Etiology and methods of treatment of toothache in traditional medicine of Karelians

Abstract

The article discusses the representation of all groups of Karelians (Karelians, Livvik and Ludik Karelians) on the causes and ways of treatment of toothache (rational and irrational). The study used comparative-historical and comparative-comparative methods. The research involved the works of Russian and Finnish researchers who address various aspects of Karelian traditional medicine. In addition, the author used field materials collected in the Olonetsky and Pryazha districts of the Republic of Karelia. The Karelians noticed one of the causes of toothache, which was the result of a cold, a natural cause. However, since even after the conversion to Christianity the Karelians remained the beliefs of pagan origin, and in the toothache (as a symptom) was viewed from mythological view. The Karelians looked at a toothache as a serious, painful disease. In order to prevent its occurrence, the Karelians used salt and performed ritual preventive actions. As well as the causes of toothache, treatments could be rational and irrational. From the rational treatment methods, Karelians practiced warming and compresses, made tincture and ointments from medicinal herbs. Bleeding was considered effective for relieving toothache. Irrational methods of treatment included sorcery. This can be seen in all Karelian groups.