Ethno-Botanic Treatments for Paralysis (Falij) in the Middle East

Aref Abu-Rabia

Professor of Medical Anthropology, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Beer-Sheva, Israel.

DOI: 10.4236/cm.2012.34025                

Abstract

The goal of this paper is to describe beliefs and treatments for specific forms of Paralysis (falij) and other nervous disorders in the Middle East. Themes to be investigated include, the traditional medicinal practices used to treat Paralysis, as well as their curative methods using traditional herbal medicine. This paper is based on first and secondary sources; interviews with traditional healers, as well as patients who suffered from these disorders. The author found 152 plants species belonging to 58 families (see Appendix) that treat paralysis and other nervous disorders. The most significant plants species are found in the six families of herbs: Labiatae, Compositae, Umbelliferae, Papilionaceae, Liliaceae, and Solanaceae.

Keywords

Paralysis; Ethno Botanic Medicine; Middle East

Conflicts of Interest

The authors declare no conflicts of interest.

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