Video Recording: Black North American Herbalism: Honoring Traditional Folk Preparations & Methods with Shereel Washington
African American medicine is sophisticated medicine.
Historically, African-American herbalists were heavily relied upon by plantation owners, and many historical accounts mention male and female herbalists, midwives, and healers who used their knowledge to treat the enslaved community.
Publications like the Journal of Medicine listed many potent remedies solicited from folk African American origins, such as the story of a Virginia man who was freed after his use of red onions for kidney stones proved to be extremely effective, or a man who discovered that Sampson’s root (Echinacea) could be used as a cure for rattlesnake bite – also resulting in his freedom.
Drawing from a rich tradition, African American Herbalism is unique in three main ways: it relies on the full use of a plant, and it makes medicine-making accessible by using the resources you already have available to you. This is a wisdom-approach to herbalism, and a special body of knowledge that comes from a deeply embodied place.
During this interactive class, herbalist Shereel Washington will impart some of the invaluable preparations and methods that herbalists began to practice during the slave era and that are passed on today.
In this workshop, Shereel will discuss:
- Learning 5 key herbs from a unique African American folk perspective
- Methods of getting to know a plant from a place of deep intuition and direct engagement + transmission
- How to free your kitchen medicine-making to create from a more intuitive place , while using the resources you have on-hand – it’s time to let go of those exact measurements and rely on your own listening!
- A live demo of how to make a healing Asafoetida syrup that can be used to treat a variety of ailments
- Guidance for making your own tea blends
Supplies to Bring
- You can choose to bring some of the fresh or dried versions of the 5 herbs to be discussed (Mullein, Catnip, Echinacea, Black Walnut, Burdock). These can be purchased online, at your local herb shop or health food store, or at Scarlet Sage!
- Asafoetida powder(this culinary spice can be found at your local herb shop or Indian market)
- Molasses, Brown Sugar or Honey
- Whiskey (or Apple Cider Vinegar or White Vinegar)
- Notebook & Pen
All bodies and backgrounds are welcome to this workshop. Shereel is excited to share this valuable body of knowledge with all! This course is also an introduction to Shereel's classes on Black North American Herbalism at the Land of Verse School of Herbal Medicine.
How to access the Zoom Link + Video Replay: You will receive a link upon registration to access the live class zoom link, video replay, and class materials through our online secure learning platform, Thinkific.
Shereel is an herbalist and principal of ixalted natural body care & botanicals, a health and body restorative herbal business that creates and crafts customized herbal formulations to support and restore overall health and wellness.
Shereel studied at the California School of Herbal Studies, Forestville, CA and teaches in the Community & Apprentice Programs at Scarlet Sage’s Land of Verse and Herbal Classes at the Northern California Women’s Herbal Symposium at Black Oak Ranch in Mendocino, CA.
Shereel was a guest panelist for the Sonoma County Herb Exchange Live Virtual Panel: “Honoring The Roots” in 2020. In 2019, she was guest speaker for Naomi Love’s: Wise Womb Way Virtual Symposium and a two time panelist on the Women of Color: “Do You Walk In Our Shoes'' at The Fall 2018 and Spring 2020 Northern California Women’s Herbal Symposium.
In addition, Shereel is a lifelong dancer. She has over 40 years of experience and currently teaches and curates Move: Spirit & Rhythm Dance Program in Oakland at Deep Root Center for Spiritual Studies. She’s also a martial artist in White Crane Silat and Shaolin Kung Fu & Qigong and is the creator of Martial Arts Kids Play (MAKP)
IG: @ixaltednaturalbody
This is a video recording of a previous live class.
How to access the Video Recording: You will receive a link upon registration to access the video recording and class materials through our online secure learning platform, Thinkific. Please check your spam folder if you have not received it and email us.
- Please make sure to register with an active email address.
Online Classes Cancellation Policy:
Our team members and teachers are committed to serving our community in those difficult times by providing affordable online classes.
Please note that our online classes are non-refundable and no class credits will be issued in case of cancellation.
We thank you for your understanding and support.
We would love to hear from you! Please contact us here with any questions or give us a call between 11-7 PST at 415-821-0997. We can fill orders for you over the phone as well as online.
Thank you for your love and support!
xo Scarlet Sage
