Southern Folk Medicine

Instructor: Phyllis D. Light, MA, RH

Traditional Southern and Appalachian Folk Medicine is the most widely acknowledged regional folk medicine in the United States and the only system of healing to develop here other than Native American medicine. Its early development can be traced to influences from Greek or Galenic medicine, which prevailed in Europe at the time of settlement of this country; Native American plant use and knowledge; and the folk medicines from areas of Africa and the British Isles. From these diverse cultures, a unique constitutional system emerged, unique for the land and its settlers. Join Phyllis, who was trained by her grandmother Rosie and Appalachian elders such as Tommie Bass, for this wonderful introduction into the world of Southern and Appalachian Folk Medicine, a system of healing that developed on the land and in place. We’ll 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.