Folk Medicine in Southern Appalachia

“A vivid picture of folk medical practices in southern Appalachia that dispels the notion of the region’s residents as geographically and culturally isolated by placing their traditions firmly within the broader context of Euro-American folk medicine.” —North Carolina Historical Review

“A solid work that combines a historical perspective with contemporary models from the social sciences that can be applied to the folk medicine of any region in the country. . . . Cavender has raised the bar for studies of regional folk medicine. As a medical anthropologist, he demonstrates the methodological rigor necessary for this type of study. This book should stand for many years as a model for further inquiries of this nature.” —Appalachian Journal

“An exceptionally valuable treatise on folk healing in the southern Appalachians. . . . The book will also be critical for anyone interested in the history of scientific medicine in the region. Its importance goes beyond Appalachian studies, however, for Cavender illustrates how vital it is for historians of biomedicine, or of folk medicine, to recognize the influences each had, and continues to have, on the other.” —Journal of American History

“What is surprising is that this book has just now appeared to fill such an obvious gap. What is gratifying is that it is so comprehensive. What is so exciting is how well done it is.” —Appalachian History

“Times change, traditional knowledge whether useful or myth becomes lost. Cavender preserves this part of the Appalachian folk heritage.” —Blue Ridge Country

“This volume should prove useful to a variety of readers. . . . An excellent resource for college students wishing to learn more about the southern Appalachian region and the people living there.” —Journal of Appalachian Studies

“Will surely be read widely among the academic community interested in regional and medical anthropology study, but it is a book that could just [as] well be enjoyed by someone whose interest in southern Appalachian folk medicine and mythology was sparked by reading Charles Frazier’s Cold Mountain, or by a vague memory of a remedy that grandma once used.” —Mountain Times

“Well organized and easy to read. The historical context in each chapter brings the reader to a greater understanding of how history influences contemporary practices. Students of nursing, medicine, and anthropology will benefit from this book.” —Nursing History Review

“Cavender offers a distinct regional and historical perspective on the ever-growing literature about folk healing beliefs within their cultural contexts.” —Journal of Southern History

“The profiles of contemporary herbalists, faith healers, and a Native American healer are fascinating.”—Smokies Life