Wombs, Washes, and Wisdom: Translational Ethnobotany and the Plant Healing Practices of Haitian Women in the Diaspora
Ella T. Vardeman, Ph.D., Shelsa Juste, Johanne Jacques, Hitline Lamarre, Edward J. Kennelly, Ph.D., Ina Vandebroek, Ph.D., Yesenia Cortés
Volume 25, Number 2 (2026) 25 (2): (2): 51–67
Keywords Diaspora communities, Caribbean traditional medicine, immigrant health, health communication, ethnobiology, community outreach, Haitian Americans United for Progress, urban ethnobotany, women’s health
Abstract
Community-driven research is important in studies involving women as knowledge holders, as it elevates their voices and agency. This case study adapts the concept of “translational research” following an ethnobotanical survey of Haitian women in New York City (NYC). Moving beyond documenting medicinal plants for women’s health, Haitian participants in community centers were engaged in transforming research findings into practical tools through focus group discussions, in which they re-evaluated and refined the outcomes based on their traditional knowledge and preferences. This collaboration resulted in co-created educational materials—compiled by researchers but authored by Haitian women—that are available in Haitian community centers in NYC and online.
This model showcases translational ethnobotany, in which research proactively engages communities to generate practical resources that support their health, knowledge sharing, and cultural heritage. Future ethnobotanical surveys and funding bodies should recognize translational outcomes as essential for ensuring that research benefits communities at its core.
Ella T. Vardeman, Ph.D.
Shelsa Juste
Johanne Jacques
Hitline Lamarre
Edward J. Kennelly, Ph.D.
Ina Vandebroek, Ph.D.
Yesenia Cortés
Published January 14, 2026
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivatives 4.0 International License.
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