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Herbalism Books by Black Herbalists Authors
When it comes to herbalism, finding resources that speak to our unique history and experiences can be challenging. Over the years, I’ve curated a collection of books that center on African and African American herbal traditions, blending historical insights with practical knowledge. Let me share some of my favorites and how they can deepen your herbal journey.
First up is Divine Fiat by Kwame M. Vaughan. This book is a must-read for anyone interested in understanding the historical and cultural roots of herbalism. Vaughan takes you on a journey from ancient civilizations to modern times, exploring the ways people of color have used herbs for healing.
What I love most is how personal this book feels. Vaughan includes pictures of himself as well as his parents, giving the reader a connection to the wisdom being shared. The book covers the historical significance of herbalists, highlights some of history’s greatest Black herbalists, and dives into the evolution of herbalism in Black America.
Even with my background in African history (I even created a homeschool curriculum before my kids were born), I learned about herbalists I’d never heard of. This book is an eye-opener, and for just $25, it’s an investment in both knowledge and culture. You can only find it on their official site, so I’ll make sure to share the link.
➡ The Divine Fiat: https://amzn.to/3q5svyY
If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed trying to navigate the world of herbalism, Herbal Holistic Healing is the guide you’ve been waiting for. This 514-page booktakes you from simply knowing about herbs to deeply understanding their role in healing, with practical steps to make herbalism a way of life.
Unlike other resources, Herbal Holistic Healing is rooted in African and biblical traditions, making it a unique and essential addition to any herbalist’s library. It’s not about memorizing long lists of herbs; it’s about learning to think like a healer. For example, you’ll discover why raspberry leaf strengthens the womb, how dandelion supports liver health, and how herbal energetics influence the body on a deeper level.
This guide empowers you to work with over 100 African herbs, create effective remedies, and develop personalized wellness protocols. Whether it’s learning to make tinctures and poultices or understanding herbal energetics through an African lens, Herbal Holistic Healing meets you where you are and helps you grow into the healer your family and community need.
How to Use It in Your Practice
What sets Herbal Holistic Healing apart is its focus on real-world application.
You’ll learn how to:
Create extracts, teas, tinctures, and syrups using accessible ingredients.
Build wellness programs tailored to specific body systems, like the digestive or immune systems.
Understand herb and drug interactions to ensure safety in your formulations.
Seamlessly integrate herbs into everyday life with easy-to-follow recipes and techniques.
Whether you’re just starting your herbal journey or looking to deepen your knowledge, Herbal Holistic Healing provides the foundation you need to practice with confidence.
Next, we have African American Home Remedies a Practical Guide with Usage and Application Data. This book is like stepping into a time machine, taking you back to when our families relied on home remedies and herbs to stay well. It’s based on studies from the University of Michigan, exploring over 100 remedies and their ties to African American culture.
You’ll find fascinating insights, like how blackberry root and sage tea were used for anemia or how camphor treated everything from nasal congestion to muscle aches. The book even highlights old-school remedies that might sound unfamiliar, like “cow slobber.”
One thing that stands out is the way dialect and regional names for herbs made it hard to connect traditional remedies to modern practices. But that’s also what makes this book special—it preserves a piece of our history that’s often overlooked.
➡ African American Home Remedies: https://amzn.to/3B6pC76
If you’re curious about the connection between food and healing, the God Awakening Diet is a great place to start. This book focuses on an alkaline vegan lifestyle inspired by Dr. Sebi’s teachings. While it’s not heavy on herbal information, it offers simple recipes and guidance on food-based cleansing.
For beginners looking to dip their toes into the world of alkaline health, this book provides an easy introduction. It’s a reminder that what we eat is just as important as the remedies we use.
➡ The God Awakening Diet: https://amzn.to/3zU3L1Y
The Art & Practice of Spiritual Herbalism: This is one of my newer additions, and I’m already in love. Karen M. Rose breaks the book into sections based on body systems, like the circulatory, digestive, and nervous systems. Each section features herbs specific to that system, blending spiritual and practical insights.
The illustrations are stunning, and I appreciate the personal touch she adds by including pictures of herself and her herbal shop in New York. If you’re open to exploring the spiritual side of herbalism, this book is a beautiful guide. She details eight different systems and then there's about five herbs in each of the sections with about 50 total herbs.
➡ The Art & Practice of Spiritual Herbalism: https://amzn.to/3cJtaTl
Lastly, let’s talk about The Physicians Guide Natural Health for African Americans by Marcellus A. Walker and Kenneth B. Singleton. Though published over 20 years ago, this book feels timeless. It tackles chronic health issues that are still prevalent in our community, like hypertension, diabetes, and heart disease.
What makes this book unique is its holistic approach. The authors, both MDs, address the role of stress and negative emotions on health while offering strategies for detoxification, blood sugar stabilization, and weight management. If you’re looking for a comprehensive yet beginner-friendly resource, this one is worth checking out.
➡Natural Health for African Americans: The Physicians' Guide (Physicians' Guide to Healing) : https://amzn.to/3HrEPkQ
Building a library of books like these are a small step to reclaiming knowledge that was almost erased. Each of these books offers a piece of the puzzle, helping us understand how to heal ourselves and our families.
Todah for reading! Let me know which book resonated with you most.
Affiliate Links below, they don't cost you extra put I'd make a small commission on the sale.
►Books:
➡ Working the Roots: https://amzn.to/3B5a9mc
➡ Holistic Self Diagnosis: https://amzn.to/3mUIRZC
➡ African Holistic Health: https://amzn.to/3xpBL3S
➡ Melanin: What Makes Black People Black: https://amzn.to/3xV8e3C
➡ Nature Power: Natural Medicine in Tropical Africa: https://amzn.to/3tIydc3
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