ABSTRACT
Women have been healers from ancient times. They have used gentle, natural ways to treat illness in both themselves and their children, often applying plant-based products, salves, and ointments. They learned the application and effect of these remedies from other healers and through their own experience. In primitive times, society valued these women as healers, midwives, and even surgeons and bonesetters (Kane-Berman, 1997). This heritage is a global one and can be found in most cultures. W hat has changed through history and in various cultures is the way in which the healing and the healers have been viewed, their freedom to practice what they knew, and the practices and products that they used to promote healing.
