Uncovering the Healing Power of African American Roots: Exploring 400+ Years of Traditional Remedies

1PrettySmile: The stories! The wisdom! The culture! I love this book so much. Reading stories in the elders (and ancestors) own words was captivating. Many of the tales and remedies stirred memories from my own childhood and time spent with my grandparents. This book is such a treasure.

United States on Oct 15, 2023

Queen B: Anytime I learn something new, I appreciate it

United States on Aug 26, 2023

TyChant’e PinaTyChant’e Pina: This book just sealed the deal for me. As a Root Worker and Herbal Practitioner It Has Elevated My Understanding Of Herbal Remedies. Thank You Michele E. Lee

United States on Jun 20, 2023

D BarrettD Barrett: Marcus Garvey said it best when he stated: “A people without knowledge of their past history, origin and culture is like a tree without roots”. This book is extremely helpful in helping me maintain and grow new roots as a beginner African-American herbalist. So much knowledge was lost in my family because slavery disrupted most if not all of our African traditions, which included passing down medicinal knowledge. This book helped me feel rooted because of the wealth of information it offers. It pays homage specifically to African-American culture which is a of blend West and Central African, Native American, & European cultures. This book doesn't force me choose between my African-American-ness or my African-ness in my quest for more knowledge. I am so excited to find a book that was made just for me!

United States on Feb 05, 2023

Khadijah: When I was first getting interested in herbalism, and it was the best decision. I am a complete beginner and I found that the material and it was easy to understand and very easy to practice. Literally the best book I’ve ever bought!

Canada on Jun 23, 2022

Reader KA: Reading, "Working The Roots: Over 400 Years of Traditional African American Healing," by Michele E. Lee was truly enjoyable for me. I was filled with memories of the summers I spent with my grandmother in Knoxville, Tennessee. On one occasion I tagged along with my grandmother when she went picking vegetables. As a child, my mother received cod liver oil from her parents. I found it interesting that experiences and thoughts I had years ago would resurface in my mind. Thoughts and experiences I hadn't reflected on for decades. My cousin ate starch. It would be possible for me to draw many illustrations of the lives of the people in that book from the lives of my relatives in the south. As with many of the stories in the book, I was able to relate to many of them.

My awe and fascination grew as I read about the lives of our black ancestors. I did learn a great deal after finishing this book.

In the book, I split hairs over two specific statements:

1) The author claimed materialism was part of the American Dream. A house, car, etc., might not be the American Dream for everyone. The American Dream was a symbol of identity for many people. Having the faith to move...

United States on May 24, 2021

N. London, Montreal, QC, Canada: A thoughtfully written and researched book. An excellent reference guide for anyone interested in traditional plant based healing practices. Also,the author interviewed many African American elders while researching this book. These conversations are included, word for word, along with several photographs, which add to the richness of the text. Inspiring and moving ... This book shares an intimate view of rural African American life in the American South. Would make a valuable addition to any library!

Canada on Jul 08, 2018