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The Herb Chicory, or Kashi (Cichorium intybus L.), is highly valued for its medicinal properties. It is prepared by boiling the roots to produce a mixture for oral consumption. This improves bile flow, treats liver conditions, reduces mild fevers, and relieve headaches and kidney discomfort. According to traditional Medicinal Plants in Kabul, Afghanistan’s Guldara District (n.d.), it is thought to cure typhoid and sunstroke. Additional evidence demonstrates Chicory’s effectiveness in treating inflammation and liver problems, underscoring its ongoing significance in Afghan medicinal practices (Ahmed et al., 2013)

Ahmed, B., Al-Howiriny, T. A., & Siddiqui, A. B. (2013). Antihepatotoxic activity of seeds of Cichorium intybus. Journal of Ethnopharmacology, 87(2–3), 237–240. https://doi.org/10.1016/S0378-8741(03)00126-7.

Medicinal plants used traditionally in Guldara District of Kabul, Afghanistan. (n.d.). International Journal of Pharmacognosy and Chinese Medicine. ISSN: 2576-4772.

Pareek, A., Hussain, S., & Gupta, S. (2022). Chicory is an adulterant for coffee or tea [Photograph]. Cultivator Phytolab. https://cultivatorphytolab.com/chicory-is-an-adulterant-for-coffee-or-tea/.

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For me, the most relevant aspect of competency standard 1.2 from Domain 1: Clinical Expert is recognising these traumatic events' impact on refugees. In nursing, there is often a bias to objective data of the patient rather than their subjective experience. In practical classes, I catch myself favoring objective data over a holistic approach. I need to improve on this issue as I have learned its importance, especially in dealing with refugee patients. My own experiences with mental health challenges have shown me the importance of support and tools for coping with past trauma. This deepens my empathy for refugees, as I can only imagine the impact their experiences have on their mental health and well-being. It is concerning that some cultures may be less open about personal matters. I'm grateful that mental health is openly discussed in Australia, which helps me feel more at ease when treating trauma survivors. To provide the best care, I will integrate trauma-informed methods while maintaining cultural humility.

Culturally Responsive Clinical Practice: Working with People from Migrant and Refugee Backgrounds Competency Standards Framework for Clinicians. (2019, January). Migrant & Refugee Health Partnership. https://culturaldiversityhealth.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/Culturally-responsive-clinical-practice-Working-with-people-from-migrant-and-refugee-backgrounds-Jan2019.pdf.

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The Full Mosque SGT. Kimberly Lamb/ Public Domain 

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Afghanistan culture is heavily influenced by religion (Islam), which affects all aspects of their lives. They dress, eat, pray, and speak. One must-see tourist attraction is The Mazar-i-Sharif.

"Legend has it the mosque is so sacred that any dove with a speck of color on its feathers will instantly become pure white after entering the mosque's vicinity." According to legend, a Middle Eastern mullah (scholar of Islam) had a dream that Ali bin Abi Talib, the son-in-law and cousin of the prophet Muhammad, had his bones resting in what is now northwestern Afghanistan.  (Atlas Obscura, n.d.)

Link to Website: https://www.atlasobscura.com/places/blue-mosque-afghanistan

Atlas Obscura. (n.d.). Blue Mosque of Mazar-e-Sharif. https://www.atlasobscura.com/places/blue-mosque-afghanistan.

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Kabuli Pulao The National Dish Of Afghanistan 

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Kabuli Pulao is a flavourful dish of basmati rice and lamb cooked with traditional spices like cardamon and cumin. It is frequently garnished with raisins, carrots, and almonds, adding a sweet and savory factor to the dish. It is known as the Afghanistan national dish, which is served for celebrations or festivities that reflect the legacy of their culture.

Ingredients

·    2–4 tbs char masala

·    2 teaspoons cumin seeds

·    1.5 lb lamb

·    350 grams julienned carrots

·    250 grams of raisins

·    1/4 C sesame oil

·    2 sliced onions

·    4 chopped garlic cloves

·    salt

·    2 Tablespoons of sugar

·    3 Cups Rice

Method

1.     Rinse the rice until the water clears to remove excess starch, then let it soak.

2.     Prepare the lamb: Heat sesame oil in your Instapot, pressure cooker, or regular pot. Sauté onions and garlic for 30 seconds, then add cumin.

