Processed as part of NCBS PAST 2025-26. Grantee Name: Maharashtra Prabodhan Seva Mandal, Grant Title: Ancestral Knowledge and Science among North Maharashtra's Indigenous People. For details, see
This collection presents eight oral history interviews conducted in the indigenous villages of Dindori and Peth in the Nashik region, documenting the lives and practices of traditional healers known as Vaidus. Serving as community doctors for generations, these healers possess inherited knowledge of medicinal plants, forest ecosystems, and natural treatment methods that align with what is today classified within ethnomedicine. The interviews explore their journeys into healing, traditional diagnostic techniques such as pulse and ear examination, forest-based procurement of herbs, preparation methods including powders, pastes, oils, and decoctions, and the dietary and ritual practices associated with treatment. The narratives highlight treatments for a wide range of human and animal ailments, including infertility, menstrual disorders, fractures, wounds, kidney stones, respiratory diseases, diabetes, jaundice, snake bites, digestive disorders, and livestock illnesses. The Vaidus describe the use of specific forest plants, roots, barks, and natural substances, emphasizing sustainability, plant potency, and early morning collection practices. Collectively, the interviews document the intergenerational transmission of indigenous medical knowledge through oral methods and underscore the vital role of traditional healers in sustaining community health and ecological stewardship.
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AR-029,Oral History Interviews of Vaidu, Archives at MPSM
The collection is arranged as a single series titled 'Oral History Interviews of Vaidu's' Within the series, interviews are organized chronologically by interview date with each file containing the interview recording and summaries.
Mukund Khurkute Mukund Khurkute documents herbal remedies for infertility, wounds, digestive disorders, skin diseases, and women's health issues in both humans and animals. He details specific forest plants, preparation methods, dosage, and dietary restrictions associated with treatment. Madhav Bhusare Madhav Bhusare specializes in fertility treatments and menstrual regulation through a structured three-month herbal regimen. His interview highlights pulse-based diagnosis, early morning forest collection practices, and the intergenerational transfer of medicinal knowledge. Shankar Shinde Shankar Shinde discusses herbal treatments for respiratory diseases, kidney stones, diabetes, jaundice, and heart ailments, often consulting medical professionals for diagnosis. He also contributes to forest conservation and vulture protection, linking healing practices with environmental stewardship. Nivruti Awari Nivruti Awari specializes in treating fractures, sprains, joint pain, and nerve-related conditions in humans and cattle. He prepares herbal pastes, oral medicines, and therapeutic massages using forest-sourced plants and prescribes dietary restrictions for recovery. Mahadu Dundee Mahadu Dundee practices plant-based healing for both community members and livestock, incorporating traditional beliefs about natural cycles and plant taboos. His remedies emphasize forest resources to prevent livestock deaths and address joint, stomach, and wound-related ailments. Tukaram Bhoy With over four decades of experience, Tukaram Bhoy focuses on wound healing using forest-based herbal preparations. His interview underscores the continuity of indigenous medicinal knowledge and its role in sustaining community healthcare. Balu Valvi Balu Valvi, practicing for over 25 years, prepares medicines administered with coconut water and plain water. He specializes in kidney stones, menstrual disorders, and snakebite treatments within his community. Devidas Chaudhary Devidas Chaudhary practices inherited plant-based medicine, formally recognized through examination and traditional training. He treats blood pressure, cough, fissures, kidney stones, menstrual conditions, and certain cattle illnesses using herbal, oil-based, and decoction.
Mukund Kharkute is a 70-year-old traditional Vaidu with over 35 years of experience in herbal and tribal medicine. He inherited his knowledge from his grandfather, continuing a three-generation family tradition of healing.He collects medicinal plants from forests and riverbanks and prepares remedies as powders, decoctions, and infusions to treat ailments such as jaundice, kidney stones, diabetes, snakebite, infertility, menstrual disorders, and animal wounds. His practice combines careful diagnosis, dietary discipline, and spiritual rituals, emphasizing respect for nature. Kharkute remains committed to preserving and passing on traditional medical knowledge for future generations. Mukund Khurkute shares details about herbal remedies used for various human and animal ailments, including infertility, wounds, digestive problems, skin diseases, and women's health issues. He describes specific plants such as Vihla (used for infertility), Gometa fruit roots, Dodka (a small ridge gourd variant), and medicinal barks from Balsa, Kumbhai, and Pipal trees. He explains preparation methods, dosage, and associated dietary restrictions for treatment.
