Southern Folk Medicine: Healing Traditions from the Appalachian Fields and Forests - Paperback

by Phyllis D. Light (Author), Rosemary Gladstar (Foreword by), Matthew Wood (Afterword by)

For the first time ever, an active practitioner describes the history, folklore, and remedies of Southern and Appalachian Folk Medicine in this groundbreaking guide for curious herbalists.

This book is the first to describe the history, folklore, assessment methods, and remedies of Southern and Appalachian Folk Medicine--the only system of folk medicine, other than Native American, that developed in the United States. One of the system's last active practitioners, Phyllis D. Light has studied and worked with herbs, foods, and other healing techniques for more than thirty years. In everyday language, she explains how Southern and Appalachian Folk Medicine was passed down orally through the generations by herbalists and healers who cared for people in their communities with the natural tools on hand.

Drawing from Greek, Native American, African, and British sources, this uniquely American folk medicine combines what is useful and practical from many traditions to create an energetic system that is coherent and valuable today.

Author Biography

PHYLLIS D. LIGHT, MA, RH (AHG), is a fourth generation herbalist and healer. Her studies in Southern and Appalachian folk medicine began at the age of ten in the deep woods of North Alabama with lessons from her Creek/Cherokee grandmother and continued with well-known folk herbalist Tommie Bass. She received a master of health studies from the University of Alabama. Light is a registered herbalist and currently acts as vice president of the American Herbalist Guild as well as a member of the Admissions Committee. She is also the president of the American Naturopathic Certification Board. Locally, Light is the director of the Arab, AL, Appalachian Center for Natural Health, which offers both online and residential classes. Learn more at phyllisdlight.com.