Phyllis D. Light

This book is the first to describe the history, folklore, assessment and diagnosis methods of Southern and Appalachian Folk Medicine(SAFM)--the only system of folk medicine, other than Native American, that developed in the United States. One of the system's last active practitioners, Phyllis D. Light has studied and worked with herbs, foods, and other healing techniques for more than thirty years. In everyday language, she explains how Southern and Appalachian Folk Medicine was passed down orally through the generations by herbalists and healers who cared for people in their communities with the natural tools on hand. Several cultural and healing traditions merged together over a period of time to create Southern Folk Medicine, which draws from the medicine systems of the Greeks (humoral system, astrology), Native Americans (indigenous plant use, spiritual traditions, elements), African (spiritual traditions, foods), and the folk medicine of the British Isles (elements, humors, superstitions, herbs). Light shows that this is not a forgotten system, but an active, viable approach to herbalism that is readily understood and easily put into practice. A fourth-generation herbalist and healer, the author began her studies in the deep woods of North Alabama with lessons from her grandmother, whose knowledge had its roots in her Creek/Cherokee heritage. Light continued as an apprentice with the late Tommie Bass, a nationally renowned folk herbalist, as well as other herbal Elders throughout the Appalachians and the Deep South. Light's extensive knowledge and experience informs her explanation of the Southern Blood Types, which is different from any other indigenous system. The four elements and four tastes form the energetic foundation of the principles and practices, which recognize each individual's uniqueness and the fact that people with the same disorder might have totally different symptoms and therefore might there need totally different herbal remedies. Not only an elucidating description of Southern Folk Medicine, but also a fascinating account of how a healthcare system evolved to meet the needs of the people of this country, this book presents a comprehensive look at a uniquely American concept of healing based on self-care and personal responsibility.

Healing Traditions from the Appalachian Fields and Forests

Southern Folk Medicine

Matthew Wood

Francis Bonaldo Bégnoche

Pulse Evaluation is a pacesetter in the field of herbal and holistic medicine. It sheds new light on herbalism, holistic evaluation, and the age-old art of pulse-reading. "This is a monumental work, and an amazing contribution to our literature. I am always and adamantly of the mind that one's personal experience is of paramount importance, so there was a lot that I would not dream of contesting in your work. As you rightly state, nothing means anything divorced from the context of the patient's whole gestalt. There are many qualities you describe that I will be looking for in the future, or have felt and will reconsider the interpretation. Time will confirm or correct the three of you as the conversation unfolds. I am very pleased to meet Dr. Floyer and invite others to do the same." Brandt Stickley, L. Ac. Assistant Professor of Classical Chinese Medicine, National College of Naturopathic Medicine

Traditional Western Herbalism and Pulse Evaluation: A Conversation

This book is the first to describe the history, folklore, assessment methods, and remedies of Southern and Appalachian Folk Medicine—the only system of folk medicine, other than Native American, that developed in the United States. One of the system's last active practitioners, Phyllis D. Light has studied and worked with herbs, foods, and other healing techniques for more than thirty years. In everyday language, she explains how Southern and Appalachian Folk Medicine was passed down orally through the generations by herbalists and healers who cared for people in their communities with the natural tools on hand.

Phyllis D. Light

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