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Mukund Khurkhute - Session 01
Mukund Kharkute is a 70-year-old traditional Vaidu with over 35 years of experience in herbal and tribal medicine. He inherited his knowledge from his grandfather, continuing a three-generation family tradition of healing.He collects medicinal plants from forests and riverbanks and prepares remedies as powders, decoctions, and infusions to treat ailments such as jaundice, kidney stones, diabetes, snakebite, infertility, menstrual disorders, and animal wounds. His practice combines careful diagnosis, dietary discipline, and spiritual rituals, emphasizing respect for nature. Kharkute remains committed to preserving and passing on traditional medical knowledge for future generations. Mukund Khurkute shares details about herbal remedies used for various human and animal ailments, including infertility, wounds, digestive problems, skin diseases, and women's health issues. He describes specific plants such as Vihla (used for infertility), Gometa fruit roots, Dodka (a small ridge gourd variant), and medicinal barks from Balsa, Kumbhai, and Pipal trees. He explains preparation methods, dosage, and associated dietary restrictions for treatment.
(00:00:00) Mukund Kharkute introduces himself, stating his age (70) and his profession as a Vaidu (traditional healer). (00:00:50) He explains that he has practiced for over 35 years, collecting medicinal roots from forests and riverbanks to prepare remedies for urinary infections, body swelling, skin inflammation, and women's menstrual disorders. (00:05:15) He describes treatments for kidney stones, animal wounds, infertility, and throat infections using specific plants, roots, bark, and flowers. (00:11:04) He explains his diagnostic methods, particularly for jaundice, and discusses the role of spiritual healing and prayer alongside herbal treatment. (00:17:00) He shares his personal experience with diabetes treated through traditional medicine and describes remedies for jaundice, swelling, and snakebite, including ritual practices for severe cases. (00:21:10) He states that the healing knowledge has been passed down through three generations in his family and is now being learned by his daughters and sons-in-law. (00:23:34) He explains that medicinal plants are collected only from forests and details the use of different plant parts prepared as powders or decoctions. (00:26:57) He outlines dietary restrictions, prayer rituals before treatment, and emphasizes respect for nature during the healing process. (00:28:53) He recalls successfully treating women with menstrual disorders and notes that patients come from his village and nearby areas. (00:30:47) He stresses the importance of preserving medicinal plants, selectively teaching sincere learners, and ensuring the continuity of traditional medicine. (00:32:00) The interview concludes with mutual thanks and his hope that traditional healing knowledge will continue to serve future generations.
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Madhav 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.
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Madhav Parshuram Bhusare - Session 01
Madhav 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.
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Shankar Shinde is a traditional Vaidu trained through ancestral knowledge and formal instruction with BAIF. Drawing on teachings from his grandfather, he treats conditions such as snakebite, paralysis, diabetes, menstrual disorders, malnutrition, and jaundice using herbal medicines and therapeutic massage.He also provides treatment for livestock, prepares medicines from locally sourced herbs in the Nashik region, and cultivates medicinal plants around his home. Alongside his healing practice, he is actively involved in forest and vulture conservation and trains youth in his community to preserve traditional medical knowledge. He shares his background in medicine preparation and treatment, learned through the study and training of medicinal plants in forest settings. In addition to offering steam bath and massage services for livelihood support, he has actively participated in vulture conservation, nature protection, and forest plantation work, earning recognition from the Government of India. The interview covers his preparation of herbal medicines for ailments such as respiratory diseases, kidney stones, piles, diabetes, jaundice, heart disease, and women's health issues, with diagnoses often made in consultation with medical experts
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Shankar Rama Shinde - Session 01
