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Exploring the World of Folk Medicine: Apprenticeship Final Report
Rebecca D. Henry- Master
Nia Henry- Apprentice
St. Landry Parish 1999
Documentation by Nia Henry
Acknowlegements
I would like to thank The Division of the Arts and my grandmother,
Mrs. Rebecca D. Henry
for giving me the opportunity to explore the world of
folk medicine.
Through my research in folk medicine, I not only found out about doctoring in the old days, but the old
folkways. My grandmother Momo Becka, as I call her, gave me more than I could ever learn from any
book on a library shelf. Throughout my journal you will see how much time was spent searching along
roadsides, in woods, pastures, and anywhere my grandmother recognized a tree, grass, or plants.
Aside from the history of folk medicine, an abundance of oral stories were also told. The Apprenticeship
Grant has opened a whole new world for me. I plan to continue my work in the field of folk medicine and
adding to my journal.
INTERVIEW
Nia: What is Folk Medicine?
Momo: Folk medicine was not always called folk medicine. We used to use the word "home remedies," because they were used from the kitchen cupboards and yards.
Nia: What were some of the things they treated?
Momo: Well Nia, they treated so many things- just to name a few: high fever, toothaches, sprains, and many more things. They specialized in certain ailments, especially midwives. They were both healers and delivered babies.
Nia: Did you ever go to a treater?
Momo: I had no choice. If the remedy my mom gave me did not work, then I went to a treater for a cure.
Nia: Were you delivered by a midwife?
Momo: Of course.
Nia: Were your babies delivered by a midwife?
Momo: No, but I delivered one of my own babies.
Nia: Which one of them?
Momo: Oh! I don't know if I should tell you which one.
Nia: Why not?
Momo: Well, I don't think he would mind. It was your Uncle Adrien.
Nia: Your secret is safe with me.
Momo: It's no secret, he knows and so do your other aunts and uncles.
Nia: So much for that, you can tell me about that later. How did you all know the right teas to pick?
Momo: All of those things were brought down from generation to generation that is why I am teaching you how to find the teas and other remedies.
Nia: When did you start going to a doctor?
Momo: I was about sixteen years old when I was seen by a doctor.
Nia: Did he make you better or did you have to go to a treator?
Momo: My Mom took me to an old lady that cured me for sunstroke. I only went once and I was cured. And no, the doctor did not cure me.
Nia: Were you sickly as a child?
Momo: No, Mom always cleaned us out in August, with Epsom salt, caster oil, and mamou tea.
Nia: What do you mean when you say a cleaning out?
Momo: Mom said cleaning out your colon was necessary in order to prepare you for the winter, keeping old cold out of your system.
RESEARCH/JOURNAL
Aug. 1, 1998
Today, my grandmother and I started our lesson plans on folk medicine.
Aug. 5, 1998
My grandmother explained the history of folk medicine and why it was widely used.
Aug. 12, 1998
Today we gathered leaves and various teas to prepare our scrapbook.
Aug. 19, 1998
Today we talked about decoctions and the knowledge to extract teas from harder or coarser herbs: barks and roots.
Sept. 5, 1998
Today we made syrup (onion syrup) and poultices. My grandmother explained that a poultice was used to reduce pain and swelling.
Sept. 12, 1998
Today I learned about plasters and salves.
Sept. 19, 1998
I really don't feel good today. I have a bad stomachache. I got to make my own remedy made of ice water.
Sept. 26, 1998
Today we went to Plaisance, Louisiana, looking for mongrier tea.
Oct. 3, 1998
My granny and I, including Joseph, worked on our scrapbook. Joseph and I took pictures.
Oct. 10, 1998
My grandmother talked about the importance of eating well, and about the foods she ate as a child. Those foods also allowed them to stay full and happy.
Oct. 17, 1998
Today we worked on our scrapbook.
Oct. 24, 1998
Today we went through the remedy case. We grouped all of the oils, such as: castor oil, olive oil, chicken grease, and goose grease.
Oct. 31, 1998
We had company today. I demonstrated a few remedies for them.
Nov. 7, 1998
I had band practice today.
Nov. 8, 1998
We dug elderberry roots.
Nov. 14, 1998
We just got back from Palmetto, Louisiana, and my great grandmother's house, where we dug up mamou roots.
Nov. 21, 1998
We made mamou syrup.
Nov. 28, 1998
Today we worked on our project and prepared our May presentation.
Click here to view the slideshow presentation
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