AboutKevin Johnson Expertise I lived in Germany my whole life. Since I have strong ties to the United States and an active interest in American life, I know the fine differences between the two nations.
Question do people of German descent believe in traditional health practices? Do they use folk remedies?
Answer Hello Ena,
The typical German uses the same mixture of professional and traditional health practices as other western countries like France, Great Britain or the United States: Some chicken broth and herbal teas for minor health problems like the common cold or mild diarrhea, a trip to the doctor or hospital for more serious health problems.
Just like in the United States, so called "alternative" medicine remedies like accupuncture or homeopathy are somewhat popular for non-life-threatening conditions (despite proofs that they do not provide any benefits above the placebo effect).
In Germany there is a system of public health care insurances and (nearly) everyone has to be a member of such a "health insurance fund". So a trip to the doctor is not a financial problem. Hence most Germans do consult a doctor fairly early when they get sick beyond a slight ailment. Some licensed doctors are also trained in the larger branches of "alternative" medicine (homeopathy, accupuncture, accupressure, chiropractic etc.).
