AR-029 Oral History Interviews of Vaidu
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Item Devidas Tulaji Chaudhary - Session 01AR-029-8-1(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.(20-09-2025)Item Balu Budha Valvi - Session 01AR-029-7-1(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.(20-09-2025)Item Tukaram Bhoy - Session 01AR-029-6-1(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.(08-09-2025)Item Mhadu Ramji Dunde - Session 01AR-029-5-1(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.(18-07-2025)Item Nivruti Awari - Session 01AR-029-4-1(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.(16-07-2025)