^aUniversity of California, CA

Abstract

This article explores the social interpretation of labeling Latino health beliefs associated with botánicas and unlicensed clinics as "folk" and "traditional" as opposed to "complementary" and "alternative." Using a critical medical anthropological approach to trace the development of these labels, this article analyzes the hegemonic impact of biomedicine on Latino epistemologies, and traces the difficult application of static interpretations of Latino cultural practices in public health. One qualitative account of a modern experience of susto is provided to indicate the complexity of "folk" illness experience. Ultimately, this article asks, "What does it mean to define Latino/a beliefs and practices as "folk," "traditional," "complementary," or "alternative"?