An traditional use for rabbit droppings

After a presentation on traditional healing practices at the NAHO Inuit Centre workshop, participants were asked to share some of their healing practices. Here are some of the responses:

• In a case of suspected drowning, the victim should be placed on an incline, head down. No foam from his or her mouth or face should be removed.

• For aches and pain, a warmed rock can be wrapped in a cloth and pressed to the affected area.

• In coastal areas, skin infections and sores should be washed with salt water.

• Blubber applied with a feather is the best remedy for dry, chapped lips.

• Blueberries are good to bring the appetite back.

• To bring down a fever, snow can be put in a plastic bag, then a cloth bag for the patient to lie on.

• The skin of a lemming placed on a boil will help draw the pus out.

• The outer layer of a jellyfish is good for skin infections.

• Seal oil is good for ear aches, and seal fat helps stop bleeding when applied to a wound.

• If a white covering appears over the eyeball, breast milk should be dropped on it.

• Crushed rabbit dropping should be used to help cure snow blindness.