Traditional medicine
Traditional medicine encompasses a large number of practices, approaches,
knowledge and beliefs that include remedies drawn from plant, animal or
mineral extracts, in addition to spiritual, manual or psychological
techniques such as massage, meditation and acupuncture.
It also includes knowledge, innovations and practices of indigenous and
local communities embodying traditional lifestyles that are relevant for the
conservation and sustainable use of biological diversity.
Traditional medical knowledge and practice are intrinsically linked in most
societies to other domains and traditions. For example, in drawing on plant,
animal and mineral resources, traditional medicine reflects broader cultural
beliefs and knowledge of the natural environment in which a community lives.
Thus they may often play an important role in various interrelated domains
of life, such as ritual and ceremony.
Such knowledge is transmitted through the oral network in many communities
in Iraq.
Today, the value of traditional medicine is recognized and there is growing
international interest in products derived from its know-how and practices.
Just as many custodian communities continue to abide by their traditional
medical knowledge.
