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Hoodoo Medicine: Gullah Herbal Remedies
Hoodoo Medicine is a unique record of nearly lost African-American folk culture. It documents herbal medicines used for centuries, from the 1600s until recent decades, by the slaves and later their freed descendants, in the South Carolina Sea Islands. The Sea Island people, also called the Gullah, were unusually isolated from other slave groups by the creeks and marshes of the Low Country. They maintained strong African influences on their speech, social customs, and beliefs, long after other American blacks had lost this connection. Likewise, their folk medicine mixed medicines that originated in Africa with cures learned from the American Indians and European settlers. Hoodoo Medicine is a window into Gullah traditions, which in recent years have been threatened by the migration of families, the invasion of the Sea Islands by suburban developers, and the gradual death of the elder generation. More than that, it captures folk practices that lasted longer in the Sea Islands than elsewhere, but were once widespread throughout African-American communities of the South.
120 pages, Paperback
First published April 1, 1999
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September 28, 2017
This is a shot little book that I wish was quite a bit longer. Faith Mitchell generated this book by traveling to the Sea Side Islands off the coast of the Carolina’s these islands were home to a large African American community back during the colonial period. Back in those times it was all African American with the exception of a few white people who were plantation owner and over seers. The language they spoke was gulla. Even up to the 1930’s the area was rather neglected. As the population grew people began moving out. Mostly it is the older generation of people at that know about the herbal cures.
In Africa the elders knew what each of the herbs and plants could heal. When they came to the new land they had to make substitutions. Some of this was based on their own knowledge, other of it came from the Europeans and the Native Americans. The Native American knew about the plant lore and taught a lot of that lore to the Africans. Most Hoodoo medicines are a one single plant or two to three at the most. For the Hoodoo practioners sicknesses came in the guise of three things . The first was regular illness, the second was sickness sent by someone with occult powers and finally the third illness was because of sin.
In the beginning many people would consult Native American Healers and African American Healers. But as time progressed it was illegal to consult anyone but a white European doctor. Thus the only people to be treated would be other slaves if even that.
The second part of the book talks about herbs and what they were used to cure. There is an extensive bibliography in the back. The herb section tells the name of the herb the first part renders a description. Next it tells you which part of the plant to use. Finally what it is used for.
Some example
White Root: usd for colds an drunbk as a tea. Swamp Grass has the leaves used for sprains. It also tells how the European used the herbs as well.
In Africa the elders knew what each of the herbs and plants could heal. When they came to the new land they had to make substitutions. Some of this was based on their own knowledge, other of it came from the Europeans and the Native Americans. The Native American knew about the plant lore and taught a lot of that lore to the Africans. Most Hoodoo medicines are a one single plant or two to three at the most. For the Hoodoo practioners sicknesses came in the guise of three things . The first was regular illness, the second was sickness sent by someone with occult powers and finally the third illness was because of sin.
In the beginning many people would consult Native American Healers and African American Healers. But as time progressed it was illegal to consult anyone but a white European doctor. Thus the only people to be treated would be other slaves if even that.
The second part of the book talks about herbs and what they were used to cure. There is an extensive bibliography in the back. The herb section tells the name of the herb the first part renders a description. Next it tells you which part of the plant to use. Finally what it is used for.
Some example
White Root: usd for colds an drunbk as a tea. Swamp Grass has the leaves used for sprains. It also tells how the European used the herbs as well.
February 23, 2008
A Unique Record of a Nearly Lost Healing Tradition
Reviewed by William Courson
The Sea Islands of the southeastern Atlantic coast are renown for their tropical beauty and for the Gullah people, African-Americans descended from enslaved ancestors who developed a distinctive language and culture. Cut off from the mainland, many of the islands were accessible only by boat as late as 1960, permitting Gullah culture to remain largely intact. Dr. Faith Mitchell, a medical anthropologist and former Clinton White House policy analyst, lived with the Gullah people for a period beginning in 1971 to learn for herself the traditional system of medicine still practiced by the islands' oldest residents, a knowledge that had nearly been lost and an experience she describes as `life-changing.'
"Hoodoo Medicine: Gullah Herbal Remedies" describes in detail the medicinal plants historically used by the Gullah people. The book includes a history in summary form of the Sea Islands, their settlement and the sources for this lineage of African-American traditional ("folk") medicine, as well as an exhaustive listing of all the medicinal roots, herbs and other plant materials, elaborating their applications in the Gullah culture as well as borrowings by Native Americans and European settlers.
This work captures traditional healing practices that have lasted far longer in the Sea Islands than elsewhere, but were once widespread throughout African-American communities of the South.
Shocked by the poverty and lack of any modern infrastructure in the more remote backwoods settlements, the author found a place where very little had changed since the days of slavery. She was most affected by the rich, fertile beauty of the Islands and by the strength and integrity of the families she encountered, possessing a natural wealth and deep wisdom that belied the widespread material impoverishment. At the same time, she discovered that the Sea Islands were also as abundant in culture - ghost stories, animal tales, the Gullah language, plant knowledge - as they were in animal and plant life.
