Embracing Our Roots: Celebrating Black Herbalists and Candle Makers during Black History Month

When I was a young child…

I would often spend a lot of time next door at both my great-great-grandmother's and great-grandmother's home. Little did I know back then, but these two remarkable women would have a profound impact on my development and eventual passion for herbalism and candle making.

I don't recall ever seeing them go to the hospital. Instead, they would venture into the woods and return with what they referred to as "medicine." When I fell ill, they would set aside the traditional medicine and instead serve me nourishing food, broths and their own homemade "remedies." I have vivid memories of attempting to mimic their healing ways by making mud pies, using blades of grass, sticks and roots, and carefully laying them out to "cure" in the hot Texas sun for later use.

But the most profound memory of all was when I stumbled upon an old metal pan in their backyard. I decided to create my very own healing poultice for the large sick tree that held my tire swing. Gathering more dirt, grass, leaves, sticks, and even things I probably shouldn't have taken from their garden, I mixed them all together with water and whatever else my naughty little hands could find in the backyard shed. With great determination, I applied my concoction to the base of the ailing tree and earnestly asked it to get better.

Looking back on those childhood experiences, I now realize how my great-great-grandmother and great-grandmother sparked a deep fascination within me. They instilled in me a sense of wonder and a belief in the healing powers of nature. Their firm but loving guidance mixed with their own practices of using herbs and candles would eventually lead me down the path of herbalism and candle making.

Those moments spent in their company, surrounded by the comforting sounds of their spiritual humming and scents of the countryside air, all laid the foundation for my future endeavors. I am forever grateful for the precious time I shared with them and the invaluable lessons they imparted. Their simple yet profound teachings (frequently without any words) continue to shape my journey as I embrace the traditions of herbalism and candle making, honoring the wisdom passed down and the healing power of the natural world.

As we commemorate Black History Month,

it is important to take a moment to honor the significant contributions and rich heritage of Black individuals throughout history and honor the contributions of Black herbalists and candle makers from the past, as well as those who continue to carry the torch and contribute to the ongoing evolution of their respective fields.

By celebrating Black herbalists and candle makers during Black History Month, we can acknowledge their invaluable contributions to the world of traditional medicine, healing, artistic expression, and community empowerment. We can help create a more inclusive, diverse, and equitable community. Let us embrace the wisdom, healing practices, and artistic creations of Black individuals, honoring their continued contributions to their respective fields and to the betterment of society at large.

References

Dorsey, D. (2018, Feb 15). Reclaiming African herbalism as an act of resistance. YES! Magazine.

Hamby, E.B. (2004). The roots of healing: Archaeological and historical investigations of African-American herbal medicine. PhD diss., University of Tennessee. Retrieved from https://trace.tennessee.edu/utk_graddiss/4543