Shankar Shinde is a traditional Vaidu trained through ancestral knowledge and formal instruction with BAIF. Drawing on teachings from his grandfather, he treats conditions such as snakebite, paralysis, diabetes, menstrual disorders, malnutrition, and jaundice using herbal medicines and therapeutic massage.He also provides treatment for livestock, prepares medicines from locally sourced herbs in the Nashik region, and cultivates medicinal plants around his home. Alongside his healing practice, he is actively involved in forest and vulture conservation and trains youth in his community to preserve traditional medical knowledge. He shares his background in medicine preparation and treatment, learned through the study and training of medicinal plants in forest settings. In addition to offering steam bath and massage services for livelihood support, he has actively participated in vulture conservation, nature protection, and forest plantation work, earning recognition from the Government of India. The interview covers his preparation of herbal medicines for ailments such as respiratory diseases, kidney stones, piles, diabetes, jaundice, heart disease, and women's health issues, with diagnoses often made in consultation with medical experts
(00:00:00) He provides an overview of how he became a Vaidu, detailing his formal training with BAIF and his long-standing involvement in forest and vulture conservation initiatives. (00:03:18) He explains the range of diseases he treats and describes the role of therapeutic massage as an integral part of his healing practice. (00:05:00) He discusses his diagnostic approach, outlining how he identifies symptoms related to conditions such as snakebite, diabetes, menstrual disorders, malnutrition, and jaundice. (00:13:02) He elaborates on his specialization in treating paralysis, describing the medicinal herbs used and the methods followed for determining and administering dosage. (00:16:32) He explains how he learned the names of medicinal plants and methods of preparation from his grandfather, alongside the structured training he received through BAIF. (00:23:05) He reflects on the dietary discipline and personal experiences that shaped his practice while training to become a Vaidu. (00:24:24) He describes the locations in Nashik from where he sources medicinal herbs, explains how they are processed into medicines, and shares his concerns regarding the cultivation and conservation of these plants. (00:35:35) He explains his methods for storing medicinal herbs and preparing them in the form of powders, decoctions, and massage oils. (00:45:13) He notes that many patients continue to seek his treatment despite improvements in local healthcare facilities. (00:45:43) He explains how he is training youth within his community to prepare medicines and discusses how the nomenclature of medicinal plants has evolved over time. (00:48:40) He shares his knowledge of preparing medicines for livestock and the treatments he provides to animals. (00:51:42) He explains, in the local language, the diseases affecting livestock and the medicines used to treat them. (00:55:15) He describes the symptoms he observes in livestock to diagnose different diseases. (00:56:45) He recounts his experiences in animal care, including assisting in the delivery of a dead calf and other related cases. (01:00:08) He describes his role in forest and vulture conservation, highlighting his collaboration with the Forest Department. (01:02:00) He explains vulture behavior, particularly their feeding habits. (01:04:00) He discusses the cultivation of medicinal plants around his home as part of conservation and accessibility efforts.
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Nivruti Awari is a traditional bone healer (Vaidu) specializing in the treatment of fractures, dislocations, swelling, and muscle injuries. Trained in indigenous medical practices from his grandfather Hiraman Awari who is a well known Vaidu and author of many books. Nivruti diagnoses conditions through careful physical observation and treats patients using manual bone realignment, therapeutic massage, and herbal plasters prepared from forest-sourced medicinal plants.He follows strict dietary and dosage guidelines, adapts treatments for both humans and animals, and maintains an ethical practice by accepting only voluntary fees. Dedicated to preserving traditional healing knowledge he is passing his skills on to his children to ensure continuity of this practice. The interview documents the indigenous healing practices of Nivruti Awari, a traditional healer (vaidya) specialising in the treatment of bone fractures, sprains, joint pain, and nerve-related ailments in both humans and animals. The narrative details the preparation and application of herbal remedies sourced from forest plants such as ambe halad, ragat roda, bandgul, bentvel, and besram. Treatments include external application of herbal pastes (lep), oral administration in measured doses, therapeutic massage, and dietary restrictions to aid recovery.
