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Garifuna
The Garifuna originate from an African group that escaped
being captured and enslaved by Europeans during the sixteenth to eighteenth
century. This group traveled and settled in Central America along Belize, Guatemala,
Honduras, and Nicaragua. Their language is formed by their immigration making
it a pidgin of Cariban and Arawakan. The Garifuna usage of Carib became
associated with cannibal and therefore a justification by Europeans for enslavement.
The tropical climate provides a horticulturalist lifestyle with the men hunting
and fishing and women working in the fields. They value their land and family and
preserving their culture.
Garifuna and Illness
Many modern medicines are derived from indigenous resources
and remedies including the Garifuna. They implement both Western medicine and bush
medicine as needed. These medicines are threatened due to deforestation and
loss of cultural information. The Garifuna are contributors to new medical discoveries—with
over 200 plant species—and a culture being affected by land loss and destruction.
The Garifuna use slash and burn agriculture to cultivate their plants. One of
the most popular plants used is Momordica charantia used for “more than 10
ailments,” especially diabetes related symptoms. The cassia occidentals—another
popular medicinal—are a pediatric anticonvulsive and sedative that can also be
used to treat malaria, digestive disorders, urinary problems, bladder stones, tonic,
and diuretic. The Garifuna have many plants with alkaloids and glycosides and
high in vitamins and nutrients for more effective results.
Citations
González, N. L., Skoggard, I., & Beierle, J. (2005). Culture summary: Garifuna. Human Relations Area Files, 1–9. Retrieved from https://ehrafworldcultures-yale-edu.northernkentuckyuniversity.idm.oclc.org/ehrafe/citation.do?method=citation&forward=searchFullContext&col=&docId=sa12-000&tocOffsetId=tocPubInfoP.
Coe, F. G., & Anderson, G. J. (1996). Screening of medicinal plants used by the Garífuna of eastern Nicaragua for bioactive compounds. Journal of Ethnopharmacology, 53(1), 29–50. https://doi.org/10.1016/0378-8741(96)01424-9
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