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Traditional Medicine Practices used in Syrian Culture

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Traditional Medicine Practices used in Syrian Culture

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Traditional medicine (TM) is a method for treating a wide variety of diseases and illnesses, its use within Syrian culture dates all the way back to Ancient civilisation. The many benefits of TM include cost-efficiency, less side effects, and are considered to be a better fit for prolonged use in comparison to chemically produced pharmaceuticals (Khatib, C., et al., 2021). There are many methods of TM used in Syrian culture including plant and animal homeopathic remedies, leech therapy, cupping, etc. These methods are still widely used today in all Syrian communities. Some plants used for TM therapies include black mission figs, commiphora, moonflower and aloe. These methods are embedded from Islamic and pre-Islamic cultures and many aspects of Syrian TM are ingrained from the teachings of the Quran and Hadiths. Additionally, Syrian use of TM is tied to abundance and the exchange of positivity amongst people through moral principles such as honesty, selflessness and generosity (Sakr, n.d.).

Khatib, C., Nattouf, A., Agha, M. I. H. (2021). Traditional medicines and their common uses in central region of Syria: Hama and Homs – an ethnomedicinal survey. National Library of Medicine. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC8231352/

Sakr, R. (n.d.). Traditional medicine in Syria:

knowledge, beliefs & experiences. Syria Trust for Development. https://archive.unesco-ichcap.org/kor/ek/sub8/pdf_file/09/7.%20Traditional%20Medicine%20in%20Syria-Knowledge,%20Beliefs%20&%20Experiences.pdf

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Traditional medicines and their common uses in central region of Syria: Hama and Homs – an ethnomedicinal survey

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Since ancient times, traditional Arabic medicine (TAM) has been used to treat various diseases in Syria. They are cost-effective with fewer side effects and are more suitable for long-term use compared with chemically synthesized medicines. In…

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Nutrient Deficiency in Newly Settled Syrian Refugees in Australia 

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Nutrient Deficiency in Newly Settled Syrian Refugees in Australia 

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A common health issue that presents in newly arrived Syrian refugees to Australia is nutrient deficiency, this includes a deficiency in macronutrients as well as micronutrients. More specifically, low levels of vitamin D were observed in 20-66% of refugees arriving from the Middle East (Kiang & Paxton, 2025). Syrian refugees deem a greater risk to low vitamin D due to their background/cultural factors such as dark skin, having reduced sun-skin exposure from being situated in the north of the equator, and wearing veiled/concealing clothing. One recommended treatment option for refugees with vitamin D deficiency involves either daily dosages or high dosage therapy to efficiently build up their levels to be within the normal range. This treatment also promotes efficient intake of calcium as vitamin D enhances absorption of the mineral within the body. As well as vitamin D dosing, education about safe sun exposure and advice on how to self-manage is also usually paired along-side this treatment option. (Paxton & Singleton, n.d.).

Kiang, K., Paxton, G. (2025). Syrian refugees - key issues. The Royal Children’s Hospital Melbourne. https://www.rch.org.au/immigranthealth/clinical/syrian-refugees/

Paxton, G., Singleton, G. (n.d.). Low vitamin d. Australian Refugee Health Practice Guide. https://refugeehealthguide.org.au/low-vitamin-d/

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Immigrant Health Service : Syrian refugees - key issues

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Armed conflict began in the Syrian Arab Republic
(Syria) in March 2011, escalating quickly into civil war (details), and a prolonged conflict situation (see summary including timeline, and UN summary). The crisis lasted 14 years, with profound economic and humanitarian impact. More than 14 million people were forcibly displaced (refugees and internally displaced people - IDP). On 8 Dec 2024, military forces including Hayat Tahrir Al-Sham (HTS) took back Damascus in a period of days, ending the civil war. Since then, more than 125,000 Syrians have returned to their country, and 500,000 IDP returned to north-west Syria.

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Impact of Social Inclusion/Non-discrimination on Syrian Refugees

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Impact of Social Inclusion/Non-discrimination on Syrian Refugees

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The World Health Organisation (WHO) labels social inclusion and non-discrimination as a social determinant influencing the health of individuals across the globe (Australian Institute of Health and Welfare [AIHW], 2024). Regarding the health of Syrian refugees in Australia, its impact has various complexities, a large aspect is the correlation between strong social networks/support and its benefit upon mental and physical health. Non-discrimination and prevention of social exclusion can protect Syrian refugees from detrimental psychological health implications such as chronic stress and anxiety (AIHW, 2024). Although Australia has many systems in place to allow Syrian refugees to be socially included into Australian society, there are still areas within these systems that are not entirely efficient in suitably accomodating the needs of refugees (Refugee Council of Australia, 2023). As well as the struggle of gaining employment, Syrian refugees also face housing implications which also greatly impacts their need of social inclusion. According to SEEFAR’s research project in 2017, a large number of Syrian families were housed into neighbourhoods that were unfavourable of accepting refugees into society and faced verbal and physical persecution from fellow neighbours (Nasser-Eddine, 2017).

Australian Institute of Health and Welfare. (2024). Social determinants of health. https://www.aihw.gov.au/reports/australias-health/social-determinants-of-health

Refugee Council of Australia. (2023). Refugee response index Australia review: refugees become self-reliant (Pillar 4). https://www.refugeecouncil.org.au/rri-refugees-become-self-reliant/

Nasser-Eddie, M. (2017). Integration of Syrian refugees in South Australia: a snapshot. SEEFAR. https://seefar.org/wp-content/uploads/Seefar-integration-of-syrian-refugees-in-south-australia.pdf

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How I intend to incorporate Culturally Responsive Clinical Practice Standards into my Nursing Practice

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How I intend to incorporate Culturally Responsive Clinical Practice Standards into my Nursing Practice

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For me, the most significant aspect of Domain 1 from the ‘Culturally Responsive Clinical Practice’ framework is competency standard 1.1 (Migrant and Refugee Women’s Health Partnership, January 2019). My belief of this corresponds to the fact that every individual has a unique identity formed by their own culture, beliefs, health and lifestyle choices. I find it extremely crucial that healthcare practitioners centre their approach to patients in an appropriate and personalised manner to respond sensitively and considerately to each individual’s health choices/preferences. I see this knowledge as an essential part of keeping patients safe within healthcare systems especially if they come from a different culture/background and are unfamiliarised with what’s considered normal within Australia. Because I am not yet fully confident in my ability to remain aware and sensitively approach individuals of different backgrounds and cultures, I will ensure to continue exploring and understanding the differentiations of health beliefs and practices of cultures around the world.

Migrants and Refugee Women’s Health Partnership. (2019). Culturally responsive clinical practice: working with people from migrant and refugee backgrounds. https://culturaldiversityhealth.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/Culturally-responsive-clinical-practice-Working-with-people-from-migrant-and-refugee-backgrounds-Jan2019.pdf