The preface to this book sets the stage with brief
overviews of several key topics: how and why the Lumbee use herbal remedies;
the importance of Vernon Cooper; the three delivery techniques for herbal
remedies (teas, poultices, and salves); the methods used to compile
information for the book; and a cautionary note that herbal remedies
are not a substitute for a physician's care. This section is followed
by a concise but detailed history of the Lumbee Indians that discusses
tribal origins, important legislation, archaeological discoveries, and
more.
The main section of the book, “Herbs and their
uses by the Lumbee,” is an encyclopedic treatment (arranged by
common name) of approximately 161 herbs. It presents information which
the authors gathered primarily from interviewing living tribal elders,
listening to interviews with deceased healers, and talking to living
relatives of the deceased healers. It includes numerous cross-references
from scientific to common names and from alternative to preferred common
names. The entry for each herb gives the scientific name; lists all
known alternative common names; describes the plant's growth process,
appearance, and geographic range; explains Lumbee uses of the herb,
citing by name the healers known to have used it; and mentions its use
by other tribes. Any needed warnings (such as not to eat the leaves
and fruit pits of the wild cherry tree) and included. Entries often
include additional interesting details, such as information in the Spotted
Horsemint entry on smallpox and on sweat lodges. Entries often include
words and phrases from the native Lumbee language.
Following the main section is a glossary of terms used
in the entries to describe the actions of herbs, parts of plants, features
of the remedies, ways to take the remedies, and various health conditions.
The glossary is followed by an alphabetical section
of ailments the herbs are used the treat. The ailments are grouped broadly
(for example, Respiratory System) and then subgrouped (for example,
Colds) . Within each ailment, the herbs used to treat it are listed
by their preferred common name.
Appendix A provides transcripts of interviews with
various Lumbee healers and elders, including Woodrow Cooper, Daystar
Dial, an unnamed elder from the Prospect community, Welton Lowry, Dr.
Joseph T. Bell, Vernon Hazel Locklear, Henry and Leitha Chavis, Mary
Sue Locklear, Earl Carter and Keith Brown, Pete “Spotted Turtle”
Clark, and Hayes Alan Locklear.
Appendix B reprints two articles, one on Vernon Cooper
and one on John George and Earl Carter.
The detailed index enables readers to find specific
facts and names that are not easily discovered from the arrangement
of the book's various sections.
This is an excellent book--thorough, detailed, carefully
researched, interestingly written, and usefully arranged. It capably
fills a gap in the existing scholarship on the Lumbee.
Note: Authors are Lumbee.
