Traditional Medicine in the Low Country

Traditional medicine has always played an important role in the lives of Charlestonâs black population. In Africa, herbs were used for medicinal purposes and this tradition carried over into the New World with the importation of slaves. In South Carolina, slaves had access to plantation doctors as well as men and women who were knowledgeable of the healing powers of herbs and roots.

With the abolition of slavery, blacks continued their reliance on natural remedies for ailments. When a person became ill, the "granny", who served as midwife and general health practitioner, was called upon by the family to offer her expert advise. The "granny" was often the first choice of blacks who lived in areas where medical attention from doctors or hospitals was inaccessible because of distance or financial cost. When help from a trained doctor was available, parents would consult the doctor and try the remedy offered. However, if they were not satisfied with the results, the parents would return to the more traditional cures offered by the area "granny" or midwife. Doctors were aware of this and often grew to respect the natural remedies, and, in some cases, incorporated them into their own practice.

The tradition of being a midwife or "granny" was passed on from mother to daughter. From a young age, girls learned from their mothers which herbs worked best for curing particular ailments. Each individual family had its own traditions concerning what herbs or roots they used for particular problems, but whenever an illness arose that they were unsure of how to handle, families often turned to the eldest woman in the area for advice.

Some of the most commonly used herbs in Charleston and the surrounding Low Country were: Mullein, Life Everlasting, Ginger, Boneset, Bayberry, Elderberry and Red Raspberry Leaf. Other commonly used herbs in South Carolina were Cayenne, Horehound, Asafetida, St. Johnâs Weed, Poke Weed, Sweet Basil, Horsemint, Gallberry, Garlic, various Pinaceae, and Spanish Moss.

Today, despite the fact that medical attention is more accessible then ever before, many Sea Islanders and Charlestonians continue to use herbal remedies.