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Study Guide: Traditional Medicine: History, Practices, and Global Impact

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Traditional Medicine: History, Practices, and Global Impact Study Guide

Defining Traditional Medicine

Traditional medicine is exclusively defined by practices rooted in modern scientific research and clinical trials.

Answer: False

Explanation: The definition of traditional medicine encompasses practices rooted in cultural beliefs and historical knowledge, not exclusively modern scientific research.

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In certain parts of Asia and Africa, traditional medicine serves as the primary healthcare source for up to 80% of the population.

Answer: True

Explanation: The text indicates that in specific regions of Asia and Africa, traditional medicine functions as the primary healthcare system for as much as 80% of the populace.

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The World Health Organization discourages any integration of traditional medicine systems into healthcare.

Answer: False

Explanation: The World Health Organization supports the integration of traditional medicine systems, while also advocating for research into their safety and effectiveness.

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What is the fundamental definition of traditional medicine according to the source?

Answer: Knowledge, skills, and practices rooted in cultural beliefs, particularly from Indigenous groups, used for health and illness treatment.

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In which regions is traditional medicine reported to be the primary source of healthcare for a significant majority of the population?

Answer: Certain parts of Asia and Africa

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Historical Foundations and Ancient Civilizations

The use of medicinal herbs dates back over 5,000 years, with early documentation found in ancient civilizations.

Answer: True

Explanation: Recorded history indicates that the utilization of medicinal herbs extends back over five millennia, with early documentation originating from ancient civilizations.

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The Ebers Papyrus is a modern medical text detailing advancements in surgical techniques.

Answer: False

Explanation: The Ebers Papyrus is an ancient Egyptian medical text, dating to approximately 1552 BC, which documents a collection of folk remedies and magical medical practices, not modern surgical techniques.

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Charaka and Sushruta were ancient Greek physicians known for their work in herbal medicine.

Answer: False

Explanation: Charaka and Sushruta were ancient Indian physicians, not Greek, credited with significant contributions to Ayurveda and herbal medicine.

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The Shennong Bencaojing is considered the first Chinese herbal book, with origins tracing back to the Han dynasty.

Answer: True

Explanation: The Shennong Bencaojing is recognized as the inaugural Chinese herbal compendium, with its origins attributed to the Han dynasty, though its roots extend to an earlier period.

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Pythagoras and Galen were early compilers of herbal knowledge from ancient China.

Answer: False

Explanation: Pythagoras and Galen were prominent figures in ancient Greek and Roman medicine, respectively, and are noted for their contributions to herbal knowledge, but not specifically from ancient China.

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Pliny the Elder's 'Natural History' and Celsus's 'De Medicina' are cited as Roman contributions to medical knowledge.

Answer: True

Explanation: Pliny the Elder's encyclopedic work 'Natural History' and Celsus's treatise 'De Medicina' are indeed cited as significant Roman contributions to the corpus of medical and herbal knowledge.

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Pedanius Dioscorides' 'De Materia Medica' was a minor work that had little influence on later medical traditions.

Answer: False

Explanation: Pedanius Dioscorides' 'De Materia Medica' was a highly influential work that corrected and expanded upon earlier texts, significantly shaping medical traditions for centuries across various cultures.

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Avicenna and Maimonides were contemporary physicians who developed traditional medicine in ancient Greece.

Answer: False

Explanation: Avicenna (Persian) and Maimonides (Jewish) were influential physicians who significantly contributed to traditional medicine, but they were not contemporaries in ancient Greece; their work built upon earlier Greek and Roman medical compilations.

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Islamic physicians like al-Dinawari and Ibn al-Baitar contributed by expanding the knowledge of materia medica.

Answer: True

Explanation: Islamic physicians and botanists, including al-Dinawari and Ibn al-Baitar, made significant contributions by expanding the corpus of knowledge concerning materia medica.

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Avicenna's 'The Canon of Medicine' remained a medical authority in Europe until the 17th century and introduced the concept of clinical trials.

Answer: True

Explanation: Avicenna's seminal work, 'The Canon of Medicine,' served as a foundational medical authority in Europe for centuries and is recognized for introducing the concept of clinical trials.

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European herbal traditions in the medieval period primarily relied on newly developed botanical studies, ignoring classical texts.

Answer: False

Explanation: During the medieval period, European herbal traditions evolved significantly through the translation and adaptation of classical texts, rather than relying solely on newly developed botanical studies.

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Classical Greek and Roman texts have no lasting influence on modern European pharmacopoeias.

