02/02/2026
The contributions of African and African-American herbalism in our Western materia medica, medicine, and herbalism are vast but have been largely ignored or erased from our current understanding. I'm still very much a work-in-progress aiming to learn more from the amazing Black herbalists in our communities since I never learned it "growing up" as an herbalist myself.
A few of the many great modern folks and resources to consider following, supporting with your purchases, and learning from...
Leah Penniman's work at Soul Fire Farm including book Farming While Black and keynote lectures for many conferences was one of my first inspirations to recognize, know, and do more. This particular lecture (slightly different version) was what started it for me: https://www.herbrally.com/podcast/episodes/uprooting-racism and she also did a free webinar on Plants of Black Freedom available here https://americanherbalistsguild.com/recordings/webinar-plants-black-freedom-leah-penniman/
Karen M. Rose of Sacred Vibes Apothecary wrote one of my favorite herbals The Art & Practice of Spiritual Herbalism which interweaves traditional folk spirituality with science, ancestral-social-emotional overlays, and herbal healing in an approachable and multifaceted book organized by body system.
KhadiYah Preciado, Yah’s Apothecary, offers all sorts of books, resources, YouTube channel, and has done a few guest blogs on my website in years past. Her book Herbal Holistic Healing: African Herbalism for Modern Times is quite extensive! She's also running a deal right now on some of her other books. For folks looking for a more Scripture and science approach, KhadiYah also integrates this into some of her teachings. Check out this nice article from her https://blog.mountainroseherbs.com/the-teas-we-grew-up-with-a-practical-history-of-black-herbalism-through-kitchen-remedies
Lucretia VanDyke has offered several great classes via Mountain Rose Herbs blog and Free Herbalism Projects, often highlighting inspiring individuals from our African American Herbal history. Her book African American Herbalism offers an excellent entryway into history and practical ways to learn about and work with plants from this tradition.
Working the Roots by Michele E. Lee is one of few books available (until recent years) on the topic of African-American healing and tradition and incorporates folk spiritual aspects of healing as well.
Olatokunboh Obasi is an herbalist and nutritionist trained in both Africa and the USA (among other regions, like Puerto Rico) whom I've had the honor of taking a handful of classes and connecting with over a few meals. She's an amazing human being and offers classes and other offerings through her school Omaroti Herbalism & Well of Indigenous Wisdom https://www.wellofindigenouswisdom.com Omaroti Herbalism & Wellbeing: Well of Indigenous Wisdom School
Selima & Tami Founders of Iwilla Remedy who often partner with the Herbal Academy (I've really enjoyed catching several of Selima Harleston-Lust's classes!), this is their affiliate link for a free HA African American Herbalism recipe book https://tickets.herbalismconferences.com/african-american-herbalism-recipe-ebook/?affiliate=iwillaremedy
Kendra at The Herbal Scoop sells lovely tea blends and offers inspiration via her newsletters and other work.
Amanda David Rootwork Herbals runs a great herb shop and various in-person and online programs
Claudia Ford, ethnobotanist and midwife, teaches wonderful classes on our African American history and the connection with medicinal plants including this video free on YouTube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O42yaDzbLS8
Who else inspires you or would you like to share about their work??
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