What is Ethnomedicine

Hoodoo is an ethnomedical, natural healing method of magical rituals derived from West and Central African traditions, elements of Christianity, Native American folklore and African-American slavery. Rootlore applies herbs, roots, minerals, implements and animal part charms for ritual and personal use as intercessory curios that petition supernatural help and flaunt superstition. Grigri is a hoodoo object believed to protect the wearer from evil. Belief and protection associated with personal hoodoo may be appreciated with concepts in ritual healing, rootlore and meaningful experiences with respect to placebo effects. The study provides a narrative analysis of elements of ritual preparation of a chicken feet Grigri within a shared space with extended family members. In a personal account, a successful attempt of curing a conflict by unconventional means is reported. Ideas about extraordinary experiences outside traditional western medicine arise. Thoughts about the efficacy of taboo ritual material as complementary to western medicine speak to needing more innovative directions in psychotherapy.