Paper short abstract:

Lithuanian verbal healing is unique living tradition of magical – herbal treatment directed by archaic concepts of health and illness. Nowadays it faces the threat of extinction and creates numerous challenges to anthropologists, authorities, clergy, biomedics and the general public as well.

Paper long abstract:

Due to late christianisation (15 c.) and long lasting remoteness of the region Lithuania preserved an archaic healing traditions which attracted scientific interest at turn of the 19 - 20 c. Unfortunately, research wasn't sufficient. Ethnomedicine was not popular among ethnologists of the 20 c. Most studies focused on verbal formulas of the charms only, neglecting wider contexts of healing practices. During Soviet period traditional healing was treated as "spiritual" practice and research was banned. Ironically, ritual and herbal segments of the healing tradition was separated by historical process of Lithuanian ethnology. Only after gaining independence (1990) ethnomedicine became field of scientific interest once again. Last few years of research gave very interesting and promising results. Complex approach and newest field work evidently show joint use of ritual, social and herbal means, along with vitality of tradition, despite its erosion and decline. Moreover, anthropologists revealed social conditions which are threatening for continuity of verbal healing tradition: transmision problem due to modernisation and immense emigration of young generation; negative attitude of local catholic Church; Soviet ideological inheritance in some medical and political circles and ever growing interests of pharmaceutical business. Being concerned about preservation and continuity of verbal healing tradition anthropologists raises question of declaring it as essential part of intangible heritage of Lithuania.