Multicultural-Afghan Blog by Manpreet Kaur

Traditional Medicine

manpreetkaur0128 — 2024-08-27 02:35:30 UTC

In traditional Afghan medicine, Figs(Anjeer) are commonly used to treat many health issues. It is consumed in several ways, like fresh, powdered, and dried fruit(Rasool et al., 2023). Afghani use figs to improve and support gastrointestinal health as they are rich in dietary fibre, which prevents constipation. Figs can also be brewed in tea to help cure dry coughs, sore throats, and abdominal pain. In some regions where dairy products are not available easily, people consume figs as they are a rich calcium source supporting bones. It is also used to treat skin wounds because antioxidants in figs contain vitamins A and E, which cure skin health(Amini and Hamdam,2017).

Amini, M. H., & Hamdam, S. M. (2017). Medicinal plants used traditionally in Guldara district of Kabul, Afghanistan. International Journal of Pharmacognosy and Chinese Medicine, 1(3), 1-5. https://doi.org/10.23880/ipcm-16000118

Rasool, I. F. ul, Aziz, A., Khalid, W., Koraqi, H., Siddiqui, S. A., AL-Farga, A., Lai, W.-F., & Ali, A. (2023). Industrial Application and Health Prospective of Fig (Ficus carica) By-Products. Molecules, 28(3), 960. https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules28030960

Shiraishi, C. S. H., Zbiss, Y., Roriz, C. L., Dias, M. I., Prieto, M. A., Calhelha, R. C., Alves, M. J., Heleno, S. A., V., da C. M., Carocho, M., Abreu, R. M. V., & Barros, L. (2023a). Fig Leaves (Ficus carica L.): Source of Bioactive Ingredients for Industrial Valorization. Processes, 11(4), 1179. https://doi.org/10.3390/pr11041179

Afghan

manpreetkaur0128 — 2024-08-27 02:37:08 UTC

Domain 1: Clinical Expert-Standard 1.2

manpreetkaur0128 — 2024-08-27 05:17:35 UTC

After reading the competency standards, I realised that the most significant aspect of Domain 1-standard 1.2 was understanding and managing the effects of traumatic experiences on patients from refugee and migrant backgrounds. I learned how past experiences affect patients' current mental and physical well-being. It also enhanced my ability to provide adequate care by performing assessments and giving treatment based on traumatic events and post-traumatic stress disorder(Migrant and Refugee Women's Health Partnership,2019). I understand that building trust and supporting their recovery is crucial to provide safe and holistic care. This knowledge could be helpful in my future practice as it would help me to provide person-centred care.

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. https://culturaldiversityhealth.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/Culturally-responsive-clinical-practice-Working-with-people-from-migrant-and-refugee-backgrounds-Jan2019.pdf

Social Inclusion and Non-Discrimination

manpreetkaur0128 — 2024-08-27 05:21:49 UTC

For refugees from Afghan arriving in Australia, Social inclusion and non-discrimination are vital social determinants of health(WHO,2024). The health outcomes of Afghan refugees with complex backgrounds are influenced by the level of acceptance in the new country. Social inclusion involves people in society by fair access to resources, such as offering Afghan refugees career opportunities, education, and a good healthcare system, which is crucial to supporting and improving their physical and mental well-being(Australian Human Rights Commission, 2013). As Afghan refugees experienced trauma and challenges in their own country, which impacted their mental health negatively, So including them and treating them fairly is extremely important to enhance their psychological health(Collins,2003).

World Health Organization. (2024). Social determinants of health. World Health Organization. https://www.who.int/health-topics/social-determinants-of-health#tab=tab_1

Collins, H. (2003). Discrimination, Equality and Social Inclusion. Modern Law Review, 66(1), 16–43. https://doi.org/10.1111/1468-2230.6601002

Australian Human Rights Commission. (2013). Social Inclusion and Human Rights in Australia | Australian Human Rights Commission. Humanrights.gov.au. https://humanrights.gov.au/about/news/speeches/social-inclusion-and-human-rights-australia

Common Health issues and Treatment

manpreetkaur0128 — 2024-08-27 05:24:18 UTC

Iron deficiency anaemia is a common health concern among refugees from Afghanistan upon arrival in Australia. Various reasons, such as inadequate access to nutritious food and severe starvation, lead to undernutrition, which impacts overall health. The most common symptoms are lethargy, Shortness of breath, reduced haemoglobin levels, poor overall growth and weakness, and signs of cardiac failure(NHS, 2023).

Investigation- A complete blood examination is required(Australian Refugee Health Practice Guide, 2024)

Treatment-

Iron supplements- The use of ferrous sulphate and its dosage depends on blood test reports and according to individual needs.
Diet: Include iron-rich foods such as red meat, beans, lentils, nuts, green and leafy vegetables, nuts, and whole grains in your diet(Australian Refugee Health Practice Guide, 2024).

