Traditional Mi’kmaq medicine could become modern skin therapy | CBC News
Researchers at Nova Scotia’s Cape Breton University have
received a $850,000 grant to develop a traditional Mi’kmaq medicine for
potential future commercial production as a skin ointment.
received a $850,000 grant to develop a traditional Mi’kmaq medicine for
potential future commercial production as a skin ointment.
Maskwiomin is made from the oil of birch bark and is used to treat skin conditions such as rashes, eczema and psoriasis.
Matthias
Bierenstiel, a chemistry professor at Cape Breton University, said the
traditional medicine could be a “powerful” remedy for people who suffer
from such conditions.
He said modern medicine and ointments used
to treat skin conditions are typically hit or miss, but so far,
maskwiomin is proving to be much more effective.