TY - JOUR T1 - Mental Habits Behind Seeking Folk Healing in Rural Philippines AU - Jardeleza, Kristhel Dianne AU - Delcano, Miriya Bianca AU - Delmo, Ariane AU - Eugalca, John Michael AU - Siojo, Roy Rean Jen AU - Pedroso, John Erwin PY - 2025 DA - June Y2 - 2025 DO - 10.25306/skad.1658394 JF - Sosyal ve Kültürel Araştırmalar Dergisi (SKAD) JO - SKAD PB - Sakarya Üniversitesi WT - DergiPark SN - 2149-2778 SP - 45 EP - 60 VL - 11 IS - 22 LA - en AB - This study explored the mental habits of locals in a rural community in the Philippines regarding folk healing, with a particular focus on the use of herbs and food restrictions. Conducted in the first half of 2024, the research aimed to understand how these traditional healing practices persist and influence local perceptions of health and well-being. Data were gathered from ten (10) informants through in-depth interviews, guided by a validated semi-structured interview guide. The collected data were then analyzed using Clarke and Braun’s thematic analysis to identify recurring patterns in the participants’ responses. Two (2) main themes emerged from the analysis: (1) Integrating the Power of Herbs and Touch in Folk Healing, which highlights the widespread belief in the therapeutic effects of herbal remedies combined with physical touch; and (2) Adhering to Food Restrictions, which underscores the community’s practice of avoiding certain foods to aid in recovery or prevent illness. These findings suggest that folk healing remains deeply embedded in the community’s cultural and mental framework, reinforcing a shared reliance on traditional health practices. KW - Traditional Medicine KW - Cognition KW - Medicinal Plants KW - Food Consumption CR - Ahmed, G. E. M., Ahmed, E. Y. M., Ahmed, A. E., Hemmeda, L., Birier, A. B., Abdelgadir, T., Hassan, H. M. A., Alfadul, E. S. A., Bakr, M., & Sadig, E. (2023). 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