A Healing Grove: African Tree Remedies and Rituals for the Body and Spirit by Stephanie Rose Bird


A Healing Grove: African Tree Remedies and Rituals for the Body and Spirit
Title : A Healing Grove: African Tree Remedies and Rituals for the Body and Spirit
Author :
Rating :
ISBN : 1556527640
ISBN-10 : 9781556527647
Language : English
Format Type : Paperback
Number of Pages : 368
Publication : First published January 1, 2009

Reclaiming traditions based on plants and herbs has never been more important than it is today. Widespread use of chemicals, hormones, and additives introduce unknown substances into our bodies. On a larger scale, our future on the planet depends on our ability and willingness to incorporate earth-friendly practices into daily life. Where better to look for natural remedies and soothing rituals than Africa? It is, after all, the Mother Continent, allegedly the birthplace of the entire human race, and the keeper of ancient earth knowledge.   No newcomer to these traditions, Stephanie Rose Bird explores the practical uses, spiritual traditions, and historical aspects of trees in the heritage of African Americans and offers ways to rediscover and implement natural practices in twenty-first-century daily life. The topics she covers are as diverse as a wood should be, including everything from hunting, gathering, and processing to natural divination, omens, signs, and forest medicine for wellness and beauty. A Healing Grove will lead not only to personal healing but also to a lifestyle that will heal our earth.

A Healing Grove: African Tree Remedies and Rituals for the Body and Spirit Reviews

  • Melissa

    A treasure for any African within the diaspora.

    There are many books on the market that focus on mainly European herbs, making practical information on other herbal traditions rare.

    This book focuses on herbs, botanicals, and medicines found throghout the African Diaspora, and includes a fascinating look at their practical applications and cultural use.

    What's also important about this book is that the author focuses on more African standards of beauty. Many books I've read that feature beauty applications are geared towards Eurocentric standards of beauty- herbs to whiten the skin, for example, or authors not differentiating between lightening the skin and evening out skin tone.

    Many African Diaspora favorites are provided here, such as coconut oil, shea butter, and cocoa butter. Stephanie RoseBird really helped me fall in love with my old favorites and learn new applications as well as their cultural use.

    Whether you are a African American naturalista looking for natural and holistic healing or someone just looking for a refreshing new look on herbalism, this book is for you.

  • Stephanie Bird

    From writing this book I learned so much about the spirituality of trees and their medicines and how they are used in the African diaspora. I found myself connecting more deeply with trees and tree medicine as well.