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Nivruti Awari - Session 01
Nivruti Awari is a traditional bone healer (Vaidu) specializing in the treatment of fractures, dislocations, swelling, and muscle injuries. Trained in indigenous medical practices from his grandfather Hiraman Awari who is a well known Vaidu and author of many books. Nivruti diagnoses conditions through careful physical observation and treats patients using manual bone realignment, therapeutic massage, and herbal plasters prepared from forest-sourced medicinal plants.He follows strict dietary and dosage guidelines, adapts treatments for both humans and animals, and maintains an ethical practice by accepting only voluntary fees. Dedicated to preserving traditional healing knowledge he is passing his skills on to his children to ensure continuity of this practice. The interview documents the indigenous healing practices of Nivruti Awari, a traditional healer (vaidya) specialising in the treatment of bone fractures, sprains, joint pain, and nerve-related ailments in both humans and animals. The narrative details the preparation and application of herbal remedies sourced from forest plants such as ambe halad, ragat roda, bandgul, bentvel, and besram. Treatments include external application of herbal pastes (lep), oral administration in measured doses, therapeutic massage, and dietary restrictions to aid recovery.
(00:00:00) He describes how he became a Vaidu (traditional healer), how he learned about medicinal plants and herbs, and how he gained knowledge of diagnosing diseases. (00:02:58) He explains his methods for treating bone-related conditions such as fractures and swelling. He discusses how he realigns dislocated bones and prepares herbal ointments used for plasters, including the ingredients and roots involved. (00:03:00) He talks about his treatments for various bone and muscle-related issues. He uses massage techniques after diagnosing the condition of the muscles and veins, and prescribes medicines prepared from mango turmeric and Diospyros virginiana. The same herbal paste is also used for plastering. (00:04:45) He explains his diagnostic methods and the symptoms he observes in patients to determine their ailment. (00:08:33) He describes how he stores medicines, where he sources medicinal plants and herbs, and how he remembers the locations of specific plants in the forest. (00:10:30) He discusses several medicinal plants and roots used during treatment, along with their dosages and methods of preparation. He also explains how he prepares similar dosages for treating animals. (00:16:13) He explains the dietary guidelines he gives to patients and the specific medicine dosages they must follow during the course of treatment. (00:18:14) He talks about the recovery period for patients, noting that it varies depending on the type of illness or injury. He also mentions the precautions patients must take during recovery. (00:19:30) He shares how he treats animals himself but advises human patients requiring plaster to visit a city doctor for proper medical intervention. (00:21:52) He speaks about his fee structure, explaining that he never demands payment and accepts whatever the patient voluntarily offers. (00:23:15) He discusses the number of patients who visit his home to receive treatment. (00:29:07) He talks about how he is passing on his knowledge to his children to ensure that the healing practices and traditional medicinal knowledge are preserved for the future.
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Mhadu Dunde is a traditional Vaidu who learned vanaspati (herbal) medicine from an early age under the guidance of an experienced healer from Gujarat. Over the years, he developed methods to diagnose and treat a wide range of ailments using medicinal plants, including paralysis, kidney stones, arthritis, jaundice, seizures, tuberculosis, and women's health conditions, as well as providing care for livestock.His practice emphasizes correct diagnosis, precise dosage, strict dietary discipline, and the proper preparation and storage of medicines in forms such as powders and decoctions. He cultivates medicinal plants around his home, travels to share and expand his knowledge, and treats patients from various regions. Dedicated to preserving this tradition, he is actively passing on his knowledge and rituals of healing to his daughters and grandchildren. The interview records traditional beliefs about natural cycles, such as lunar influences on menstruation, and taboos on handling certain plants. It describes the medicinal uses of Lokhande (Iron tree) and Morshing (moringa/drumstick tree) for joint pain and stomach ailments, and the use of banyan leaves mixed with turmeric to treat cattle wounds. Alternative remedies, such as feeding cattle rice mixed with jaggery, are also mentioned. The account reflects a deep reliance on forest resources and emphasises the efficacy of plant-based treatments in preventing livestock deaths and addressing community health needs.