Answer: False

Explanation: Classical Greek and Roman texts, particularly works by authors like Dioscorides, continue to exert influence, with many substances mentioned in these ancient texts still appearing in modern European pharmacopoeias.

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What is the historical timeframe mentioned for the earliest documentation of medicinal herb use?

Answer: Over 5,000 years ago

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The Ebers Papyrus, an ancient Egyptian medical text, primarily documented:

Answer: Folk remedies and magical medical practices.

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Who were the ancient Indian herbalists credited with describing many herbs and minerals used in Ayurveda?

Answer: Charaka and Sushruta

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Which ancient civilization is associated with the Shennong Bencaojing, considered the first Chinese herbal book?

Answer: Han Dynasty China

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Which Roman author contributed 'Natural History', a source cited for medical and herbal knowledge?

Answer: Pliny the Elder

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What was the primary significance of Pedanius Dioscorides' work, 'De Materia Medica'?

Answer: It corrected and expanded upon earlier texts, influencing medical traditions for centuries.

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Which Persian physician authored 'The Canon of Medicine', a major treatise that served as an early pharmacopoeia?

Answer: Avicenna

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What historical connection exists between classical Greek/Roman authors and modern European pharmacopoeias?

Answer: Many substances mentioned by authors like Dioscorides are still listed in current pharmacopoeias.

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Which ancient civilization is noted for early contributions to herbal medicine alongside Sumerians, Egyptians, and Chinese?

Answer: Indians

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What was the role of Avicenna, Rhazes, and Maimonides in traditional medicine?

Answer: They translated and expanded upon early Greek and Roman medical compilations.

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Major Traditional Systems and Practices

Ayurveda, traditional Chinese medicine, and Unani medicine are not recognized as prominent global traditional medicine systems.

Answer: False

Explanation: Ayurveda, traditional Chinese medicine, and Unani medicine are explicitly identified as prominent global traditional medicine systems.

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Fossils have historically been used in some traditional medicine practices.

Answer: True

Explanation: The historical use of certain fossils within traditional medicine practices is noted in the provided source material.

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Arabic indigenous medicine developed independently without influence from Hellenic or Ayurvedic traditions.

Answer: False

Explanation: Arabic indigenous medicine evolved through the interaction and synthesis of Bedouin practices with translated Hellenic and Ayurvedic medical traditions.

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Native American traditional herbal medicine offered remedies for ailments like malaria and scurvy.

Answer: True

Explanation: Native American traditional herbal medicine provided effective remedies for various ailments, including malaria, dysentery, scurvy, and goiter-related issues.

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Folk medicine is distinguished from traditional medicine by its formalized structure and documented practices.

Answer: False

Explanation: Folk medicine is often characterized by informal transmission and practice by laypeople, whereas traditional medicine can encompass formalized aspects of these practices, distinguishing it from purely informal folk remedies.

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Folk medicine is transmitted informally and can be practiced by anyone with prior experience.

Answer: True

Explanation: Folk medicine is characterized by its informal transmission as general knowledge and its practice by individuals with relevant experience, distinguishing it from more formalized or specialized medical systems.

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Australian Aboriginal bush medicine exclusively uses animal products for healing.

Answer: False

Explanation: Australian Aboriginal bush medicine primarily utilizes plant materials, although animal products may also be incorporated into its practices.

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Herbal medicine is a minor component within most traditional medicine systems.

Answer: False

Explanation: Herbal medicine constitutes a major and integral component within the majority of traditional medicine systems globally.

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Religion and spirituality are considered separate from health and illness concepts in Native American traditional medicine.

Answer: False

Explanation: In Native American traditional medicine, religion and spirituality are deeply intertwined with concepts of health and illness, making them virtually inseparable from the practice.

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Native American healers determined a plant's efficacy based on its geographical origin and cultivation methods.

Answer: False

Explanation: Native American healers assessed a plant's potential efficacy by observing its characteristics, such as shape, smell, color, and taste, rather than solely on its geographical origin or cultivation methods.

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Nattuvaidyam refers to Western medical practices adopted in India.

Answer: False

Explanation: Nattuvaidyam refers to indigenous medical practices prevalent in India that predate the adoption of Western medicine, with Ayurveda being one specific example.

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Kalarichikitsa and marmachikitsa are mentioned as types of Nattuvaidyam related to bone setting and vital spot massaging.

