J Ethnopharmacol. 1988 Sep; 24(1): 31-9.

Toxic Mexican folk remedies for the treatment of empacho: the case of azarcon, greta, and albayalde.

Baer RD, Ackerman A.

Department of Anthropology, University of South Florida, Tampa.

This article discusses the availability of three lead-based salts which are being used as folk remedies in Mexico. Distribution systems and geographic availability were determined, and purchased samples were found to be very high in lead content. The findings suggest the need for further research to understand the reasons why such remedies are chosen, and the development of an educational program to discourage their use.