Black Herbal Traditions in Appalachia
By Ruby Daniels, Afrolachian Forest Farmer and Herbalist, Creasy Jane's Herbal Remedies
Many enslaved Appalachians of African descent developed deep connections to, and maintained extensive knowledge about, the medicinal properties of the herbs, roots, and tree barks growing in and around the nearby forests.
Adapting herbal and spiritual traditions from their African homelands to the Appalachian environment, enslaved Appalachians created a distinct “Afrolachian” herbalism that was crucially important during times of illness or injury, especially along the Underground Railroad routes to freedom that traversed the Appalachian Mountains.
Slavery in Appalachia
Despite common misconceptions that slavery did not exist in the Appalachian Mountains, historical documents reveal that by 1860, people of African descent were enslaved in every Appalachian county in the South.
Many native Appalachian botanicals still feature prominently in Black herbal traditions today.
Sassafras (Sassafras albidum )
Sassafras has anti-microbial and diuretic properties. Historically, the root bark of sassafras was combined with boneset leaves to make a blood purifying tea to cleanse the body of toxins in the spring. Today, the leaves are used to make filé powder for Creole cuisine, and the root bark is used to make sassafras tea. The tea should be consumed with caution, however, as the bark contains safrole, a carcinogen.
Boneset (Eupatorium perfoliatum)
In addition to its use with sassafras, boneset was historically used to treat “break-bone fever” (denge fever) and influenza. Boneset is a fever reducer and has anti-microbial and anti-viral properties.
High John the Conqueror
(Ipomea pandurata)
Also known as wild sweet potato or man-of-the-earth, the root of this plant was often carried by Black Americans during enslavement to protect them from their enslavers. Brewed as a tea, the root has diuretic, expectorant, and laxative properties. Young roots can also be roasted and eaten like a sweet potato.
Mad-dog Skullcap
(Scutellaria lateriflora)
Historically, skullcap was used as a treatment for rabies and dementia. Today, herbalists use it to treat anxiety, traumatic brain injury, fever, minor nervous fatigue, and COVID-related brain fog.
White Pine
(Pinus strobus)
Narratives of enslaved people note the importance of pine tops for treating coughs and colds. Pine needles contain large amounts of the full Vitamin C complex.