7-10
Exam pie 2: Helping people learn to weigh benefits against risks
Some home remedies—like some modern medicines—are relatively safe, while
others are more dangerous. Health workers need to help people learn to always
consider the possible risks or dangers of a treatment. Never use a form of treatment
that could prove more dangerous than the illness.
In Mexico, villagers have an interesting home
cure for deep fungus infections of the scalp. The
child’s head is shaved completely and covered
with fresh cow manure. After 24 hours the
manure is washed off with cow’s urine.
Many of us might be disgusted by this cow
manure treatment, or say it is worthless. But stop to think about it; it may have some
scientific value!
First, all feces (shit) contain bacteria that keep fungus from growing. (One
reason why broad-range antibiotics sometimes cause diarrhea is that they kill the
‘good’ bacteria that prevent the growth of harmful fungus in the gut. See WTND,
p. 58.)
Second, urine is a mild acid. Many modern anti-fungus medicines contain mild
acids. So the urine as well as the manure has properties that help fight fungus
infections.
On the negative side, however, this manure treatment has a high risk of causing
tetanus or other serious bacterial infections. The cure could prove more dangerous
than the illness.
The health workers in Ajoya therefore
discourage this home treatment. But
rather than tell people the cure is bad,
they look for ways to strengthen people’s
respect for their traditions, yet help
them learn something new. In this
case, they help people to discover the
scientific value of the cure, but also to
consider the dangers. They point out that
almost all forms of medicine-traditional
and modern—have certain risks or
dangers. Before using any treatment, the
possible benefits should always be
weighed against the possible harm.
In this way, the health workers help
people develop a wiser, more sensible
approach to the use of both traditional
and modern medicines.
For more ideas on the sensible use of
medicines, see Chapter 18.
THE DEEP FUNGUS INFECTION OF THIS GIRL
WAS TREATED WITH FRESH COW DUNG.