Herbalism has been keeping Black folks healthy for centuries. With a history as rich and diverse as the continent itself, African herbalism is a treasure trove of age-old remedies:
Mullein is a plant that has a plethora of uses. This beautiful plant has been used in African folk medicine as a tea or inhaled via burning to soothe respiratory illnesses. It's also been used to lessen wound inflammation, joint pain, and gout.
Already a delicious additive to many African dishes, we've used basil to boost immunity, treat bug bites, and reduce anxiety. Like many plants and herbs in the herbalism repertoire, basil is also used spiritually to cleanse and protect a space.
An interesting name for this carrot family member, ferula, asafetida, or devil's dung, was used heavily by the enslaved. African Americans have used the herb to prevent and treat all kinds of respiratory illnesses. Bags of the herb would be wrapped around the neck of children to keep them from catching rogue sicknesses.
Native to the Americas, the enslaved learned the uses of cotton root from Native Americans and incorporated it into their herbalism. This particular plant was frequently used in midwifery as a contraceptive, to induce labor, and even to cause an abortion.
The herb with a delightfully gross name, wormwood was often used to help children eliminate worms, a common occurrence for enslaved children, from their digestive systems. The oils it produces have also been used to repel insects and other pests.
These are just a few powerful herbs. What others do you know about?