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Mhadu Ramji Dunde - Session 01
Mhadu Dunde is a traditional Vaidu who learned vanaspati (herbal) medicine from an early age under the guidance of an experienced healer from Gujarat. Over the years, he developed methods to diagnose and treat a wide range of ailments using medicinal plants, including paralysis, kidney stones, arthritis, jaundice, seizures, tuberculosis, and women's health conditions, as well as providing care for livestock.His practice emphasizes correct diagnosis, precise dosage, strict dietary discipline, and the proper preparation and storage of medicines in forms such as powders and decoctions. He cultivates medicinal plants around his home, travels to share and expand his knowledge, and treats patients from various regions. Dedicated to preserving this tradition, he is actively passing on his knowledge and rituals of healing to his daughters and grandchildren. The interview records traditional beliefs about natural cycles, such as lunar influences on menstruation, and taboos on handling certain plants. It describes the medicinal uses of Lokhande (Iron tree) and Morshing (moringa/drumstick tree) for joint pain and stomach ailments, and the use of banyan leaves mixed with turmeric to treat cattle wounds. Alternative remedies, such as feeding cattle rice mixed with jaggery, are also mentioned. The account reflects a deep reliance on forest resources and emphasises the efficacy of plant-based treatments in preventing livestock deaths and addressing community health needs.
(00:00:00) The interviewee reflects on his childhood and explains how he learned vanaspati (herbal) medicine, receiving training from another Vaidu based in Gujarat. (00:06:51) He outlines his methods for diagnosing diseases. (00:10:15) He discusses medicinal herbs used to treat paralysis and provides detailed information on kidney stones, including their symptoms. (00:16:20) He explains the menstrual cycle of women in relation to the phases of the moon, naming specific medicines and identifying the exact parts of plants used in their preparation. (00:19:40) He describes the correct methods for consuming the medicines and guidelines for their storage. (00:21:04) He explains medicines prepared for treating arthritis, fever, and jaundice. (00:26:36) He describes how he examines and treats both human patients and livestock. (00:30:38) He discusses medicines he prepares for a range of illnesses. (00:32:00) He explains natural birth control medicines prepared from medicinal plant roots for both humans and animals. (00:36:52) He recounts the places he visited to share knowledge of medicinal herbs, including being interviewed in Pune and attending training programs in Jawhar, Silvasa, and Bhorda. (00:42:00) He describes the regions from which patients travel to seek his treatment, such as Thane. (00:45:11) He provides information on herbal medicines used to treat seizures. (00:48:55) He explains how he stores medicinal herbs, how he cultivates them around his house for easy access, and mentions their local names. (00:53:11) He describes the forms in which medicines are administered, such as powders and decoctions. (00:55:40) He compares urban and rural diets and explains how changing food habits have contributed to obesity, high blood pressure, heart disease, and diabetes. (01:02:00) He shares an experience of treating a young girl with tuberculosis who had been abandoned by her family. (01:11:24) He explains dosage methods, necessary precautions, and the importance of maintaining a strict diet while taking the medicines. (01:15:10) He discusses the fees he charges for the services he provides. (01:21:16) He explains how he is passing on his knowledge to his daughters and grandchildren, teaching them how to identify and prepare medicines and follow the required rituals for their effectiveness.
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Tukaram Bhoy is a traditional Vaidu trained under his grandfather, from whom he learned disease diagnosis and the identification of medicinal plants. He specializes in wound healing, treating conditions such as deep cuts, herpes, snakebite, dog and rat bites, as well as urinary, menstrual, and jaundice-related ailments using vanaspati herbs.He sources and stores medicinal plants from nearby forests, follows strict dietary and dosage practices, and refers severe head-related cases to hospitals. Known for his ethical fee practice, he continues to treat many patients despite modern healthcare availability and is passing his healing knowledge on to his children. Bhoy shares insights into his specialized treatments for wounds using herbal remedies sourced from the forest. The interview highlights his methods of preparing and administering medicines, the significance of local herbs in healing practices, and the continuity of traditional knowledge systems within his community. This account contributes to understanding the role of traditional healers in sustaining indigenous healthcare practices.
