Central to ethnic health beliefs and practices is the set of home remedies used before, during, and after a professional or folk practitioner is consulted. Although such cures are numerous and varied, similarities can be found among them, often because of the common use of American folk remedies and the easy availability of patent medicines. Even when the same substance is used, however, beliefs about its efficacy may vary. One product common in descriptions of popular treatments among many ethnic groups is Vicks VapoRub. Among European groups, this pungent ointment is used because it supplies heat to the chest and because the vapor helps clear nasal passages. Latin American ethnic groups, however, have categorized it as “hot” in their “hot-cold” system, and other groups use it in conjunction with prayer, ritual, or such culturally specified materials as red flannel. The same easily accessible substance is used in different ways according to the health perspectives of its users.
