folk medicine

noun

: traditional medicine as practiced nonprofessionally especially by people isolated from modern medical services and usually involving the use of plant-derived remedies on an empirical basis

Examples of folk medicine in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

The herb has a long tradition in folk medicine and is often used to stimulate digestion. —Maria Berentzen, Vogue, 11 Sep. 2024

Science has caught up with the empirical wisdom of country folk medicine. —Diane Kochilas, Contributor, CNBC, 13 Aug. 2024

The flowering shrubs known as witch hazel are perhaps best known for their use in folk medicine and as a natural topical skin ointment. —Jennifer Ouellette, Ars Technica, 28 Aug. 2023

Sun bears’ gall bladders are used in some Chinese folk medicine, and their paws are a high-end delicacy. —Carlyn Kranking, Smithsonian Magazine, 3 Aug. 2023

Word History

First Known Use

1878, in the meaning defined above

Kids Definition

folk medicine

noun

: traditional medicine that usually involves the use of plant-based remedies especially by people isolated from modern medical services

Medical Definition

folk medicine

noun

ˈfōk- 

: traditional medicine as practiced especially by people isolated from modern medical services and usually involving the use of plant-derived remedies on an empirical basis compare home remedy