Bosya Ochirova, About Traditional Medicine

Abstract

Bosya talks about how she found a luugin sum (a dragon’s arrow). It looks like a small metallic object with a sharp end. Before picking it up, Bosya prayed three times. It is believed that luugin sum is good for toothache and other swellings. It also helps cows that have swollen udders. To cure a swelling or a lump on the skin, one has to prick that place with the sharp end of the luugin sum. Bosya kept her luugin sum wrapped in a red cloth, as tradition requires it. However, she did not keep the precious object for long, for she gave it to a folk healer called Volodya who convinced her that the luugin sum was not meant for her. Later Bosya learnt that the same Volodya also got hold of her uncle’s luugin sum. Bosya regrets her decision to give it away. People can borrow a luugin sum from each other, but are expected to compensate the owner with red and silver coins when they return the object. Bosya also says that snake’s skin is good during childbirth. This story happened to a woman from her village in 1965. After giving birth, the woman had a pain in her stomach. After she drank a cup of water boiled with snake’s skin, her pain stopped. Cattle having a difficult birth are also treated with such water. In Kalmykia snakes are believed to be the embodiment of the masters of localities. Other items used in traditional medicine include dog’s meat, ground squirrels’ fat, fat from the intestines of a pig and various herbs. Water mixed with milk or grain is also good for a cold.