ROOTWORK

Ethnic or folk faith structure, widespread in the southern part of the United States, along with the Caribbean; which blames sickness on witchery, hexes, voodoo curses, and spells, called roots. The target usually exhibits extreme anxiety, indications of fear, and associated somatic issues; usually continues to be in such a condition until a traditional healer, referred to as a root doctor, eradicates the root. Also known as: brujeria; mal puesto.