I enjoyed reading about traditional healing. My grandmother, born in 1893 in Greene County, could “cure thrash” as the old folks said. Thrash was their name for thrush, a fungal infection of the mouth. She would ask for the baby’s full name and birthdate. Then she would go to her room to pray and read certain verses of the Bible. One time the baby felt better by the time she came back into the room and wanted some of the salty fried fish Grandma had cooked for supper. Of course, she gave the baby some and her parents were delighted since when they came to Grandma the baby hadn’t eaten for a day and had painful bumps all on the inside of her mouth.
Grandma taught my daddy what to do. He wouldn’t tell me because I wasn’t old enough or respectful enough to learn! He died and I never learned.
Grandma asked for a quarter for her services. I asked why. She explained that if she didn’t charge something, the people wouldn’t believe. Their belief and God’s mercy was what healed the children.
Most parents had taken their children to the doctor and used the medicine. Grandma agreed that they should do that. The parents asked for her help when their child was so miserable and couldn’t eat or drink comfortably.
The old ways and new medicine worked well together.
I enjoyed reading about traditional healing. My grandmother, born in 1893 in Greene County, could “cure thrash” as the old folks said. Thrash was their name for thrush, a fungal infection of the mouth. She would ask for the baby’s full name and birthdate. Then she would go to her room to pray and read certain verses of the Bible. One time the baby felt better by the time she came back into the room and wanted some of the salty fried fish Grandma had cooked for supper. Of course, she gave the baby some and her parents were delighted since when they came to Grandma the baby hadn’t eaten for a day and had painful bumps all on the inside of her mouth.
Grandma taught my daddy what to do. He wouldn’t tell me because I wasn’t old enough or respectful enough to learn! He died and I never learned.
Grandma asked for a quarter for her services. I asked why. She explained that if she didn’t charge something, the people wouldn’t believe. Their belief and God’s mercy was what healed the children.
Most parents had taken their children to the doctor and used the medicine. Grandma agreed that they should do that. The parents asked for her help when their child was so miserable and couldn’t eat or drink comfortably.
The old ways and new medicine worked well together.