Black Drink - by Charles M Hudson (Paperback)

About the Book

Until its use declined in the nineteenth century, Indians of the southeastern United States were devoted to a caffeinated beverage commonly known as black drink. This study details its botanical, clinical, spiritual, historical, and material aspects, including its importance to Native Americans and their European-American contemporaries.

Book Synopsis

Until its use declined in the nineteenth century, Indians of the southeastern United States were devoted to a caffeinated beverage commonly known as black drink. Brewed from the parched leaves of the yaupon holly (Ilex vomitoria), black drink was used socially and ceremonially. In certain ritual purification rites, Indians would regurgitate after drinking the tea. This study details botanical, clinical, spiritual, historical, and material aspects of black drink, including its importance not only to Native Americans, but also to many of their European-American contemporaries.

Review Quotes

A model of scholarly excellence . . . Well-researched, authoritative [and] well-written.

--Anthropos

A very commendable and valuable survey of an economic plant which is little known and poorly understood.

--Journal of Ethnopharmacology

Excellent, in-depth reconstructions of many of the cultural practices of the tribes of this important region.

--Magic, Ritual, Witchcraft

About the Author

CHARLES M. HUDSON (1932-2013) was the Franklin Professor of Anthropology and History at the University of Georgia and was one of the foremost authorities on the history and culture of the Indians of the U.S. Southeast. His books include Black Drink and The Forgotten Centuries (both Georgia).