<Back

Forward>

Mayapple Podophyllum peltatum

Many medicines were made from plants such as May Apple. Asafetida or garlic tied around the neck warded off misfortune as well as colds. A spring tonic of molasses, sulphur, and sassafras tea cleaned out the system. Whiskey eased "the misery," and chimney soot stopped bleeding. Blacks usually kept their traditional treatments, rituals, and charms secret from whites, who distrusted black medicines.