Lead Poisoning and Folk Remedies
Some folk medicine remedies are unsafe because they have high lead contents.
In Texas, California and Arizona lead poisoning has been traced to these three Mexican folk remedies: Greta, Azarcon and Rueda. Greta, Azarcon and Rueda are used to cure constipation in children. These medicines are usually sold by folk healers, ethnic grocery stores and neighborhood shops. These medicines are usually brought in by travelers in their suitcases thereby slipping past government regulators.
Source:
“Folk remedies used by immigrants often are high in toxic lead.” Arizona Daily Star. January 23, 2008. Page 1
“Folk remedies used by immigrants often are high in toxic lead.” Arizona Daily Star. January 23, 2008. Page 1