4 Herbs Used in Black Herbalism

Herbalism practices and plants often cross cultures and traditions. Some of the plants used in Western herbalism entered our knowledge base via Africa, both during ancient times and, undeniably, during slave trade and colonialism. In honor of Black History Month, we’re taking a closer look at four herbs used in the West that have rich histories of use in African and Indigenous herbalism, as a way to honor the roots of those herbal traditions. Beyond health, many of these plants have deep spiritual connections.

This article is written by Sasha Brown, one of our Herbalists and Product Specialists on the Botanical Affairs Team. Here she shares thoughtful research and insights into the history of African American herbalism.

Cramp Bark

Viburnum opulus

While Cramp Bark (Viburnum opulus) has been naturalized in North America, northern Africa is among its native habitats.⁸ In the West, we use the bark as traditional support for the musculoskeletal system. However, the whole roots serve spiritual purposes, including help in conjuring spirits. In Hoodoo practices, the plant known as “Devil’s Shoestring” is used to protect the home and carried for good luck when gambling or job searching – or to help you get out of trouble.^2,6,11*

We source only responsibly wildcrafted Cramp Bark from Kentucky, which is hand-harvested in the spring or fall then carefully shade-dried before extraction.

Devil’s Claw

Harpagophytum spp.

Native to southern Africa, Devil’s Claw (Harpagophytum spp.) offers support for the musculoskeletal system. In the Yoruba religion and others, the plant is used by heavenly spirits known as Orishas that uplift and purify human nature, providing support in times of weakness.¹⁰ In the Ifá religion, the plant is sometimes placed on holy altars.¹⁰*

We source only responsibly wildcrafted Devil’s Claw from South Africa, from partners who follow strictly enforced sustainable harvesting practices.

Myrrh

Commiphora spp.

Myrrh (Commiphora spp.) is a resinous sap that’s been used as incense since ancient times.^3,4 In addition to its use in fragrant oils and perfumes, Myrrh is used to bless and purify the spirit, in prayer and other rituals.^3,4

Native to Ethiopia, Kenya, Oman, Saudi Arabia, and Somalia, we source ours from its habitat in eastern Africa.⁴ Myrrh is harvested from incisions in the tree’s trunk, allowing it to continue to grow. It offers traditional support for the immune system.*

Rue

Ruta graveolens

Rue (Ruta graveolens) is a plant we grow on our farms in Oregon, and it has herbal roots stretching from Ethiopia to the Andes Mountains. The herb is commonly used in Ethiopian coffee ceremonies, and it’s listed as an ingredient in two of the world’s oldest cookbooks.^5,9 Rue is also mentioned in one of the oldest herbalism books, Dioscorides' De Materia Medica.

The herb lends its musky, pungent flavor to cheese and berbere spice blends, and it’s used as a spiritual purifying herb in bathing rituals in Afro-Brazilian regions.⁹

On a day celebrating “Earth Mother,” certain Indigenous communities in the Andes drink a mixture of sugarcane and Rue to bring health and luck in the coming year.⁹ It supports optimal well-being.*

References

[1] Thorne Research, Inc. (2008). Harpagophytum procumbens (Devil’s Claw) Monograph. Alternative Medicine Review (AMR), 13(3), 248-252.
[2] Bird, S. (2010). The big book of soul: The ultimate guide to the African American spirit. Hampton Roads Publishing Company, Inc.
[3] Bird, S. (2024). 365 Days Of Hoodoo: Daily Rootwork, Mojo & Conjuration. Llewellyn Publications.
[4] Geist, L. (2022). Frankincense and myrrh: Ancient scents of the season. University of Missouri Extension.
[5] Grime, W. (1979). Ethno-botany of the Black Americans. Reference Publications.
[6] Lee, M. (2014). Working the roots: Over 400 years of traditional African American healing. Wadastick.
[7] Lukas, F. (2022, December 15). Sustainable harvest of Devil’s Claws restores hope. United Nations Development Programme (UNDP).
[8] SB Johnny. (2015). Cramp Bark – Viburnum opulus. Root Buyer.
[9] Samuels, N. (2024). The Encyclopedia Of Rootical Folklore: Plant Tales From Africa And The Diaspora. Scorched Earth Pr.
[10] Sawandi, T. (2016). African Medicine: A complete guide to Yoruba healing science and African herbal remedies, 2nd edition. CreateSpace Independent Publishing Platform.
[11] VanDyke, L. (2022). African American herbalism: A practical guide to healing plants and folk. Ulysses Press.

4 Herbs Used in Black Herbalism