The Ahikuntaka

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Traditional methods of medication
Both rural and urban Sri Lankans have strong belief that
the gypsies have with them supernatural powers which
include healing, taming of devils and casting of spells and
charms. Therefore, the community makes a considerable
income practicing the above. Many of the present day gypsies
possess herbal remedies and stones which are said to suck out
poison. However, there is no scientific basis with regard to the
results that these herbs and stones are said to bring about.
The ‘Visha Gala’ or the stone to suck out poison can be
seen as the communities “main product”. There are many
conflicting theories that have emerged with regard to the
preparation of this stone. John Steele in his book Jungle Tide
describes that the stone is made out of animal bone.
However, Andarabedde Masanna Arachchila gave quite
an elaborate description about the making of the stone.
According to him, the stone includes rare herbs found in the
forests and chemicals including mercury. The mixture is then
bathed in human urine and lime. This concoction is then
placed in the sun to harden and the resulting product is the
Visha Gala.
According to the gypsies, the stone is placed on the exact
location of the snake bite, and it is said to suck in all the venom
from the blood stream of the victim. Once all the poison has
been sucked, the stone automatically falls off from the body of
the victim. The stone is then put into a pot full of milk, to drain
the poison within. Thereafter it is kept to dry under the sun
which brings the stone back to a usable condition.
The use of White Elavara roots
White elavara roots are used as a ‘Kema’ or a local non-scientific
method of healing. It consists of traditional methods of
treatment that appear to be unrelated to the ailment but strongly
believed to be effective. The community believes that if you
have the roots planted within the precincts of your dwelling, no
serpent will visit the abode. For this Kema to be effective, the
gypsies believe that the uprooting of the root must be done in
a very holy and sacred manner. They have their unique rituals
when practicing this Kema.
The community also uses parts of the Madara tree to ward off
serpents. They use parts of the tree as a cure for headaches and
other bodily ailments alike.
38 The Ahikuntaka
Traditional methods of medication