A man died of poisoning this week after drinking a miracle herb potion to ward off his family's bad luck. The Peruvian government has since warned that not every person who calls himself a medicine man or shaman is trustworthy.
The government cautioned its citizens to steer clear of secretive or street-corner practices, warning that they may be given potions that could make them sick or even kill them.
The country's Health Ministry said in a statement, "Avoid consuming brews made with herbs of questionable origin or hallucinogenic plants prepared by so-called Shamans."
Many newspapers in Peru are filled with ads placed by self-proclaimed shamans who say they are able to improve people's luck. Use of alternative medicine is widespread in the country, and some turn to shamans or medicine men because they believe they have the ability to ease their troubles.
