Black Cohosh, menstrual cramps), Viburnum prunifolium (Black Haw, uterine relaxant), Vitex agnus-castus (Chaste Tree, premenstrual syndrome), Mitchella repens (Partridgeberry, infertility, and cramps), and Dioscorea villosa (Wild Yam, cramps and morning sickness). We used a Qualtrics survey to several southern Appalachian herbalist online discussion boards to document uses and preparations for these species and others. The survey gathered demographic information to determine which age groups have greater experience and knowledge of medicinal plants as gynecological aids. We expect to see a more developed understanding of knowledge and treatment of gynecological ailments in younger generations.
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1 - Virginia Tech, Biological Sciences, 315 Clay Street Southwest, 7, Blacksburg, VA, 24060, USA
2 - Virginia Tech, Biological Sciences, 926 W. Campus Drive, Derring H, Derring Hall 2119, Blacksburg, VA, 24061, United States
Keywords:
Southern Appalachian
Gynecology
Herbal Medicine.
Presentation Type: Poster
Session: P2, Ethnobotany Posters
Location: Virtual/Virtual
Date: Tuesday, July 20th, 2021
Time: 5:00 PM(EDT)
Number: P2ET001
Abstract ID:275
Candidate for Awards:None |
