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.