African American Herbalism: A Practical Guide to Healing Plants and Folk Traditions

African American Herbalism traces the history and practice of plant medicine, herbal remedies, holistic rituals, and natural recipes developed by African American herbal healers. The book explores the origins of these herbal traditions from Ancient Egypt and the African tropics through the Caribbean to the United States, and profiles healers like Emma Dupree and Henrietta Jeffries who shaped modern American herbalism. The guide covers rituals for sacred bathing and skin care, herbal tinctures, potions, and medicines, as well as recipes for healing meals and soul food. It includes a comprehensive herbal reference featuring commonly used plants such as aloe, lavender, sage, and sassafras, accompanied by botanical illustrations. The book serves as a resource for those interested in learning about the medicinal and healing properties of herbs within the context of African American herbal traditions.