Mexican folk remedies and conventional medical care.

Abstract

Despite reports of folk medicine use in all parts of the United States, many physicians are unaware of the extent to which patients use folk medicine and conventional medicine concurrently. A survey of Hispanic patients in West Texas showed that folk medicine was used in 50 percent of the families. Use was not influenced by educational level, employment status or primary language. Most such medicines or rituals are harmless, or possibly helpful, but there are serious exceptions.