2026-07-26T00:43:44Zhttps://oai.catalogue.archives.ncbs.res.in/oai:archives.ncbs.res.in:/repositories/2/archival_objects/278512026-02-26T12:48:32ZArchives at NCBSTata Institute of Fundamental ResearchAR-029-2.AR-029-2-1https://catalogue.archives.ncbs.res.in/repositories/2/archival_objects/27851Maharashtra Prabodhan Seva Mandal. MPSMMadhav Parshuram Bhusare - Session 01, 03-07-202503-07-202542 MinutesengmarMadhav Bhusare, a 65 years old traditional vaidu (herbal healer) from the forested region of Peth in Nashik, has been practicing indigenous medicine for 40 years, continuing a lineage of knowledge passed down through generations. He specializes in preparing herbal treatments using medicinal plants, fruits, and roots gathered from the surrounding forests. His practice is rooted in deep ecological understanding, cultural traditions, and a holistic approach to healing.
He describes his treatments for women with fertility issues, outlining a three-month herbal regimen to regulate and cleanse menstrual cycles and promote conception. He discusses remedies for various ailments including body swellings, dizziness, memory loss, and childhood illnesses such as weak paalav (poor bone and joint strength), stomach swelling, and pagar (water retention and body weakness). The interview details the identification and use of medicinal plants, often fresh and sourced from red soil areas, methods of diagnosis through pulse and ear examination, and preparation techniques including grinding herbs into powders for internal or external application. Bhusare also recounts learning the practice from his father, emphasizing early morning forest collection routines, the importance of plant potency, and the transmission of traditional healing knowledge.(00:00:00) He introduces himself and speaks about his years of practice.
(00:01:07) He describes the various diseases he treats using medicines prepared from medicinal plants found in the forest region of Peth, Nashik.
(00:04:12) He explains how he identifies symptoms of different illnesses and highlights the use of traditional religious practices in diagnosing diseases.
(00:05:39) He discusses how he enquires with patients about their health concerns to understand their condition.
(00:07:00) He describes the methods he uses to diagnose diseases in animals.
(00:08:25) He talks about his specialization in providing herbal medicines for women with fertility issues, elaborating on the different conditions related to female fertility.
(00:10:23)He describes the preparation process of medicines used to treat fertility-related problems in women.
(00:12:52) He shares details about his family background and how he learned medicinal preparation methods from his father. He discusses his training period, the rituals followed during the learning process, his daily routine, dietary practices, and the experience of studying herbs and medicinal plants.
(00:19:40) He explains the time required to collect medicinal plants from the forest, emphasizing the importance of harvesting them at the right moment based on lunar cycles and auspicious days.
(00:23:40) He outlines the processes involved in preparing medicines using fresh herbs and plants, including making powders, decoctions, and ointments. He stresses the importance of purifying the blood before administering the prescribed dosage.
(00:27:47) He describes the dosages and dietary guidelines provided to patients, focusing on a routine, balanced diet during treatment.
(00:31:00) He discusses the monetary aspect of his practice, explaining that he does not charge fixed fees and accepts contributions in any form—money, grains, or other items.
(00:31:30) He talks about the number of people who visit him daily for treatment and reflects on how his traditional knowledge remains respected despite the development of local health centres.
(00:34:14)He elaborates on the methods he uses to diagnose cancer in both humans and animals. He also describes his treatment approach, which involves keeping patients under observation at his home.
(00:35:21) He explains how he is passing his knowledge to the next generation, emphasizing the importance of discipline, proper treatment methods, diet, and dedicated study of forest herbs.
(00:38:00)He discusses how he selects candidates to whom he imparts his knowledge. He stresses respect for the practice, gratitude toward the forest, honesty, adherence to diet, and understanding the environment.
(00:39:55) He concludes by explaining how people compensate him for the treatment he provides.Access Level 1: Online. See https://archives.ncbs.res.in/accessCopyright may not have been assigned to Archives, National Centre for Biological Sciences. Permission for reproduction or distribution must be obtained in writing from the Archives at NCBS (archives@ncbs.res.in). The Archives at NCBS makes no representation that it is the copyright owner in all of its collections. The user must obtain all necessary rights and clearances before use of material and material may only be reproduced for academic and non-commercial use.Oral History Interviews of Vaidu, AR-029