Australian Refugee Health Practice Guide. (2024). Anaemia, iron deficiency, and other blood conditions. https://refugeehealthguide.org.au/anaemia-iron-deficiency-and-other-blood-conditions/

National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute. (2022). Anemia - iron-deficiency anemia. Www.nhlbi.nih.gov. https://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health/anemia/iron-deficiency-anemia

NHS. (2023, November 21). Iron deficiency anaemia symptoms and treatments. Www.nhsinform.scot. https://www.nhsinform.scot/illnesses-and-conditions/nutritional/iron-deficiency-anaemia/

Afghan's National Dish

manpreetkaur0128 — 2024-08-27 07:16:43 UTC

Kabuli Pulao is the national dish of Afghans and is served on special occasions (Akbarzada, 2023). It is a mixture of sweet and savoury Flavours.

Ingredients-

Char Masala is a powdered blend of black cardamom, cinnamon, clove, and cumin seeds.
Steamed Rice
Shredded carrots
raisins
Caramelised sugar
Chopped lamb
Onion and garlic (Seddiq, 2021).

Recipe-

Boil Rice
Cook lamb in sesame oil.
Add onion and garlic.
Cook carrots in oil.
Soak raisins in hot water.
Assemble everything.
Take a big pot, put half the rice, then put the lamb.
Add rice again and lamb broth.
Add sugar mixture and spices.
Cook it on medium heat.
Serve it with Afghan green Sauce and Naan (Seddiq, 2021).

Seddiq, M. (2021, September 5). Kabuli pulao recipe - Afghan National Dish. Afghan Cooks. https://afghancooks.com/kabuli-pulao-recipe/

Sumaira Akbarzada. (2023, June 12). Afghan Cuisine’s Rice Dishes—Delectables of the Silk Road. The Markaz Review. https://themarkaz.org/afghan-cuisines-rice-dishes-delectables-of-the-silk-road/

Wikipedia Contributors. (2024, August 11). Kabuli pulao. Wikipedia; Wikimedia Foundation. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kabuli_pulao

Traditional festival-Nowruz

manpreetkaur0128 — 2024-08-27 08:09:39 UTC

Nowruz is a New Year of Afghans celebrated on March 21 by the Persian empire for centuries(Cultural Atlas,2024). It is the first day of the spring season, which indicates the beginning of a new season, a fresh start, and removing negativity from the previous year(Shabab,2023). Afghanis celebrate this festival by exchanging gifts, having family get-togethers, cooking traditional food and wearing traditional clothes, visiting relatives, decorating homes, and participating in kite flying(Shabab,2023). However, there were difficulties with Nowroz celebrations, like ongoing wars and the impact of COVID-19, which restricted the celebrations and gatherings. However, still, some people celebrate it with great passion(Sethi,2022).

Zark Shabab. (2023, March 25). Nowruz and its celebrations in Afghanistan - Zark Shabab - Medium. Medium; Medium. https://medium.com/@zarkshabab1/nowruz-and-its-celebrations-in-afghanistan-ec463fac722a

Cultural Atlas. (2024). Afghan Culture: Dates of Significance. https://culturalatlas.sbs.com.au/afghan-culture/afghan-culture-dates-of-significance

Sethi, S. (2022, March 21). Nowruz is banned in Afghanistan, but families continue to celebrate. NPR. https://www.npr.org/2022/03/21/1087296594/nowruz-is-banned-in-afghanistan-but-families-continue-to-celebrate

Afghan Textile Art

manpreetkaur0128 — 2024-08-28 00:56:32 UTC

War Rugs are a prominent part of the Afghan handicraft industry with deep cultural and historical importance(Cahill,2009). It is hand-made and created by weaving techniques with high-quality raw materials such as wool, dyes and cotton. Dyes are usually made from vegetables and plants (Barmakia, 2020). Each colour on the rug has significance like green depicts hope, White is for purity, and Black symbolises death and destruction. Each rug tells a story, conveys essential messages, reflects the feelings or sentiments of Afghan people during the war period, and depicts the challenges and socio-political transformation Afghans experienced over the years(Charland, 2011). Some rugs are made of tanks, guns, maps, and helicopter designs (Barmakia,2020).

Barmakia, S. (2020). Afghan rugs pattern in a visual ethnographic perspective. International Journal of Visual and Performing Arts, 2(2), 96-104. https://doi.org/10.31763/viperarts.v2i2.187

Charland, W. (2011). War Rugs: Woven Documents of Conflict and Hope. Art Education, 64(6), 25–32. https://doi.org/10.1080/00043125.2011.11519149

Cahill, S. (2009). Battleground: War Rugs from Afghanistan. The Journal of Modern Craft, 2(2), 229–232. https://doi.org/10.2752/174967809x463169