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Tukaram Bhoy - Session 01
Tukaram Bhoy is a traditional Vaidu trained under his grandfather, from whom he learned disease diagnosis and the identification of medicinal plants. He specializes in wound healing, treating conditions such as deep cuts, herpes, snakebite, dog and rat bites, as well as urinary, menstrual, and jaundice-related ailments using vanaspati herbs.He sources and stores medicinal plants from nearby forests, follows strict dietary and dosage practices, and refers severe head-related cases to hospitals. Known for his ethical fee practice, he continues to treat many patients despite modern healthcare availability and is passing his healing knowledge on to his children. Bhoy shares insights into his specialized treatments for wounds using herbal remedies sourced from the forest. The interview highlights his methods of preparing and administering medicines, the significance of local herbs in healing practices, and the continuity of traditional knowledge systems within his community. This account contributes to understanding the role of traditional healers in sustaining indigenous healthcare practices.
(00:00:00) He explains how his grandfather trained him to diagnose illnesses and identify medicinal plants, forming the foundation of his healing practice. (00:03:05) He describes treatments for herpes and snakebite, outlining his diagnostic methods, including checking nerves to assess the patient's condition. (00:06:39) He explains the procedures for extracting medicinal herbs and roots (vanaspati) used in his treatments. (00:08:00) He discusses his methods for treating deep cut wounds using snake venom, sindur, and seed oil. He also mentions treatments for dog and rat bites, urinary tract problems, menstrual disorders, and jaundice. (00:21:21) He highlights his specialization in wound treatment and healing practices. (00:23:26) He explains where he sources vanaspati from the forest and describes the methods he uses to store medicinal plants at his home. (00:27:35) He outlines the dietary restrictions and dosage instructions he gives to patients during treatment. (00:30:32) He recounts treating an acid attack survivor, describing how he applied medicine using a hen's feather. He also explains that patients with conditions affecting areas above the shoulders, especially the head, are referred to hospitals. (00:33:33) He explains his fee practice and the manner in which he accepts payment from patients. (00:34:41) He reflects on how, despite the availability of modern hospitals, people continue to seek his treatment. He also discusses teaching his daughters and sons to ensure the continuation of his traditional healing knowledge.
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He is a traditional healer who has inherited and sustained a family-based practice of indigenous medicine passed down from his father. From an early stage, he learned the identification, preparation, and use of medicinal herbs, developing a deep understanding of natural remedies and their therapeutic applications. His practice focuses primarily on the treatment of jaundice, for which he recognizes. He is meticulous about the sourcing, storage, and preparation of medicinal materials and follows specific methods for administering treatments, including prescribed dosages and dietary guidelines for patients. His reputation draws patients from nearby regions as well as distant places such as Gujarat, many of whom return to him after seeking modern medical care. He talks about the prepration of medicine and how he gives the medcine to the paitent. Most prominently he is giving medicine from coconut water and normal water to his paitents. He specialises in kidney stone, disease realted to women's menstrual cycle and snake bite
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Balu Budha Valvi - Session 01
He is a traditional healer who has inherited and sustained a family-based practice of indigenous medicine passed down from his father. From an early stage, he learned the identification, preparation, and use of medicinal herbs, developing a deep understanding of natural remedies and their therapeutic applications. His practice focuses primarily on the treatment of jaundice, for which he recognizes. He is meticulous about the sourcing, storage, and preparation of medicinal materials and follows specific methods for administering treatments, including prescribed dosages and dietary guidelines for patients. His reputation draws patients from nearby regions as well as distant places such as Gujarat, many of whom return to him after seeking modern medical care. He talks about the prepration of medicine and how he gives the medcine to the paitent. Most prominently he is giving medicine from coconut water and normal water to his paitents. He specialises in kidney stone, disease realted to women's menstrual cycle and snake bite
(00:00:00) He introduces himself and explains how he began practicing traditional medicine, learning the preparation of herbal remedies from his father. (00:02:35) He describes his approach to treating jaundice using medicines prepared from herbs and river crabs. (00:06:02) He outlines the seven types of jaundice and how he treats them. He also explains the preparation of specific herbal medicines for each. He also discusses the treatment of menstrual health issues among women, including the use of mohua flowers to relieve menstrual pain. (00:13:09) He lists the herbs used in the preparation of medicines for jaundice and explains their sources. (00:15:17) He describes the methods of storing herbs and the process of converting them into medicinal formulations. (00:16:35) He explains the method of administering the medicines, including dosage and the dietary practices patients are required to follow. (00:17:50) He shares the approximate number of patients who visit him and recounts his experience treating a patient from Gujarat. (00:21:36) He explains the different forms of compensation he receives for his treatments. (00:22:40) He reflects on how patients often seek treatment from modern doctors but eventually return to him for traditional care. (00:24:13) He discusses how he is passing this traditional knowledge on to his son to ensure its continuation.
