Working The Roots: Over 400 Years of Traditional African American Healing

Reading this book was like when baby turtles return to the same spot where they were born at without a map...it's instinct.I'm from Virginia and I remember many of these home remedies and more that was used in my family. God put everything right here on earth to heal us. We just gotta know how to use it. Great book!

Filled with tons of information! Stories and things you didn’t even know

Great guide on roots and it’s uses.

Reading, "Working The Roots: Over 400 Years of Traditional African American Healing," by Michele E. Lee was truly enjoyable for me. I was filled with memories of the summers I spent with my grandmother in Knoxville, Tennessee. On one occasion I tagged along with my grandmother when she went picking vegetables. As a child, my mother received cod liver oil from her parents. I found it interesting that experiences and thoughts I had years ago would resurface in my mind. Thoughts and experiences I hadn't reflected on for decades. My cousin ate starch. It would be possible for me to draw many illustrations of the lives of the people in that book from the lives of my relatives in the south. As with many of the stories in the book, I was able to relate to many of them.My awe and fascination grew as I read about the lives of our black ancestors. I did learn a great deal after finishing this book.In the book, I split hairs over two specific statements:1) The author claimed materialism was part of the American Dream. A house, car, etc., might not be the American Dream for everyone. The American Dream was a symbol of identity for many people. Having the faith to move forward even without knowing how to do so. They could achieve their goals by using their rights, freedoms, and God-given abilities. Our ancestors were manipulated mentally, spiritually, personally, financially, and psychologically to the point that they never got a fair shake in this country. It was impossible for black people to achieve high levels of success, whatever that meant to them.2) According to the author, black people did not die from chronic diseases decades ago. There were relatives of mine who lived in rural areas who died of strokes and heart disease. I could never understand the way of life of people who worked with roots and plants. I had become accustomed to modern medicine. It was also arduous, exhausting, and backbreaking work in those fields.Michele E. Lee's book, "Working The Roots: Over 400 Years of Traditional African American Healing," would be recommended.

Oh my!!! I didn’t really know what to expect but I just dove in and it just took me to the place of my ancestors. I could hear them talking and the remedies/herbs were all they have and would’ve used. I loved every inch of this book. If you are wanting to get back to your AA roots, get this book. It is beyond excellent!!

Very informative and well written. My only reason for giving it 4 stars is that I feel it's important to have vivid, sharp, full color photos when dealing with plants. The descriptions are good but they can o ly get you so far. I don't want to have to ask myself "is this lavender - blue, more lavender or mostly blue?" When I'm out looking for plants.Other than not being in color, this is a great book

If you are a young black person reconnecting with traditional black spiritual practices, get this book please! Its packed with knowledge. Fair warning: this is not much of an introductory book. I think it makes the assumption that you already know a bit about hoodoo rootwork and conjure (If your looking for a good place to start, try "roots, stones sticks and bones")

I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book and learning about practices from our ancestors. It provides information that should have been and still can be passed on to future generations, especially with how big pharma has modern medicine ridiculously overpriced.

When I was first getting interested in herbalism, and it was the best decision. I am a complete beginner and I found that the material and it was easy to understand and very easy to practice. Literally the best book I’ve ever bought!

A thoughtfully written and researched book. An excellent reference guide for anyone interested in traditional plant based healing practices. Also,the author interviewed many African American elders while researching this book. These conversations are included, word for word, along with several photographs, which add to the richness of the text. Inspiring and moving ... This book shares an intimate view of rural African American life in the American South. Would make a valuable addition to any library!