Hoodoo Herb and Root Magic: A Materia Magica of African-American Conjure

From the Introduction:

Herbs and Roots, along with a select few mineral and animal curios, are the most important elements in traditional hoodoo. They are used as the basis for all manner of oils, powders, incenses, washes, perfumes, mojo hands, doll-babies, spell bottles, and tricks laid down to be walked over and for this reason, Southern conjures are called “root doctors” and when folks jinx their enemies they “put roots on them.” In fact, “rootwork” is a synonym for hoodoo in much of the country.

This alphabetical list of botanical, mineral, and animal hoodoo curios has been compiled from many sources, both oral and written. The information about modes of use is drawn primarily from the African-American tradition of the American South, but it can be employed by anyone working in a tradition of natural magic, no matter what their ethnic background. –Excerpt. © Reprinted by permission. All rights reserved.

About the Author:

The author, catherine yronwode, is the proprietor of the Lucky Mojo Curio Company, a manufactory for traditional herb-based spiritual supplies. A former staff editor for Organic Gardening Magazine, she has written extensively on subjects as diverse as gardening, home crafts, antiques and collectibles, comic books, rural music, and other aspects of popular culture. She lives in Northern California with her husband, a dog, cats, and chickens.