Southern Folk Medicine

The development of traditional Southern and Appalachian folk medicine can be traced to influences from Greek or Galenic medicine (which prevailed in Europe when America was settled); Native American plant use and knowledge; and folk medicines from areas of Africa and the British Isles. From these diverse cultures, a unique system emerged for the land and its settlers. Join Phyllis D. Light, MA, RA, who was trained by her grandmother Rosie and Appalachian herbalists such as Tommie Bass, to learn about the Southern “blood types” (bitter/salty and sweet/sour), the four constitutions (fire, water, air, earth) and the use of local plants for health and healing.Cost is $50 for Members of the Friends of Birmingham Botanical Gardens and $60 for Non-Members. Part of the Friends of Birmingham Botanical Gardens’ Certificate in Native Plant Studies program, this class is open to all. For more information, visit https://bbgardens.org/southern-folk-medicine.php