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Herbal Medicine Practices In Iraqi Health Culture

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Herbal Medicine Practices In Iraqi Health Culture

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In Iraqi culture, herbal remedies and home-based medicine treatments are vital components of health care, especially among refugee populations in the culture. I have developed my understanding that traditional practice involves using a mixture of cumin and egg yolk heated in water, applied to the forehead to reduce fever. Other remedies include barley with butter for skin burns and herbal teas, such as Karawya or cumin-infused water, for digestive issues (Huang, 2017). Iraqi patients often first turn to such remedies and delay seeking modern medical help until these home treatments fail (Huang, 2017). As a student nurse, recognising and respectfully discussing these traditional practices allows for culturally safe care, enabling the integration of effective herbal methods with evidence-based medicine, and fostering trust allows for improving engagement and outcomes (Huang, 2017).

References

Huang, J. (2017). Traditional medicine of Karen, Nepali, and Iraqi refugees. University of Virginia Family Medicine. https://med.virginia.edu/family-medicine/wp-content/uploads/sites/285/2017/01/Joseph-Huang-Traditional-Medicine-Karen-Nepali-Iraqi_Web.pdf

Xinhua. (2018, October 11). A vendor sells herbal medicine at a traditional market in Baghdad, Iraq [Photograph]. Xinhua News. http://www.xinhuanet.com/english/2018-10/11/c_137525838.htm

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Image : (Encyclopaedia Britannica, n.d.)

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Addressing PTSD in Iraqi Refugees: A Common Health Concern

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Addressing PTSD in Iraqi Refugees: A Common Health Concern

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Iraqi refugees often arrive in Australia with high rates of post-traumatic stress disorder due to exposure to conflict, displacement, and trauma (Australian Refugee Health Practice Guide, 2016). PTSD affects both mental and physical well-being, impacting settlement and access to care. Having read the guide, early identification through screening is crucial. A key treatment option is trauma-focused cognitive behavioural therapy, which helps individuals process traumatic memories and develop coping strategies (Australian Refugee Health Practice Guide, 2016). As a future nurse, I will support this by facilitating referrals to culturally competent mental health services and ensuring communication is sensitive to linguistic and cultural needs for each individual. This knowledge is essential to me as it highlights how early, tailored intervention improves recovery and promotes overall health outcomes for Iraqi refugees.

Australian Refugee Health Practice Guide. (2016). Mental health and wellbeing.

References

https://refugeehealthguide.org.au/mental-health-and-wellbeing/

Encyclopedia Britannica. (n.d.). Flag of Iraq [Image]. https://cdn.britannica.com/28/1728-050-FC0FCF9D/Flag-Iraq.jpg

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The Role of Social Inclusion in Supporting the Health of Iraqi Refugees in Australia

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The Role of Social Inclusion in Supporting the Health of Iraqi Refugees in Australia

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For me, the most significant issue affecting Iraqi refugees resettling in Australia is the impact of social exclusion and discrimination on health. Having read research on refugee health, I now understand that many face racism, language barriers, and limited employment that can increase stress and lead to social isolation (Refugee Council of Australia, 2023). This often results in poor mental health outcomes such as depression, anxiety, and trauma-related disorders. I realise that many Iraqi refugees may also delay seeking healthcare due to cultural stigma or fear of discrimination in healthcare settings (Migrant and Refugee Women’s Health Partnership, 2019). As a nursing student, I will promote inclusion by using interpreters, building culturally safe communication, and creating space for patients to express their beliefs and preferences. This knowledge is essential to me in practice because inclusive care builds trust, improves access, and enhances well-being for Iraqi refugees.

References

Migrant and Refugee Women’s Health Partnership. (2019). Culturally responsive clinical practice: Working with people from migrant and refugee backgrounds: Competency standards framework for clinicians. Migrant and Refugee Women’s Health Partnership. Retrieved from https://culturaldiversityhealth.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/Culturally-responsive-clinical-practice-Working-with-people-from-migrant-and-refugee-backgrounds-Jan2019.pdf

Prickett, I. (Photographer). (2019). Displaced Iraqi families [Photograph]. USA for UNHCR. https://www.unrefugees.org/media/3510/iraq-crisis-1200x800.png

Refugee Council of Australia. (n.d.). About us. Retrieved August 27, 2025, from https://www.refugeecouncil.org.au/about-us/

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Responding Without Assumptions: Building Culturally Safe Nursing Practice through Clinical Expertise

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Responding Without Assumptions: Building Culturally Safe Nursing Practice through Clinical Expertise

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As a first-year student, I will apply Standard 1.1 by committing to culturally safe and respectful care for every patient. I will actively listen without judgment, ask open-ended questions about beliefs or preferences, and avoid assumptions based on appearance or background (Migrant and Refugee Women’s Health Partnership, 2019). Before each placement, I’ll research the local community’s cultural and linguistic diversity to understand common health beliefs or barriers. During interactions, I’ll adapt my communication style to accommodate needs, such as using interpreters when necessary, avoiding medical jargon, and respecting religious or spiritual requirements, including prayer times and fasting. I will also reflect on my own biases and seek feedback from supervisors to improve. This knowledge is essential to me in the workplace because it helps patients feel seen and respected. By taking these steps, I’ll ensure that every patient feels seen, heard, and respected, thereby helping to build trust and improve health outcomes (Migrant and Refugee Women’s Health Partnership, 2019).

References

Encyclopedia Britannica. (2012). Map of Iraq [Map]. In Iraq: History, map, flag, population, & facts. Retrieved from https://www.britannica.com/place/Iraq

Migrant and Refugee Women’s Health Partnership. (2019). Culturally responsive clinical practice: Working with people from migrant and refugee backgrounds: Competency standards framework for clinicians. Migrant and Refugee Women’s Health Partnership. Retrieved from https://culturaldiversityhealth.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/Culturally-responsive-clinical-practice-Working-with-people-from-migrant-and-refugee-backgrounds-Jan2019.pdf