Speaker spotlights Ukrainian folk medicine (02/18/96)

Speaker spotlights Ukrainian folk medicine

by Jeff Picknicki Morski

WINNIPEG - Despite the billing of her most recent lecture in one of Winnipeg's community newspapers as "Baby was Right All Along," rest assured that Orysia Tracz has not abandoned her vast work in the field of Ukrainian ethnography for that of pre- or post-natal care.

"Baba was Right All Along," its correct title, is Ms. Tracz's reference to the practice of Ukrainian folk medicine and the fact that modern science is only now beginning to recognize and give validity to what she says the people have known through the centuries. It was her second presentation to Winnipegers on this topic, previously sharing the dais with local herbalist Alan Bailey, both of which were sponsored by the Alpha Omega Alumnae.

Speaking to a crowd of approximately 60 people on the evening of January 30 in the auditorium of St. Joseph Ukrainian Catholic Church, Ms. Tracz informed, educated, amused and entertained the audience in her own inimitable style. Beginning with a brief history of Ukrainian folk medicine, she progressed through its various components, including specific references to midwifery and childbirth, physiotherapeutic treatments, organic remedies and healing through magic. Other folk treatments, such as the once popular use of leeches for bloodletting and those derived from animal products and minerals, were also presented.

Of particular interest was Ms. Tracz's discussion of the various organic remedies. Comprising the most popular form of folk healing among Ukrainians, the herbs, plants, flowers, leaves and grasses generally would be gathered by the women on Kupalo - the day of the summer solstice - when they were believed to possess their greatest curative and magical powers.

From the enormous inventory of herbal remedies, wormwood (polyn), she explained, was widely used in preparations of stomach and intestinal remedies.

Comfrey (zhyvokist), also very popular, aided in the mending of broken bones. From the vegetable garden, both onions and garlic were well known for their healing and cleanising properties. A preparation of hemp seeds boiled in water would be given to women to drink during childbirth as a natural pain killer.

The use of magic in Ukrainian folk medicine peaked the interest of many of the audience members, many of whom added information from personal experiences or who questioned Ms. Tracz about the function of various rituals.

The practice of wax pouring (vylyvannia vosku), as one example, was a common form of healing through magic. Typically performed by a village wise-woman (znakharka), beeswax would be melted and poured into a quantity of cold water. The resultant shape of the wax as it solidified was believed to identify the type or source of the illness and was then followed by the appropriate course of treatment.

Following the presentation, Ms. Tracz opened the floor to questions, during which many offered their own knowledge of the topic, testimonials to the success or failure of certain remedies, and even a recipe for a pork chop casserole. The 40 below zero temperature, however, made this an early evening for everyone.

For those who missed this presentation, Ms. Tracz will again be speaking on the topic of Ukrainian folk medicine on May 9 at 7:30 p.m. at Oseredok Ukrainian Cultural and Educational Center, 184 Alexander Ave. E. in Winnipeg.

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