title: The witchdoctor and the bowel.
abstract: Most urban Blacks consult witchdoctors for diverse reasons. The potent effects of their herbal medicines can result in damage to almost any part of the gastro-intestinal tract, and the outcome may be fatal. Diseases induced by witchdoctors therefore constitute an important facet of the disease spectrum of recently urbanized Blacks. Possible reasons for the strong influence of the witchdoctor are given. It is suggested that there should be a reappraisal of medical training in a Black society, so that cognizance can be taken of the important role played by witchdoctors.
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D001741:Black or African American; D044383:Black People; D004378:Duodenal Diseases / Q000139:chemically induced; D004751:Enteritis / Q000139:chemically induced; D004941:Esophagitis / Q000139:chemically induced; D005756:Gastritis / Q000139:chemically induced; D005928:Glossitis / Q000139:chemically induced; D006801:Humans; D007410:Intestinal Diseases / Q000139:chemically induced*; D007416:Intestinal Perforation / Q000139:chemically induced; D007583:Jejunum / Q000503:physiopathology; D008297:Male; D008519:Medicine, Traditional; D010936:Plant Extracts / Q000506:poisoning*; D010946:Plants, Medicinal; D013019:South Africa; D014505:Urban Population
chemical_list: D010936:Plant Extracts