Alternative Medicine in Cagli

By Katie Price

            When I’m not enjoying Cagli through Gonzaga, I live in Bahrain.  There are few things that bloom in the desert so I anticipated an adverse allergic reaction when I traveled to the verdant region of le Marche, Italy. I brought what I thought would be a sufficient amount of anti-histamines for my three weeks here. I made a slight miscalculation; I ran out of my American medicine in the first three days here.

            My journey to health began at a traditional pharmacy where I got over-the-counter anti-histamine.  I took it religiously every morning and evening.  Although my health was improving, I still had a runny nose and frequent coughing fits.  I knew I wasn’t dying but it was difficult to explain my coughing fits to the sweet lady scooping gelato while I’m turning colors because I can’t breathe.

            Around the corner from my house, I noticed a sign for the erbolisteria – a small shop featuring alternative medicines.  Armed with my dictionary and some props (cough drops and tissues), I walked as confidently as I could manage into the store.  The cashier was helping another woman so I browsed the products nervously waiting for my turn to talk.

            It took about 15 minutes but I managed to explain my symptoms in broken Italian and substantial gesturing.  This extremely patient woman suggested an herbal supplement to be taken orally twice a day coupled with a nose spray made of grapefruit and other natural ingredients.  We pantomimed while referring heavily to my dictionary and scribbling instructions in a hybrid Italian-English on the back of her business card.  When I felt confident that I understood, I thanked her profusely and paid for the merchandise.

            Did this alternative medicine really work?  Actually, it has been much more efficient than the prescription medicine I had in the first place!  Negotiating medicine in an unfamiliar tongue can be awkward but I know the people of Cagli trust this woman with their health so why shouldn’t I?

For more about the woman who runs this shop, please click on this link.