Herbal medicine on the rise: the case of 'awa.

There has been increasing interest in 'awa on several levels (e.g., cultural, medicinal, economic). The present article explores the issues surrounding 'awa use, highlights existing literature, places the discussion in its proper indigenous context, and sheds light on the tensions fueled by culturally inappropriate practice. In concluding the article, recommendations within a native context are put forth in four domains: (a) education, (b) research, (c) analysis and implementation of legal protections, and (d) economic development.