Answer: True

Explanation: Kalarichikitsa, associated with bone setting and musculature, and marmachikitsa, involving vital spot massaging, are cited as specific forms of Nattuvaidyam within Indian traditional medicine.

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Home remedies, or 'granny cures', are treatments using common household items passed down by professionals.

Answer: False

Explanation: Home remedies, often termed 'granny cures,' are treatments utilizing common household items, typically passed down by laypersons through tradition or habit, rather than exclusively by professionals.

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Chicken soup is cited as a common home remedy for respiratory infections.

Answer: True

Explanation: Chicken soup is frequently cited as a popular home remedy employed to alleviate symptoms associated with respiratory infections, such as the common cold.

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Francisco Hernández documented Mexican traditional medicine, incorporating Aztec ethnomedicinal information.

Answer: True

Explanation: Francisco Hernández, a physician to Philip II of Spain, meticulously documented Mexican traditional medicine between 1571-1577, integrating extensive ethnomedicinal knowledge from the Aztec culture.

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The Libellus de Medicinalibus Indorum Herbis was written in Latin by King Carlos V of Spain.

Answer: False

Explanation: The Libellus de Medicinalibus Indorum Herbis was originally written in Nahuatl by Martín de la Cruz and later translated into Latin for King Carlos V of Spain.

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Bernardino de Sahagún used ethnographic methods to compile codices on New Spain.

Answer: True

Explanation: Bernardino de Sahagún employed rigorous ethnographic methodologies in his extensive work compiling codices on New Spain, which later formed the basis for his comprehensive historical accounts.

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The plant family Asteraceae was frequently used by Native American tribes for orthopedic and pulmonary aids.

Answer: True

Explanation: The plant family Asteraceae was notably utilized by numerous Native American tribes for therapeutic purposes, particularly for orthopedic and pulmonary conditions, and is identified as the most widely used family among surveyed tribes.

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The concept of the 'eclipse' of folk medicine refers to its increasing popularity in Western society.

Answer: False

Explanation: The term 'eclipse' of folk medicine in Western society suggests a decline in its prominence or acceptance, rather than an increase in its popularity.

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Which of the following is NOT listed as a prominent example of a traditional medicine system?

Answer: Homeopathy

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How did Arabic indigenous medicine develop according to the text?

Answer: From the interaction of Bedouin practices with Hellenic and Ayurvedic traditions.

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What role did women play in folk medicine during colonial America (17th-18th centuries)?

Answer: They served as traditional folk healers using herbal remedies, cupping, and leeching.

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Which of the following ailments was NOT mentioned as being treated by Native American traditional herbal medicine?

Answer: Diabetes

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How is traditional medicine sometimes differentiated from folk medicine?

Answer: Traditional medicine can include formalized aspects of folk practices, while folk medicine refers to longstanding practices used by laypeople.

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What materials are primarily utilized in Australian bush medicine practiced by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples?

Answer: Primarily plant materials like bark, leaves, and seeds.

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How are religion and spirituality connected to Native American traditional medicine?

Answer: They are deeply intertwined, making them virtually inseparable.

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What characteristic did Native American healers use to assess a plant's potential effectiveness?

Answer: Its color, smell, shape, and taste.

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What is Nattuvaidyam in the context of Indian medicine?

Answer: Indigenous medical practices in India that predated Western medicine.

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Which of the following is cited as a popular home remedy for respiratory infections?

Answer: Chicken soup

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Francisco Hernández's work on Mexican traditional medicine incorporated information from which indigenous group?

Answer: Aztec

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The Libellus de Medicinalibus Indorum Herbis, also known as Codex Barberini, Latin 241, was originally written in which language?

Answer: Nahuatl

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What is the significance of the plant family Asteraceae in Native American medicine?

Answer: It was the most widely used plant family for medicinal properties among surveyed tribes.

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What does the term 'eclipse' of folk medicine in Western society suggest?

Answer: A decline in its prominence or acceptance.

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What is the primary characteristic of folk medicine transmission and practice?

Answer: Informal transmission as general knowledge, practiced by anyone with prior experience.

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Traditional Medicine and Modern Healthcare

There is no connection between traditional medicine practices and the development of modern pharmacology.

Answer: False

Explanation: A significant connection exists between traditional medicine practices and modern pharmacology, as many contemporary medicines are derived from plant compounds originally identified and utilized in historical folk medicine traditions.

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Many modern medicines are derived from plant compounds originally identified and used within folk medicine traditions.

Answer: True

Explanation: A substantial number of modern pharmaceutical agents are derived from plant-based phytochemicals that were initially identified and employed within traditional folk medicine practices.

