This article analyses the oral history interviews of Savithri Rajeevan, a poet grappling with hereditary psoriasis as well as fibromyalgia and spinal tuberculosis. The narrative intertwines personal experiences with cultural and historical contexts, notably the revitalisation of ayurveda (an alternative medicine system with historical roots in the Indian subcontinent) in the early twentieth century, illuminating its role in shaping India’s medical practices. It underscores the temporal and metaphorical imagination of illness reflected in Savithri’s poems and underlines the modes of subjectivity. The article argues for an inclusive approach to the history of medicine, advocating the consideration of diverse temporal constructions and narratives. Blending personal stories with historical insights, this work contributes to a holistic understanding of the intersections between individual health narratives, cultural contexts and evolving medical practices.