Within the Amish community, religious and cultural values emphasize the use of natural remedies over conventional medicine. The Amish often incorporate herbal medicine into the broad, holistic, folk-based medical practices that remain popular within traditional Amish groups. Most Amish herbal remedies are based in Swiss and German tradition, but Amish herbal healing may also incorporate indigenous American folk medicine, as well as exotic methods like traditional Chinese medicine (TCM). Popular Amish herbal remedies include pumpkin seed, corn silk, garlic, echinacea, red clover, St. John's wort and sage.
Fertility
While the Amish religion does not expressly forbid the use of contraceptives, large families are highly valued within Amish culture. For this reason, many remedies are used to enhance sexual health and fertility in both men and women. The Global Annabaptist Mennonite Encyclopedia Online (GAMEO) states that corn silk teas are popular remedies for Amish men with prostate problems. Pumpkin seeds, a popular prostate-remedy throughout the world, are also used frequently by Amish men. Additionally, Amish women may use herbs like red clover and red raspberry leaf, as well as specialized diets, to increase their chances of becoming pregnant.
Pregnancy
For the Amish, the use of does not end with conception. A 2001 study at Northeastern Ohio University demonstrated that folk medicine is popular among pregnant Amish women. Of the women who were interviewed, 36 percent said that they had used a complementary alternative medicine method during pregnancy. The most popular choices included St. John's wort for antenatal depression and garlic, a common remedy for pregnancy-induced hypertension (PIH). Except in emergencies, the Amish emphasize natural childbirth; Amish pregnancies are usually overseen by midwives rather than physicians.
Pain and Inflammation
GAMEO reports that the Amish have dozens of remedies for pains caused by rheumatoid arthritis and other painful conditions. These may take the form of salves, poultices, teas and oral medicines. Peppermint is a common remedy for stomach pain and gallstones, while willow bark is a popular remedy for headaches, arthritis and muscle spasms. Bitter herbs are commonly used to relieve the pain associated with constipation, gas and indigestion. Additionally, the Amish may use classic immunostimulant herbs like echinacea and garlic to battle painful infections.
Other CAM Practices
While most Amish folk remedies come from European tradition, the Amish may also use alternative medicine practices that are sourced from other cultures. The Amish frequently seek chiropractic care, and they may use TCM methods like acupuncture and acupressure. Additionally, have reported the use of oriental herbs, like ginseng, for medicinal purposes. The Amish may also practice iridology, hydrotherapy, alternative cancer remedies and specialized diets. Members of the Amish community almost always use prayer and faith healing--alone or in conjunction with other techniques--to treat medical conditions.
Controversy
In 1981, the New York Times published a story about Solomon Wickey, an Amish herbalist who was banned from practice because he was not a licensed physician. Wickey, who used iridology to diagnose his clients, recommended herbal remedies that were based in Amish tradition. He did not charge for his services, only for the sale of medicinal herbs, but many local physicians considered Wickey to be a "fraud" and a "quack." Because the use of herbal medicine is controversial within the mainstream medical community, Amish herbalism is frequently dismissed by mainstream practitioners.
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