Los estudios sobre el saber popular en salud en España: fundamentos de un área de conocimiento en construcción

Abstract

Introduction: Since the 19th century, academics and researchers have documented and valued familial practices and knowledge, highlighting an ongoing dialogue between official medicine and popular traditions. Objective: To describe the contributions and authors who, from the 19th century to the present day, have shown interest in popular health knowledge. Methodology: A review of printed and electronic works, incorporating contributions from the fields of ethnography and anthropology while excluding literary and folkloric domains. Results: The identified studies demonstrate how popular health practices, including the use of medicinal plants and magical-religious rituals, vary by region. In many areas, especially in Andalusia, these practices have evolved but retain their cultural relevance and influence on family health. Conclusion: This study highlights the need for a deeper recognition of popular knowledge as essential to understanding the cultural history of health and its influence on contemporary society. Furthermore, future research should focus on the dynamism of this knowledge, particularly in the context of an ever-evolving society.