These first experiences among the Gullah people led her to pursue a lifelong interest in African American history and culture.
"Hoodoo Medicine: Gullah Herbal Remedies" is a unique record of a nearly lost realm of African-American folk culture. It documents plant medicines used since the 1600s down to the present day, by the slaves and later their freed descendants. The Gullah healing tradition is one that has wed techniques and materials that originated in Africa with cures learned from the itinerant Moors, Native Americans and Europeans.
This book is a window into the Gullah tradition, threatened in recent years by the migration of families, the invasion of suburban developers, and the passing of the elder generation. The healing traditions of the African American herbalists have been largely overlooked, called backwards or adaptations of other traditions, and Dr. Mitchell systemically and effectively refutes such claims.
"Hoodoo Medicine" belongs in the library of anyone interested in African American history generally and its healing traditions in particular as well as of anyone interested in traditional or alternative healing and herbalism.
This is a valuable book, beautifully and lovingly written, that is inspirational in its effort to revitalize an important and nearly lost piece of history.
Reviewed by William Courson
The Sea Islands of the southeastern Atlantic coast are renown for their tropical beauty and for the Gullah people, African-Americans descended from enslaved ancestors who developed a distinctive language and culture. Cut off from the mainland, many of the islands were accessible only by boat as late as 1960, permitting Gullah culture to remain largely intact. Dr. Faith Mitchell, a medical anthropologist and former Clinton White House policy analyst, lived with the Gullah people for a period beginning in 1971 to learn for herself the traditional system of medicine still practiced by the islands' oldest residents, a knowledge that had nearly been lost and an experience she describes as `life-changing.'
"Hoodoo Medicine: Gullah Herbal Remedies" describes in detail the medicinal plants historically used by the Gullah people. The book includes a history in summary form of the Sea Islands, their settlement and the sources for this lineage of African-American traditional ("folk") medicine, as well as an exhaustive listing of all the medicinal roots, herbs and other plant materials, elaborating their applications in the Gullah culture as well as borrowings by Native Americans and European settlers.
This work captures traditional healing practices that have lasted far longer in the Sea Islands than elsewhere, but were once widespread throughout African-American communities of the South.
Shocked by the poverty and lack of any modern infrastructure in the more remote backwoods settlements, the author found a place where very little had changed since the days of slavery. She was most affected by the rich, fertile beauty of the Islands and by the strength and integrity of the families she encountered, possessing a natural wealth and deep wisdom that belied the widespread material impoverishment. At the same time, she discovered that the Sea Islands were also as abundant in culture - ghost stories, animal tales, the Gullah language, plant knowledge - as they were in animal and plant life.
These first experiences among the Gullah people led her to pursue a lifelong interest in African American history and culture.
"Hoodoo Medicine: Gullah Herbal Remedies" is a unique record of a nearly lost realm of African-American folk culture. It documents plant medicines used since the 1600s down to the present day, by the slaves and later their freed descendants. The Gullah healing tradition is one that has wed techniques and materials that originated in Africa with cures learned from the itinerant Moors, Native Americans and Europeans.
This book is a window into the Gullah tradition, threatened in recent years by the migration of families, the invasion of suburban developers, and the passing of the elder generation. The healing traditions of the African American herbalists have been largely overlooked, called backwards or adaptations of other traditions, and Dr. Mitchell systemically and effectively refutes such claims.
"Hoodoo Medicine" belongs in the library of anyone interested in African American history generally and its healing traditions in particular as well as of anyone interested in traditional or alternative healing and herbalism.
This is a valuable book, beautifully and lovingly written, that is inspirational in its effort to revitalize an important and nearly lost piece of history.
March 1, 2021
Meh...
The book is ok. I wish it actually had recipes from ancestors. And I wish it had scientific names of some of the herbs so I could look more into them.
The book is ok. I wish it actually had recipes from ancestors. And I wish it had scientific names of some of the herbs so I could look more into them.
February 14, 2021
So Much Information
So much information packed inside this little book. I wish it were longer but it offers enough to ensure the adventure into herbalism and its African-American roots continue.
So much information packed inside this little book. I wish it were longer but it offers enough to ensure the adventure into herbalism and its African-American roots continue.
January 31, 2021
My Geechee grandmother and I enjoy this book immensely! It takes her back to when she was a kid in the country. The one Black doctor would come to the area once a month, so in the meantime her mother and grandmother would go to the woods to get their herbs, make salves and teas, and treat whoever was sick. It's helped me learn more about my heritage. Thank you, Dr. Mitchell!
June 15, 2008
Another book if you are into this old tradition you must have this on your bookshelve. If you are into herbal remedies then this is for you
February 19, 2011
Very well written and researched. Interesting.
May 22, 2020
Clear and Precise
The author gave a lot of history and pertinent information about the Sea Islands and the slaves and how they cured one another when illness had struck. It was interesting to read how many of our ancestors remedies were used to cure their master and his family and are used today but mixed with pharmaceuticals.
I enjoyed reading about the variety of plants that we can make into teas or ointments and treat our own ailments. And yes, a lot of the author's information can be found with some digging on the internet but it's good to have this information in one place and organized to quickly find what you need.
