a Tribute to Herbalists, Midwives & 'Witches' in History- Bringing Back the Wisdom
"Women have always been healers. They were the unlicensed doctors and anatomists of Western history... They were pharmacists, cultivating healing herbs and exchanging secrets of their uses. They were midwives, traveling from home to home and village to village. For centuries women were doctors without degrees, barred from books and lectures, learning from each other, and passing on experience from neighbor to neighbor and mother to daughter. They were called "wise women" by the people, witches or charlatans by the authorities. Medicine is part of our heritage as women, our history, our birthright." -Introduction to Witches, Midwives & Nurses by Barbara Ehrenreich and Deirdre English
Women's traditions for healing date back as far as 'herstory' can recall, and every one of our ancestors had their own magic. One way you can connect with your own lineage is to learn about how your ancestors healed. What plants or ceremonies did they honor as medicine? Who did they go to for healing? What were their midwives like?
One of my favorite her-stories is the tradition of the Appalachian 'Granny' Midwives & Witches.
The Magic of the Appalachian Granny Midwives
The Appalachian 'Granny' Lineage dates back to the first Scottish and Irish settlers of the Appalachian Mountains in the 1700s. They blended their own 'old age' traditions with the local tradition of the Cherokee tribes, creating a combination of local folk remedies, faith-based healing, and storytelling.
According to historians, Appalachian granny tradition midwives were knowledgeable and experienced women who had a deep understanding of herbal remedies and childbirth. They provided medical care and advice to pregnant women and their families, often in the home. In addition to providing medical advice and care, they were also responsible for providing spiritual guidance, including prayers, blessings, and special ceremonies. The Wise Women and Crones of the community were considered the most magical, and they were often primarily skilled in midwifery and physical healing ('doctor witches') OR energetic healing ('water witches'). These traditions have been passed down through generations and remain an important part of the culture in the Appalachian region. How cool would it be to go learn from an Appalachian Granny Midwife?!
A Basic Euro-American Her-story Lesson:
The Witch Hunts (1400-1700th centuries):
Many of the women who were hunted during the Witch Trials from Germany to England were accused of crimes such as having "magical healing powers." The state wanted to eliminate the 'witches' because their medical practices were deemed unsafe- or perhaps, a dilemma for male doctors that did not want their patients seeking treatment elsewhere. The church wanted to eliminate them because of their 'devil magic'- or perhaps, wisdom of plants and healing. Because of this horrific history, women herbalists, healers and midwives still face legal and social trouble today for their 'magic'- aka wisdom.
The Creation of the AMA (1800s):
In 1847, the American Medical Association was created. The intention was to “elevate” the medical profession by requiring licensing for doctors and care providers, reduce the number of medical schools, and eliminate herbalists and healers. Many of these schools were closed to women, which quickly helped eliminate the 'witches' and midwives.
The Industrial Revolution (1900s):
The American Medical Association made strides towards their goals. The American public was quick to fall for the fad of male doctors and medicine as a profession for well-educated men, and it made an impact on midwifery and the home birth model.
In 1901, only 5% of births were taking place in hospitals under male doctor care, but the push began. With the culture of the Industrial Revolution at the time, efficiency and productivity were at the forefront. By 1939, 50% of babies in America were born in a hospital under doctor care. Interestingly enough, multiple studies show that maternal mortality rates went up at this time under the care of doctors. However, the push away from midwifery continued through the 1960s, when 96% of babies were born in a hospital.
Modern Day (2000s):
"There is probably no industrialized country with a lower percentage of woman doctors than the US today: England has 24%; Russia has 75%; the US has only 7%." -Introduction to Witches, Midwives & Nurses by Barbara Ehrenreich and Deirdre English
According to a study by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), home births in the United States rose from 1.26 percent in 1970 to 1.36 percent in 2015. Home births and midwifery care are making a return due to high infant and maternal mortality rates in this country caused by unnecessary interventions, lack of continuity of care, and various other factors. However, laws against traditional midwives are keeping most women from being able to provide true Wise Woman care.
How you can help create a post-modern push for women in herbalism & healing:
1. Seek support from women. Find female providers (acupuncturists, bodyworkers, herbalists, doulas, midwives, etc.) and use their services.
2. Educate yourself. There are so many places to find resources or you can begin with our book- The Wheel of the Woman: An Almanac for Women's Wellbeing.
3. Provide support- by women for women. You can help other women learn about traditional healing, too! Share this information with a friend.
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