Tender Hands : Ruth's Story of Healing

Ruth Weil Kusler

ISBN 10: 1891193023 / ISBN 13: 9781891193026

Published by Germans from Russia Heritage Collection, North Dakota State University Libraries, Bismarck, ND, 1998

About this Item

With Peggy Sailer O'Neil Family Remedies.

Seller Inventory # 009331

Bibliographic Details

• Title: Tender Hands : Ruth's Story of Healing
• Publisher: Germans from Russia Heritage Collection, North Dakota State University Libraries, Bismarck, ND
• Publication Date: 1998
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 1891193023
• ISBN 13: 9781891193026
• Binding: Soft cover
• Condition: Very Good
• Signed: Signed by Author(s)

About this title

Synopsis

A lifetime's worth of experience in the healing arts has been condensed into this small booklet (69 pages). The many remedies for the aches and pains of daily life are valuable in and of themselves, but the book also has special interest because of its information on the German folk-healing tradition known as "Braucherei." Ruth's practice is an intriguing case study of how these old traditions have continued to evolve and to adapt to changing circumstances by assimilating other alternative healing traditions. Ruth's practice of Braucherei, as described in her book, demonstrates this pragmatic openness to the adoption of new healing methods. She cites specific prayers for certain ailments, which recalls the more traditional aspects of Braucherei, but these prayers are not emphasized as a major aspect of her practice as described in this book. Most of her remedies involve the use of well-known healing herbs, such as garlic or chamomile. It is also notable that many non-traditional products are utilized, such as "Knorr's Genuine Hein Fong Essence (green drops)," "Dr. Forni's Alpen-Kreuter," "Smith's Rosebud Salve," Aspirin tablets," "Clorox bleach," "Epsom salts," "Niacin," and "Vitamin C." Fruit juices are a prominent ingredient in the remedies, but whiskey and Schnapps as well. Ruth's practice of massage has been expanded over the years by the study of bone-setting and reflexology (derived from Oriental folk-medicine, a practice more commonly known as accupressure, described by Ruth as "massaging points on the palms of hands and soles of feet to strengthen and stimulate glands and organ systems"). Interestingly, Ruth notes that a family member, a grand-nephew, is studying at the Palmer School of Chiropractic, which she regards as a continuation of the family healing tradition. At a broader level, Ruth's story is not just of her own practice, but also of the adaptations and modifications in folk healing traditions throughout the world.