Our thematic selections : Traditional Arab medicine

Traditional medicine in the Arab world is often based on ancestral treatments derived from plants and herbs.

It is also a psychological system of medicine: talebs and marabouts draw on religious science and empirical knowledge to ease the suffering of their patients, and may even practice exorcisms for what they deem to be serious states of delirium.

Finally, it includes practices related to those of a bonesetter, which may veer close to surgery and orthopedics.

The difference between a taleb and a sorcerer may be quite small.

Is this system of traditional Arab medicine effective and what are the risks to patients?

Our selection provides answers on this wide-ranging subject.

This selection is just a taste of the AWI's rich heritage.

You can find out more about these subjects by exploring this portal or by visiting the Institute.