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Researchers have found that many alternative treatments are statistically indistinguishable from placebo treatments.

Answer: True

Explanation: Research findings indicate that a considerable proportion of alternative treatments exhibit efficacy levels statistically comparable to placebo treatments.

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Foxglove, used by Native Americans for dropsy, is the basis for the modern heart medication digitalis.

Answer: True

Explanation: The plant foxglove, historically employed by Native Americans to treat dropsy (edema), serves as the source for digitalis, a crucial modern medication used to regulate heart rate.

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Quackery (health fraud) is listed under the broader category of Alternative Medicine in the provided text.

Answer: True

Explanation: The classification of 'Quackery (health fraud)' under the umbrella of Alternative Medicine highlights a potential concern regarding unproven or fraudulent practices within this domain.

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The misconception that natural remedies are always safe necessitates precautions with herbal remedies.

Answer: True

Explanation: The prevalent misconception that all natural remedies are inherently safe underscores the necessity for caution and informed practices when utilizing herbal remedies.

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What connection exists between traditional folk medicine and modern medicines?

Answer: Some modern medicines are derived from plant compounds originally used in folk medicine.

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What is a key finding regarding the efficacy of many alternative treatments mentioned in the text?

Answer: They are statistically indistinguishable from placebo treatments.

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What potential concern is raised by listing 'Quackery (health fraud)' under Alternative Medicine?

Answer: It highlights a potential overlap or concern regarding unproven or fraudulent practices within alternative medicine.

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What is the primary safety concern mentioned regarding the misconception about natural remedies?

Answer: Natural remedies are always safe, necessitating precautions with herbal remedies.

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Which of the following is a safety concern related to traditional medicine mentioned in the text?

Answer: Potential for zoonosis from animal-based substances.

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Ethical and Environmental Considerations

The use of endangered animals like pangolins in traditional medicine contributes to biodiversity loss.

Answer: True

Explanation: The utilization of endangered species, including pangolins, in traditional medicine practices significantly contributes to biodiversity loss and exacerbates the illegal wildlife trade.

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The ivory trade is unrelated to the demand from traditional Chinese medicine buyers.

Answer: False

Explanation: The demand for ivory, partly driven by consumers of traditional Chinese medicine, is directly linked to the poaching of elephants and other species, thus fueling the ivory trade.

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Pangolins are the least trafficked mammals globally due to conservation efforts.

Answer: False

Explanation: Contrary to the statement, pangolins are recognized as the most trafficked mammals globally, largely due to demand for their scales and meat in traditional medicine.

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What environmental impact is associated with the use of endangered animals like pangolins in traditional medicine?

Answer: Biodiversity loss and fueling the illegal wildlife trade.

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How has the ivory trade been linked to traditional Chinese medicine?

Answer: Demand from buyers of traditional Chinese medicine contributes to the poaching of elephants for ivory.

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What is the status of pangolins in relation to traditional medicine?

Answer: They are the most trafficked mammals globally, poached for scales and meat used in traditional medicine.

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Knowledge Transmission and Community Roles

Indigenous medicine knowledge is primarily transmitted through written textbooks and formal academic courses.

Answer: False

Explanation: Indigenous medicine knowledge is predominantly transmitted orally within communities and families, often by designated healers, rather than through formal written or academic channels.

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A healer's role in indigenous communities is legitimized solely by their personal beliefs.

Answer: False

Explanation: The legitimacy of a healer's role within indigenous communities is established through a combination of personal beliefs, the perceived efficacy of their healing actions, and the collective beliefs of the community.

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When cultural acceptance of indigenous medicine declines, adherents are categorized into permanent believers, temporary believers, and those who reject all aspects.

Answer: False

Explanation: When cultural acceptance of indigenous medicine wanes, adherents are typically categorized into permanent believers, temporary believers (those who seek it in crisis), and those who adhere to only specific aspects, not necessarily those who reject all aspects.

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Shamans and midwives are typically designated roles responsible for gathering and applying indigenous medicine knowledge.

Answer: True

Explanation: Within indigenous communities, individuals such as shamans and midwives often hold designated roles responsible for the acquisition, preservation, and application of traditional medicine knowledge.

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How is indigenous medicine knowledge typically passed down within communities?

Answer: Orally within communities and families, often by designated healers.

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Which factors legitimize the role of a healer in indigenous communities, according to the source?

Answer: Personal beliefs, perceived success of actions, and community beliefs.

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