I gave it four stars because it read as a history book up until thirty percent into the book; however, I would still recommend it. It would be a unique addition to your library.
***If this review helped you a wee bit, let Amazon know with the Helpful click.***
~Nicole
The author gave a lot of history and pertinent information about the Sea Islands and the slaves and how they cured one another when illness had struck. It was interesting to read how many of our ancestors remedies were used to cure their master and his family and are used today but mixed with pharmaceuticals.
I enjoyed reading about the variety of plants that we can make into teas or ointments and treat our own ailments. And yes, a lot of the author's information can be found with some digging on the internet but it's good to have this information in one place and organized to quickly find what you need.
I gave it four stars because it read as a history book up until thirty percent into the book; however, I would still recommend it. It would be a unique addition to your library.
***If this review helped you a wee bit, let Amazon know with the Helpful click.***
~Nicole
April 15, 2023
This is a remarkable little book. As I did research for my "Savannah's Hoodoo Doctor," I needed a look into the nuances of the Gullah/Geechee healing traditions brought from West Africa by the enslaved. As a native Savannahian I had heard Gullah being spoken among my co-workers as we moved furniture during my summer job in her sweltering summers and heard some of the ancient stories about sage animal tricksters playing with 'Bruh Rabbit. In my book my task was to explain how these West African traditions of root doctors, including conjurers and herbalists contributed to Savannah's rich traditions of healing. Understanding how "hands" and amulets were as effective as the stethoscope I use every day was energizing. The cover and brevity of this book belies the careful, almost academic review of what was already published. It is all there. Anyone who seeks to understand modern Savannah should spend some time savoring this book.
December 9, 2020
Took Me Back Home to My Roots
Momma Lizzy was a renound healer &roots Black Woman in our town. My Grandfather’s mother. Momma Susie, my grandmother’s mother ran a chicken farm &sent most of her children to be educators for our Black community. Both Women worked the fields, used roots, herbs &berries to heal the community. Both bought &own property, stand alone as Black Woman from the NC costal islands.
Momma Lizzy was a renound healer &roots Black Woman in our town. My Grandfather’s mother. Momma Susie, my grandmother’s mother ran a chicken farm &sent most of her children to be educators for our Black community. Both Women worked the fields, used roots, herbs &berries to heal the community. Both bought &own property, stand alone as Black Woman from the NC costal islands.
June 6, 2018
Good Good Stuff!
This was an eye opening experience,one that I had some knowledge of from my grandmother.I just wished I could've gotten a better break down of the remedies and how to gather,store and prepare.This was an easy read and way to follow some.of the recipes.I'm glad I found this little gem of a book.
This was an eye opening experience,one that I had some knowledge of from my grandmother.I just wished I could've gotten a better break down of the remedies and how to gather,store and prepare.This was an easy read and way to follow some.of the recipes.I'm glad I found this little gem of a book.
June 2, 2020
Dense
A very dense read, but informative. This author goes to great lengths to deliver the lesser known history surrounding the beginnings of this faith/religion/ way of living. Dense but worth the time If you are truly interested in the *roots*
A very dense read, but informative. This author goes to great lengths to deliver the lesser known history surrounding the beginnings of this faith/religion/ way of living. Dense but worth the time If you are truly interested in the *roots*
July 13, 2019
Fantastic!
I learned a lot about the everyday life, farming and other important cultural descriptions of the Sea Island people. Very important.
I learned a lot about the everyday life, farming and other important cultural descriptions of the Sea Island people. Very important.
Read
December 14, 2019I haven't read it yet. It seems ok but I need time to read it.
Please let us read it before you ask for a review.You need to fix this.You review what you haven't read.
Please let us read it before you ask for a review.You need to fix this.You review what you haven't read.
February 6, 2020
Very informative
I would love to have a hard copy for my bookshelf at home ! This was an informative, great read.
I would love to have a hard copy for my bookshelf at home ! This was an informative, great read.
October 9, 2020
❤️❤️❤️
I loveee it!! The breakdown was amazing!! I hope everyone is able to purchase book and share with family members!!
I loveee it!! The breakdown was amazing!! I hope everyone is able to purchase book and share with family members!!
October 29, 2020
Informative
A look back in time. I enjoyed the historical information and the photos. Highly enjoyable and worth a read for me.
A look back in time. I enjoyed the historical information and the photos. Highly enjoyable and worth a read for me.
January 5, 2022
Helpful information
May 22, 2025
LOVE!!
This was a excellent quick read for anyone interested in Gullah heritage and plant knowledge! Highly recommend to anyone looking to learn more about either topics
This was a excellent quick read for anyone interested in Gullah heritage and plant knowledge! Highly recommend to anyone looking to learn more about either topics
November 19, 2025
History Revealed
Learning the history of conjure and juju in America. The influence of African countries on the healing service of slaves in the Gullah herbalist practices.
Learning the history of conjure and juju in America. The influence of African countries on the healing service of slaves in the Gullah herbalist practices.
Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews