Tidig sjukdomsbehandling i Södra lappmarken

Abstract

This book is about diseases, cures and treatments among the settlers in 19th and early 20th century Southern Lapland, Sweden. The material presented is mostly based on the residents’ own stories. Since communications in Southern Lapland were limited it was selves with natural medicines. Another method was to contact a local healer, who could kloka (wise), held a special position in 19th and early 20th century society. The healers had various expertises. In addition to curing diseases and aches, they could also let blood and staunch bleeding. Some of the healers were also regarded as clairvoyant. The treatments often included a series of ointments made from various plants and animals, sometimes in combination with the reading of magical charms. Most likely, the healers did their best based on the given situation. Perhaps the patient’s belief in the treatment contributed to a possible positive outcome. When it came to infectuous diseases such as diphtheria, tuberculosis and scarlet fever, vaccination was requiered, but traditional remedies were also used.

Keywords

Southern Lapland; folk medicine; traditional medicine; healers; ”kloka” (wise people); household remedies; blood staunching; bloodletting; cupping; moxibustion; passing through-rituals

Published in

Acta Academiae Regiae Gustavi Adolphi
2024, number: 168
Publisher: Kungl. Gustav Adolfs Akademien för svensk folkkultur

SLU Authors

• Tunon, Håkan

  • Department of Urban and Rural Development, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences
    

Associated SLU-program

SLU Swedish Biodiversity Centre

UKÄ Subject classification

History
Ethnology
Other Humanities not elsewhere specified

Publication identifier

• ISBN: 978-91-87403-49-1

Permanent link to this page (URI)

https://res.slu.se/id/publ/139918