Southern & Appalachian Folk Medicine with Phyllis D. Light

Traditional Southern and Appalachian Folk Medicine is the most widely acknowledged regional folk medicine in the United States and the only system to develop in this country, 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 of Africa and the British Isles. From these diverse cultures, a unique constitutional system emerged that is uniquely American.

Join Phyllis, who was traditionally trained by her grandmother Rosie and other Appalachian elders such as Tommie Bass, for this wonderful introduction into the world of Southern and Appalachian Folk Medicine. We’ll learn about the Southern Blood Types (bitter/salty and sweet/sour), the four constitutions (fire/water and air/earth), and the blood qualities of high/low blood, thick/thin, fast/slow, and good/bad. In addition, we’ll talk about local plants and how to prepare them in the Southern Appalachian traditional manner, such as the Southern decoction. Phyllis will also talk about her teachers, such as Tommie Bass and her Native American grandmother Rosie, and share stories about old thyme healing methods from the mountain area. Fun, fun, fun!