Oral History Interviews of Vaidu

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.