Appalachian Studies Graduate Student Essays

The paper examines the concept of the Appalachian Commons and what it means to be a part of it through the practice of foraging. Using an interactive map of Virginia Tech’s campus and the surrounding Blacksburg community, this website shows sites where ingredients for two traditional Indigenous recipes can be found. Go directly to the interactive map and recipes here: Foraging Map for Yesą́ Acorn Cakes and Wojapi Yesą́ Sauce Recipes in and around Blacksburg, Virginia.

"Dr. Jeffery Kirwan (Nause-Waiwash Band of Indians) giving a Foraging Talk at Pandapas Pond," Melissa Ripepi, All Rights Reserved

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2. Habitat Loss in the Forest Botanicals Region by Zoe Brooks, Research Assistant, Masters Student, History Department, Virginia Tech

This paper is about habitat loss in the Appalachian Mountain region. While the Appalachians are known for their natural plant and animal biodiversity, they are also the site of extensive habitat destruction, which then leads to the loss of forest botanicals like ginseng. This loss primarily occurs due to human actions, including habitat destruction from extractive industries, including logging and mining, and also from land development.

The Overlook on Black Mountain, Inman, Virginia photo by Zoe Brooks (CC BY 4.0)

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3. Eclectics and Native Medicine by Aaidin Finefield, M.A. Student History Department, Virginia Tech, and Zoe Brooks, M.A. Student History Department, Virginia Tech

In the nineteenth century, doctors across the United States shifted away from harsh treatments, like bloodletting, and began using botanicals in the treatment of illnesses. This shift later became known as the Eclectic Medical Movement. Doctors published many books during this shift, many of which draw heavily on Indigenous medicinal botanical knowledge without acknowledging their sources. This paper examines Eclectic medical books in order to better understand the many ways these doctors used forest botanicals. 

Bloodroot (Sanguinaria canadensis) from William P. C. Barton, Vegetable Materia Medica of the United States or Medical Botany, Vol. 1. (H. C. Carey & J. Lea, 1825), pg. 30. (CC BY NC-4.0)

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4. Trillium erectum (and Other Species of Trillium) by Victoria Bechtold, PhD Student Sociology Department, Virginia Tech

This paper discusses trillium plants, which have been implemented in a variety of ways, particularly as it pertains to managing reproductive health and wellness. The paper discusses the use of trillium in cancer treatment.

Red Trillium (Trillium erectum) by Gilles Ayotte, (CC BY SA-4.0)

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5. Mayapple (Podophyllum peltatum) by Victoria Bechtold, PhD Student Sociology Department, Virginia Tech

This paper provides a detailed list of the medicinal affects of Mayapple in both a modern and historical context. It mainly focuses on its effectiveness in treating cancer and even Cytokine storm syndrome.

Podophyllum peltatum by Homer D. House, New York State Botanist, (CC0)

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6. American Pawpaw by Victoria Bechtold, PhD Student Sociology Department, Virginia Tech

This paper looks at the medicinal uses of American Pawpaw, specifically focusing on its use in angiogenesis inhibitory cancer treatments. It also discusses the effect of American Pawpaw on weight loss, specifically focusing on the study of bioactive alkaloids and acetogenins, which may have some clinical applications in the prevention and management of early childhood obesity.

Pawpaw Fruit (Asimina triloba) by Scott Bauer, (CC0)

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7. How to Inherit 600 Acres and Heal: An Oral History Project by Makenna K. Clark, PhD Student Sociology Department, Virginia Tech

Makenna K. Clark interviewed erin, an Appalachian person born and raised in Blacksburg, Virginia, on her farm. In this oral history interview, erin discusses a multitude of topics including activism, the environment, her farm, and combating stereotypes about the region.

Photo of erin's Creek by Makenna K. Clark (CC BY 4.0)

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8. Appalachian Medicinal and Edible Plants by Pratirakshya Koirala, MS Student Geography Department, Virginia Tech and Maureen Agada, MS Student Geography Department, Virginia Tech

This collection contains several essays about a number of medicinal plants, including Bethroot, Black Cohosh, Blue Cohosh, Bloodroot, Goldenseal, False Unicorn, Mayapple, Ramps, Solomon's Seal, and Stoneroot. These essays discuss the common names of these plants, as well as their traditional and modern uses.

Bethroot by Ken Thomas, Wikimedia Commons (CC0)

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