3.     Add the lamb, salt, and 3 cups of water. Cook for 25 minutes under high pressure (Instapot) or about an hour in a regular pot until the meat is fork tender.

4.     Cook carrots and raisins: Sauté shredded carrots in vegetable oil until soft. Set aside. Soak raisins in hot water for 5 minutes, drain, and briefly sauté. Combine with carrots in foil for later.

5.     Boil a large pot of salted water. Partially cook the soaked rice for about 4 minutes, then drain.

6.     Make the sugar solution: In a pan, heat 1/4 cup of vegetable oil, add sugar, and let it darken. Add 1/2 cup of water and set aside.

7.     Assemble: Layer half the rice in a pot, add the lamb, then the remaining rice. Pour in lamb broth, the sugar mixture, and char masala.

8.     Poke holes in the rice with a spoon handle for steam to escape. Place the carrot and raisin packet on top, cover with foil, then the lid.

9.     Cook on medium-low heat for about 25 minutes.

For more tips, click this link: https://afghancooks.com/kabuli-pulao-recipe/

Afghan Cooks. (n.d.). Kabuli pulao recipe. https://afghancooks.com/kabuli-pulao-recipe/

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Dancing at weddings is a tradition in Afghanistan. It symbolizes unity, strength, and cultural heritage continuity; the Attan is the most well-known dance.

Yassna & Sharukh. (2023, May 23). Afghan wedding dance 2023 [Video]. YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8D2fd634J50

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AFGHAN WEDDING DANCE 2023 - Yassna & Sharukh

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(Afghan Refugees Are Still Reliving the Trauma of Escaping the Taliban)

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Afghans have fled their country due to numerous factors ranging from conflict, violence, and poverty. According to Australian Refugee Statistics (2024). In 2022, 54,430 Afghan refugees arrived in Australia, and 30-50% were struggling with mental health issues, including post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). According to the Australian Refugee Health Practice Guide (2021), PTSD is a common disorder characterized by anxiety, emotional numbness, and flashbacks. Refugees can access a variety of trauma therapies, including culturally tailored Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT). This method emphasizes safety, cultural sensitivity, and teamwork to assist refugees in processing their trauma and reintegrating into society (Australian Refugee Health Practice Guide, 2021. It is essential to address all mental health concerns, so that Afghan refugees can settle well into Australia.

Australian Refugee Health Practice Guide. (2021). Health issues of Afghan refugees. Retrieved from https://refugeehealthguide.org.au

Australian Refugee Statistics. (2024). Annual statistics. Australian Government Department of Home Affairs. Retrieved from https://www.macrotrends.net/global-metrics/countries/AUS/australia/refugee-statistics#:~:text=Country%20of%20asylum%20is%20the,a%202.11%25%20decline%20from%202021.

Vice. (2022). Afghan refugees: Trauma and challenges after fleeing to Ukraine [Photograph]. https://www.vice.com/en/article/afghan-refugees-trauma-ukraine

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(The living conditions of Afghans have deteriorated in the past two years, the Central Statistics Organization (CSO) said on Sunday.)

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The social determinants of health impact health and well being of all. Refugees in particular Afghan refugees are impacted socially as they face discrimination and exclusion due to political issues with the Taliban. According to the World Health Organisation (2023), when refugees included in society and treated equitably, they experience better mental and physical health results. However, this racism towards Afghans still prevalent in Australia and is affecting their overall health. A study that was conducted by The Australian Human Rights Commission, 2021 Refugee Council of Australia (2022) proposes that discrimination can lead to health disparities and deter refugee from seeking care, worsening untreated conditions. Therefore, as nurses we must advocate for inclusive and non-discriminatory healthcare services to improve all our refugee patients health.

Australian Human Rights Commission. (2021). Human rights and refugees. https://humanrights.gov.au

Refugee Council of Australia. (2022). Supporting refugees in Australia. https://refugeecouncil.org.au