This essay attempts to discuss, present and summarize various aspects of Doukhobor Folk medicine. It includes a brief historical outline: why Doukhobor Folk medicine still survives in the twentieth century; it discusses the reluctance Doukhobor healers exhibit in revealing their Folk practices to members outside and even inside the community.
The essay, also, presents a few personal accounts obtained from various people who either participated in a healing, acted as healers or observed healing. Thus a number of healing prayers, “maleatve”, and cure methods are included.
Because healings, especially prayers and healing methods incorporating specific rituals and items, are interconnected with God and therefore sacred, Doukhobors dislike revealing these practices. Consequently, the members of the Doukhobor community, who contributed to this paper, desire to remain anonymous.
