Abstract
Traditional folk remedies have long been a part of cultural heritage across the globe, offering primary healthcare solutions for various ailments before the advent of modern medicine. In particular, the treatment of neurological and sleep-related disorders such as epilepsy and insomnia have frequently been addressed through such remedies. While folk remedies are considered by some to be no more than superstition or placebo, recent research has shown that in some cases, in particular in terms of medieval European folk remedies, the use of folk remedies can be validated using modern scientific methods.
This study investigates the efficacy of boererate (traditional Afrikaner home remedies), for treating epilepsy and insomnia, through the lens of network science. Boererate, deeply rooted in Afrikaner culture and identity, have evolved from a blend of European and indigenous Khoekhoen medical practices, and are still considered a relevant form of medicine by many Afrikaners today. The study is situated within the emerging field of network ethnopharmacology, which combines history, microbiology, chemistry, data science, and network theory to explore and evaluate historical home remedies and their ingredient combinations.
The primary data source for this research was the authoritative collection of boererate compiled by the Suid-Afrikaanse Akademie vir Wetenskap en Kuns (2011). This dataset includes a variety of remedies, plants, and ailments, offering a comprehensive overview of Boer medicinal practices. Network analysis was employed to identify key ingredient combinations within these remedies, focusing on those used to treat epilepsy and insomnia, two prevalent central nervous system disorders.
The k-core, a concept in network science that identifies the most densely connected and robust subgraphs within a network, was applied to pinpoint the core ingredients and their combinations in the remedies. This approach allowed for the identification of key ingredient combinations that are frequently used in boererate for specific ailments. The effectiveness of these key ingredients was further evaluated by reviewing existing literature on their medicinal properties and potential for treating epilepsy and insomnia.
The analysis revealed that several ingredients recommended for treating epilepsy and insomnia in boererate have indeed been proven effective in previous studies. For instance, cinnamon, lavender, and peppermint oil, identified as potential candidates for epilepsy treatment, have shown promising results in prior research. Similarly, lavender has been recognised for its potential in treating insomnia. However, not all ingredients in boererate exhibited such scientific backing, suggesting that while some of these remedies may have a scientific basis for treating certain conditions, others may not.
This study underscores the potential of network science in ethnopharmacology, demonstrating its ability to uncover patterns and relationships in traditional medicine that may have been overlooked, using conventional research methods. By applying network analysis to historical remedies like boererate, we can potentially identify promising ingredients and combinations for further investigation and possible integration into modern medicine. This approach not only contributes to the preservation and appreciation of traditional knowledge but also highlights its potential to inform and enrich contemporary healthcare practices.
Keywords: boererate; epilepsy; ethnopharmacology; folk remedies; home remedies; insomnia; network science; traditional medicine
- This article’s featured image was created by Conscious Design and obtained from Unsplash.