Embark on a journey through time and culture with our curated selection of documentaries that delve into the fascinating realm of folk medicine. These films not only provide a window into the diverse healing practices from around the globe but also highlight the enduring wisdom of traditional remedies. Whether you're a skeptic or a believer, these documentaries offer a compelling look at how our ancestors treated ailments and the cultural significance of these practices.

The Healer (2016)
Description: This documentary follows the journey of a modern-day healer in the Philippines, showcasing the controversial practice of psychic surgery and its roots in folk medicine.
Fact: The film was shot in the remote areas of the Philippines where these healers still practice today. It also features interviews with patients who claim miraculous recoveries.


The Medicine Man (2011)
Description: Explore the life of a Native American medicine man as he shares his knowledge of traditional healing methods, including the use of herbs, rituals, and spiritual practices.
Fact: The documentary was filmed over several years to capture the seasonal changes in the medicine man's practices. It also includes rare footage of traditional ceremonies.


Healing Waters (2015)
Description: This film dives into the world of hydrotherapy, exploring the historical and cultural significance of water in healing practices across different civilizations.
Fact: The documentary features interviews with historians, scientists, and practitioners from various cultures, including Japan, where onsen (hot springs) are a part of folk medicine.


The Herbalist (2013)
Description: Follow the life of a renowned herbalist in China, showcasing the ancient art of Chinese herbal medicine and its integration into modern healthcare.
Fact: The film includes a segment on the cultivation of rare medicinal herbs in the mountains of Yunnan Province, known for its biodiversity.


Shamanic Journeys (2018)
Description: This documentary explores shamanic practices in Siberia, focusing on the role of the shaman in healing and the spiritual connection to nature.
Fact: The film captures a rare shamanic ritual that has been passed down through generations, showing the continuity of these practices despite modernization.


The Wise Woman (2017)
Description: Discover the role of women in traditional healing in Ireland, where the 'wise woman' was often the community's healer, herbalist, and midwife.
Fact: The documentary features interviews with descendants of these wise women, providing personal insights into their family histories and the preservation of these traditions.


Roots of Healing (2014)
Description: This film takes viewers to Africa to explore the use of roots, barks, and leaves in traditional African medicine, showing how these practices are still relevant today.
Fact: The documentary highlights the work of a conservationist who is trying to preserve these medicinal plants from extinction due to deforestation.


The Curer (2012)
Description: Travel to the Andes to meet a traditional healer, or 'curer', who uses a blend of indigenous knowledge and Catholic rituals to treat physical and spiritual ailments.
Fact: The film includes scenes from a pilgrimage to a sacred mountain, where the curer performs healing rituals for the community.


The Art of Healing (2010)
Description: This documentary examines the intersection of art and medicine in traditional healing practices, from sand painting in Navajo culture to the use of music in therapy.
Fact: It features a collaboration between a traditional healer and a modern artist to create a healing space, blending ancient wisdom with contemporary art.


Folk Remedies (2019)
Description: A comprehensive look at folk remedies from around the world, this documentary showcases the diversity of healing practices and their cultural significance.
Fact: The film was produced in collaboration with the World Health Organization to promote the understanding and preservation of traditional medicine practices.
