unlike in other parts of the world, brazilian folk medicine is not reviled by science or consigned to stigmatized 'alternative medicine' stores. indeed, it is a part of daily life for everyone, rich or poor. there isn't a carioca alive who doesn't have an uncle who puts copaifera in his coffee to soothe his aching bones, or who hasn't had a bath drawn up by their aunt, with finch herb and tobacco to relieve muscle pain.

warm milk for earaches, castor oil and charcoal for warts, covering burns in honey and cream, and sugar water baths for skin inflammation are all still common practices in homes across the class spectrum in rio.