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Jennifer Fedun, folklorist, taught a variety of traditional healing methods in Prince Albert on Saturday. (Charlene Tebbutt/paNOW Staff)
Traditional Medicine

Exploring traditional healing methods

May 5, 2019 | 12:00 PM

A guided class teaching traditional Ukrainian folk medicines and salves was offered in Prince Albert on Saturday.

The event, held at St. George’s Ukrainian Catholic Church, explored a variety of traditional healing methods using plants and other natural materials according to Jennifer Fedun, historian and folklorist.

“This workshop focuses on traditional Ukrainian folk healing and folk medicine. So when we use the term medicine we mean a mixture of what we would consider a herbal medicine, but there’s also a spiritual element and learning about the practices of traditional healers,” Fedun said.

“It’s important because Ukrainians always prided themselves on being people of the soil, and knowing the natural world. It’s something that was somewhat lost with the advent of modern medicine.”

Those in attendance used a variety of natural materials during the event, ranging from nettle leaf to chamomile, all with distinct purposes.

“I’m very much a proponent of western or modern medicine, but I think there is something very important about teaching people about this, the practices of their ancestors,” said Fedun.

“There are about 40 to 50 native plant species that were natively used in the traditional recipes.”

Fedun stressed the importance of passing down traditional healing medicines; not only for their properties, but also because of the history they carry along with them.

Fedun also noted that those who become interested in these traditional methods would often become well-versed in a variety of plant types, which can be used for these methods.That can often lead to a feeling of connection with long-gone family members.

brady.bateman@jpbg.ca

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