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Devidas Chaudhary is a traditional healer (Vaidu) who practices indigenous plant-based medicine inherited through generations of his family. Trained from an early age and formally recognized through examination, his work is rooted in traditional diagnostic methods and the preparation of herbal remedies.He treats a range of ailments, including blood pressure–related conditions, cough, fissures, kidney stones, menstrual health issues, and certain animal illnesses. His medicines are prepared in herbal, oil-based, and floral forms, using plants grown or harvested naturally without chemical additives. He also prescribes dietary guidelines as part of the treatment process. Trained from an early age and formally recognized through examination, his work is rooted in traditional diagnostic methods and the preparation of herbal remedies.He treats a range of ailments, including blood pressure related conditions, cough, fissures, kidney stones, menstrual health issues, and certain animal illnesses. His medicines are prepared in herbal, oil-based, and floral forms, using plants grown or harvested naturally without chemical additives.
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Devidas Tulaji Chaudhary - Session 01
Devidas Chaudhary is a traditional healer (Vaidu) who practices indigenous plant-based medicine inherited through generations of his family. Trained from an early age and formally recognized through examination, his work is rooted in traditional diagnostic methods and the preparation of herbal remedies.He treats a range of ailments, including blood pressure–related conditions, cough, fissures, kidney stones, menstrual health issues, and certain animal illnesses. His medicines are prepared in herbal, oil-based, and floral forms, using plants grown or harvested naturally without chemical additives. He also prescribes dietary guidelines as part of the treatment process. Trained from an early age and formally recognized through examination, his work is rooted in traditional diagnostic methods and the preparation of herbal remedies.He treats a range of ailments, including blood pressure related conditions, cough, fissures, kidney stones, menstrual health issues, and certain animal illnesses. His medicines are prepared in herbal, oil-based, and floral forms, using plants grown or harvested naturally without chemical additives.
(00:00:00) He introduces himself and describes how the tradition of preparing plant-based medicines was passed down through his family. He also explains the examination process he undertook to formally become a Vaidu (traditional healer). (00:07:25) He explains his methods of diagnosing diseases and describes an experience in which a patient refused to undergo treatment. (00:14:12) He discusses the various diseases for which he provides treatment and explains how he prepares the corresponding herbal medicines. (00:15:05) He speaks about vanaspati plantations and emphasizes that medicinal plants should be grown naturally, without the use of fertilizers or additives. He also mentions the types of medicines he prepares for conditions such as blood pressure, fissures, and cough, along with their methods of preparation. (00:25:35) He provides a detailed explanation of the process of preparing oil-based medicines. (00:27:48) He explains the preparation of medicines made from flowers, specifically for addressing menstrual health issues among women. (00:31:51) He discusses the strengths and weaknesses of the human body from a traditional medical perspective. (00:34:35) He explains how he harvests medicinal plants from forests and how he also cultivates certain species in his immediate surroundings. (00:35:58) He talks about important medicinal plants, leaves, and herbs that are commonly used in his treatments. (00:36:52) He provides a step-by-step explanation of how medicinal herbs are stored and the different forms in which he prepares medicines. (00:39:05) He explains the dietary guidelines he prescribes for patients while they are undergoing treatment. (00:43:04) He recounts his experience of treating a student at MPSM for a kidney stone. (00:44:28) He explains how he diagnoses illnesses and diseases in animals. (00:48:29) He describes the rituals performed before entering the forest to collect medicinal herbs, roots, and leaves. He also discusses how trees are often exploited during bark extraction for medicinal purposes. (00:50:40) He reflects on how patients who were treated by his grandfather now approach him for treatment. (00:52:11) He explains his fee structure and how payments are made by patients. (00:53:41) He discusses how modern developments in the healthcare sector have not significantly affected the practice of traditional medicine. (00:57:02) He explains how he is passing on his medical knowledge to the next generation within his family.
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