Herbs & Plants Used by African Americans During Slavery
Black Apothecary: Delta Arrowhead
By: Sanguine Scorpio
Photo credit:https://images.app.goo.gl/ZPGLovpGaYuC4H1UA
Laying down the foundation for Black Apothecary.
Our ancestors endured the toughest of times while being captured and enslaved in America. Their resourcefulness and resilience ensured their survival through it all. As a black woman, I have always been interested in herbs and the properties in which they heal. Capitalism in medicine is a large reason why black people of today still hold on to “Big Mama’s Kitchen Remedies”.
Roots have always been our magic and as a writer and fellow researcher, I believe it’s a duty to continue to shed light on what our ancestors learned and discovered for our health and well-being.
The Delta Arrowhead
Sagittaria platyphylla
Characteristics and Uses
Plant Characteristics
Duration: Perennial
Habit: Herb
Fruit Type: Achene
Size Notes: Up to about 5 feet tall.
Leaf: Green
Bloom Information
Bloom Color: White
Bloom Time: Jun
Distribution
USA: AL , AR , FL , GA , KS , KY , LA , MO , MS , NC , OH , OK , SC , TN , TX , VA
Native Habitat: Still water, Marshes
Uses
The Delta Arrowhead is a swamp plant that our ancestors made into necklaces to be worn by teething babies to relieve pain and fever.
Web Reference
Flora of North America (2019) Missouri Botanical Garden, St. Louis, MO & Harvard University Herbaria, Cambridge, MA.
Southwest Environmental Information Network (2009) SEINet - Arizona Chapter
